The Level

The Level is a funny old place. On the one hand, it's a great green space for lounging around with friends and a few beers in the summer. On the other hand, it is a roosting spot for some pretty dubious characters- I've seen a lot of quite open drug use happening just yards away from me, which can be a bit uncomfortable if you're just trying to have an innocent picnic! I'm generally a 'live and let live' kind of girl, but if you're a bit more sensitive...

Although I guess it is technically a park, it feels a bit more like a green or a common, as it is essentially just a stretch of grass and a skate park. I just realized I'm still defining a park as somewhere that includes a children's play area. I'm 25! Oh dear.

Despite my encounters with some dodgy goings on, I still enjoy a spot of sunbathing on the level, as it's really close to my house and lots of nice local pubs. And if you steer clear of the little wall lined with benches at the north perimeter, you'll be a-okay. There's plenty of space for Frisbee, football and all sorts of other summer games. In the Autumn the Level is visited by a funfair complete with waltzers, candy floss and groups of local youths.

the level puts everyone from all walks of life on a level playing field so to speak. You never know what sorts of people you will get down here which can be good and bad. Think of it as an experience either way.

People are always happy for you to get involved in their games and it is always good to spend sometime with people you have never met as you always learn something.

At night however it can be a little bit strange so really use it during the day. Everything else has been covered by the guys before so read up on their review.

The level is well placed to serve the city. It's pretty much bang in the middle of Brighton and perfect for a number of activities.

During the summer you will usually find a game of footie taking place that is generally open to all comers. You will also see a fair roll up twice a year during Bank Holiday's. It's also a favourite spot for dog walkers and expect a number of pooches chasing balls and Frisbees at any time.

Catching pretty much all the sun of a day, you also find sun worshippers and groups wanting to enjoy the sun and have a drink. Generally, things stay amicable and in good spirits. If you are into your fire performance, or would like to know what that is, you can usually find a few groups spinning fire poi or staff once the sun goes down and this is a great location to practise or pick up some advise.

I always like coming down to the level and with a number of shops and pubs close by it's a great place to meet your friends fora nice day or to begin a larger night out.

This is the busiest park in Brighton. This is partly due to its central location; it is triangle shaped and surrounded by three main roads - Ditchling Road, Lewes Road and Upper Lewes Road. A main cycle path straight down to the pier also runs alongside, surrounded by pretty elm trees. In the park, also known as Park Crescent, you'll find great resources, with a skatepark, paddling pool, playground and cafe. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to soak up the sun with a good book try nearby Queen's Park - this place is packed in good weather and ideal for a lively bbq. Also check the Level out during festival seasons as it often hosts circuses and funfairs.

Living up the Lewes Road, I pretty much pass through the Level daily, and so retain a certain fondness for it, despite its obvious shortcomings. The large, diamond green is bisected by a through path and is great for a casual kick-around, Frisbee and other such fun and games. There's even what looks like a rounders diamond, though I've never seen it in use. Very popular when the sun comes out, but being just out of town, it manages to retain a bit of civility, unlike the seething beach which people travel to from all around.
While it's nice for a beer, there's usually some sketchy characters knocking around, and so there's often a police presence to crack down on any illicit activity. One of the best states I've seen in it was during the snowy period. With the sun setting over to the west, there was not a bit of green in sight, just pretty whiteness.

The Level is really what a city centre park should be. No, it's not an escape from the world, but it is a living, breathing part of Brighton in all its often messy glory.
In summer it's often packed, with big groups making it their home for the day. As others have noted, you get all sorts here - only a good thing in my opinion. If you want suburban comfort, try Preston Park.
There is also a playground and skatepark - I'm certain that if I was half the age I am I'd be down there every weekend.

As far as mid-city rural retreats go the Level is pretty poor. At no point do you feel like you've escaped the hustle and bustle, as it's a magnet for wacky juggling students with dreadlocks, poi and acoustic guitars. Another social group commonly found hanging around the Level are the drunken washouts who'll see no issue in hassling you for fags, booze, cash or company. It's not all that bad, however, as the skate park and children's play area provide entertainment for both the young and the aerial. It's also good for a game of footy Ron Manager style but like I said it tends to be over-run by students, as there are halls of residence nearby. If you're looking for a nice bit of greenery for an brief rural escape I'd head to one of the bigger parks like Preston Park or Hove Park. If you're just looking for a place to hang out, however, there's nothing wrong with it.