Brighton

Brighton is Britain’s busiest beach town, despite there not being a sandy beach to be seen. It is only an hour from London and has a special appeal to the English, having been a popular resort since Victorian times. With its famous pier, laid back bohemian character and distinctly gay preference, Brighton continues to be a favourite destination among holidaymakers.

Brighton Beach is the city's main attraction. This enormous pebble stretch attracts large crowds in the summer for sunbathing and swimming. Many outdoor cafés, fish and chip shops, bars and amusement arcades can be found between the two piers. To the west, near the marina, you will find a mostly gay nudist section. Palace Pier is home to an amusement park and restaurants, while the West Pier is now derelict.

A stunning summer palace with elaborately spiralled domes and an exterior inspired by Indian architecture, the Royal Pavilion is a few blocks back from the waterfront. The interior of the Pavilion is equally stunning, with daring and inventive colours featuring throughout and there are many original items on loan from the Queen. The building is open to the public, who can also take advantage of the beautiful gardens.

Brighton and Hove Museum reopened in 2002 after being transformed by a £10 million redevelopment project. Entry to the museum is free and it still displays many of its rich and diverse collections.Within the remodelled building, innovative new galleries provide improved access to the museum's nationally and locally important collections.

The Sussex coastline has some lovely spots and by car it is possible to really experience the splendour of the chalk cliffs that are typical of this stretch of Britain’s coast. Immediately north of Brighton is the Devil's Dyke, carved into the heart of the Sussex Downs. It is a beautiful section of English countryside and excellent for country walks. Quaint little villages dotted with pubs for the thirsty provide a great insight into the charm of English country life.

Brighton is a shopper's haven, with many famous brand names being found in The Lanes area. This part of the city has several excellent vegetarian restaurants. The city also has a reputation as a clubbers’ Mecca and offers something for everyone at night.

Brighton is just over 50 miles south of central London and is easily reached by train or by car. The nearest airport is London Gatwick International Airport, which is also one of Britain’s busiest airports. Cars can be hired at the airport for the duration of your trip.