Brighton

An offbeat mix of seaside and city, Brighton has history and heritage, a buzzing arts scene, hopping bars and restaurants, fabulous shopping and glittering nightlife – plus a vibrant heart of pink rock. You’re never far from the sea and the beach bohemia vibe that makes the city so different.

The birthplace of the seaside in the 1750s, Brighton has been fashionable since Regency times when it was the home of the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV. His exotic folly, the Royal Pavilion, is a must-see: an Arabian Nights dream on the outside, inside it’s an oriental fantasy of palm trees, pagodas and gilded dragons.

The beachfront is hot even when it’s not, lined with cool cafés and bars, beach volleyball courts, artists’ studios and fresh fish stalls. On the pier you can enjoy traditional seaside fun of the best kind, with helter skelter rides, candyfloss and clairvoyants.

Shopping is fun too, with a whole host of quirky and individual shops, as well as all the best High Street names in Churchill Square and Western Road. Try The Lanes for antiques, jewellery and fashion, the North Laine for edgy labels and taste-making interiors stores and Kemp Town for vintage frocks, unusual antiques and Art Deco.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has world-renowned collections of 20th century art and design and non-western art, and small studios and galleries showcase the work of international and local artists. Every May, Brighton Festival takes over the city with the biggest and boldest arts extravaganza in England, and all year round there’s entertainment and live performance from pre-West End shows to fringe.  With all this and a great selection of places to stay from B&Bs, Guest Houses and minimalist havens to chic boutique townhouses, funky rock-themed hang-outs and five-star seafront hotels Brighton is a city break with a difference.

Further information can be found at the official Visit Brighton website.