Brighton

More than the seaside, more than the city, the mix is more than double the fun. Fashionable, funky and loaded with style, Brighton & Hove has everything you could want - a royal palace, elegant Regency architecture, museums, a slick marina, laid-back beach life and superb shopping – on the south coast, just 49 minutes from central London.

Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion, home of King George IV, and probably the most exotic, extravagant royal palace in Europe. Stroll along the the Victorian pier and the beachfront, where stylish bars and cafés spill out onto the curved paving, jostling for space with surfer shops, giant sculptures, buskers, fresh fish and artists’ studios. For shopping, try The Lanes, smart and chic, and the bohemian North Laine, both good for antiques and designer clothes. There are museums and galleries galore, special events throughout the year from car rallies to carnivals, and England’s largest arts festival in May.

For nightlife, there’s theatre, music, dance and comedy, lively pubs and bars and around 400 restaurants. And there’s a great choice of places to stay – ritzy 5 star seafront hotels, jazzy places with Moroccan style courtyards, minimalist townhouses and traditional B&Bs.

Blue Badge Guided tours are available in Brighton