Bowling has long been a go-to activity for families, students, parties, and 80’s Highschool teens in American coming-of-age films. With it making the trip across the pond and becoming just as much a typical experience of British childhoods it’s always great to know a local spot to bowl.
A cacophony of sights, tastes, emotions, and smells, it’s both a great family day out to treat the kids, and parents too, or a fun nostalgic activity for your group of Uni friends. Even better, a fun novelty date for budding couples!
It’s easy to pick up and play for anybody, with the two most important rules being ‘Put on your slippery shoes and don’t step on the line’ which can be read to the tune of the opening line of Dancing Shoes by The Arctic Monkeys for those terrible at sticking to instruction.
Hollywood Bowl Brighton
Hollywood Bowl is another bet for Bowling near Brighton, with this one handily being located at the gorgeous Brighton Marina. A great place to bond with buddies after work, those looking for an authentic or ironic American-style date and fun-seeking families.
With a classic 50’s style diner, Hollywood bowl lives up to its name, as it serves a range array of mouth-watering, all-American ‘delicacies’. Enjoy a juicy burger and a Milkshake after a round of the least tiring sport there is. It’s the American fantasy; We all deserve a big treat now and then!
Another with a classic arcade, boasting Pacman Smash; you’ll find a whole manner of exciting games to lose yourself in. Exhilarating racing games, high-octane shooters addictive crane machines, the hypnotic penny and even a giant Space invaders machine that utilises a laser gun controller!
More of a fan of games of chance then skill? There are slot machines for those old enough to gamble and looking for a quick flutter.
Grab your easiest-to-take-off shoes and head out to one of Brighton’s only Bowling Alleys. Just make sure you remember to return the shoes after you leave. We’ve all gotten a little too comfortable after spending much of the day wearing them, but it’s best to remember before slipping over after setting food outside.
Address: Marina, Marina Way, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 5UT
Tenpin Eastbourne
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, 20 fully computerised lanes offer ample space for you to hone your skills. And if some members of your group need a little extra assistance, they’ve got you covered with bumpers to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.
But bowling is just the tip of the iceberg at Tenpin Eastbourne. With more than your typical Bowling Alley has to offer available here, Tenpin Eastbourne has much to enjoy and is also home to a great Arcade area. For those wondering how this can be different from any other Bowling alley, and how much more there is to say about going bowling, I say two words “Cosmic Bowling”. A creative, innovative twist to set the bowling world by storm, “Cosmic Bowling” transforms the lanes into an extravagant light show, letting you bowl under the light of the cosmos.
Furthermore, in keeping with their space theme, the Sector 7 laser adventure offers a more high-octane option to bowling, which also doubles as training for any future Alien invasion.
Surrounded by flashing lights, swirling fog, and an abundance of lasers, its every kids dream!
Lastly, should you not consider bowling a proper sport, you can enjoy a round of an official Olympic sport! No not a Pummel horse, you’ll find the thrill of high speed, reflex and precision-testing competition. Table-Tennis. Unleash your competitive spirit with a friendly game of everyone’s favourite table-based sport.
Address: Broadwater Way, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9PZ
AMF Bowling Worthing
Perfect for those seeking a classic Bowling experience, provides the perfect setting for a bit of friendly competition. Fun for all ages, you’ll find a core component of many child’s upbringing for the last 50 years. The iconic shoes, flashing arcades, chocolate and sweet dispensers, Fast food and the beautiful sound of a clean, precise strike; they are a cavalcade of sensory delight for kids, and many adults.
Bumpers or not, you’re in for some good-hearted competition and goofy bowling animations.
Chose whatever quirky name for the leader board you can fit in limited characters, so the others can suffer the ignominy of losing to ‘The Iceman’, as your chosen moniker proudly lights up for all to see.
If you find bowling grow stale, there’s plenty else to keep you entertained! Take a detour to the arcade to enjoy endless rounds of exhilarating play on all your favourite arcade games.
Like all good Arcades, AMF Bowling Worthing boasts a Pacman Smash table for the ultimate test of reflexes. This modern twist on air hockey unleashes a flurry of pucks, challenging you to fend them off as best as you can. There’s no doubt many of the mini cups will pierce your defense, so will you choose to be aggressive or conservative as the table swarms with pucks?
If you’re struggling to find an outing with the family as one or two of your party aren’t interested in flashy colours and slippy shoes, you can find pool tables, for those looking for a more relaxed afternoon, away from the hustle and bustle of the lanes.
For that classic bowling experience, it can’t be beaten. Whether creating new memories or just hunting for the nostalgia of your youth, it hosts everything you expect in ten ten-pin bowling experiences.
Address: Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PZ
Out of Bounds
Experience a day of excitement and fun at Out of Bounds, the ultimate destination for varied family entertainment in Brighton! Out of Bounds has a wide range of activities to cater to everyone’s preferences or age, being perfect for those with younger kids perhaps not as entertained by bowling as the rest of the family.
Located near the stunning south coast in Angmering, West Sussex, Out of Bounds is a little out of the way of Brighton but easily accessible via the A259, nestled between the charming towns of Littlehampton and Worthing. Rain or shine, you’ll find a perfect day out for the kids that’ll tucker them out and keep them entertained.
But sometimes, parents taking their kids to a place more catered to children can end up dreading it due to a dull wait in the cordoned off parent section, drinking a disappointing cup of tea and browsing their phone. This needn’t be the case when visiting Out of Bounds though… For the parents still a kid at heart, you can join your children on the Adventure nets, climbing and giving a little bit of love to that inner child that seldom gets a look in.
Or, why not immerse yourself in a wild safari-themed game of 18-hole Adventure Golf? Another staple of fun family day outs, Out of Bounds really has it all. Still, need more convincing? What about some more competitive fun with their Open Laser Tag sessions? What about the struggle of having thrill-seeking kids? They got you covered here too, the Clip ‘n Climb arena boasts over 15 challenging walls and exciting vertical drop slides with the chance to climb in the safest environment possible.
I’m still not done! Out of Bounds takes pride in its award-winning, multi-story soft play arena, perfect for younger visitors to explore and enjoy. I never heard of a soft play winning awards so I cant imagine how much fun it is for a child.
With every activity that you could think of and more, Out of Bounds offers the chance to escape the mundane and embark on a thrilling day out with the whole family, and even join in yourself!
Address: Golfers Ln, Angmering, Littlehampton BN16 4NB