Brighton

It was the patronage of George IV that began Brighton 's rise in popularity, when he began regular visits with his mistress. The town grew rapidly as seaside holidays became fashionable, and its proximity to London made it a natural choice of the well-to-do.

Upmarket hotels and restaurants appeared, and the wonderfully ornate Royal Pavilion was built in the early 19 th century. A visit to this indulgence of the Prince Regent, with its domes and pagoda's, is an interesting, if somewhat expensive, exercise in time travel. A few minutes away is the Palace Pier, stretching out into the sea, and today covered with amusement arcades and a funfair.

The museum itself holds an extensive exhibition relating to the town’s rich and fascinating history into rope making, as well as a range of different local history. Bridport also enjoys a reputation of being a Beacon Town in the promotion of high quality local food and hosts a farmers market regularly.

Modern day Brighton is a far cry from its Victorian heyday, but it is still a busy, lively, city, much visited, and still retaining a certain elegance. The university and language schools have made it something of an anomaly amongst south coast resorts. It is unmistakeably a young persons domain, and the complete opposite of many of its neighbours such as Eastbourne and Hastings, which are predominantly retirement havens. There is a thriving nightlife, superb array of bars and restaurants, and a sizeable gay scene. Within striking distance are the picturesque Sheffield Park , with its gothic mansion, and the preserved steam trains of the Bluebell Railway.

To the west, the medieval town Arundel, with its impressive castle overlooking the river, is worthy of note.

Read more about Brighton.

The Royal Pavilion
If you like lavish, exotic, chic and opulence then this is one of the best places to find it in England. The gardens are just as wonderful, a great way to se how the other half have lived. (01273 290 900)

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Located opposite the Royal Pavilion in Victorian buildings is one of England’s great Cultural attractions. Art from around the globe is displayed here as well as furniture, porcelains, costumes and much more. (01273 292 882)

Brighton Pier
Brighton is a seaside town and the century old pier adds to its character. As does the old fashioned fairground with West Pier, famous for the slapstick buskers that used to perform here such as Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel.

Batemans
This 17th century ironmasters house located 27miles northeast of Brighton was owned by famous author Rudyard Kipling up until his death in 1936. There are lots of Asian artefacts that the author collected on his world travels as well as his library. The house and gardens are open for viewing between March and October. (01435 882 302)

The Lanes
The Lanes are a favourite shopping hideaway in Brighton. These alleyways are part of the old town with quaint little shops and eateries are, a great area to stroll around and window shop.