Brighton

Brighton is possibly Britain's trendiest town. From the exotic Royal Pavilion to the fashionable clubs, stylish clothes shops, bohemian coffee shops, historic piers and thriving markets and a vibrant gay scene - Brighton has it all. This is tourism at its most serious and fun. Brighton and its western extension Hove offer a twin-bill of holiday pleasures, making a lively and cosmopolitan resort, the place is constantly changing.

The city's eccentric character is reflected most prominently in the Royal Pavilion. Built in the early 1800's as a seaside residence for George, Prince of Wales, the Prince Regent. He employed his favourite architect John Nash to take an old farmhouse and turn it into a feast of Indian, Chinese and Gothic forms. Drawing on the Taj Mahal as inspiration, Nash created a wonderful Pavilion of endless pagodas, balconies and decorative figures.

The dramatic Banqueting Room captures the spirit of the royals at play, while the more restrained private rooms shows the splendour in which they reclined and rested. Queen Victoria was overwhelmed by the richness of the place, preferring the more modest surroundings of Osborne in the Isle of Wight and gifted it to the people of Brighton.

Delve deeper into the city's past with by exploring the maze of narrow streets behind the Pavillion. Christened the Laines, these cobbled alleyways are lined with a mix of jewellery, antique and vintage fashion shops filled with hidden treasures. Stop off at the famous fudge shop which features a dazzling array of classic and exotic flavours and indulge your tastebuds.

The North Laines have a livelier atmosphere and are heaving with off-beat clothes and furniture shops interspersed with stylish bars and pubs which are

regularly overflowing with arty students and creative townsfolk. Popular hotspots include The Squid and Starfish in Middle Street.

Palace Pier is Brighton's most famous landmark and is visited by 3.5 million people each

year. This cast-iron seaside favourite juts imposingly |out into the sea, offering traditional saucy seaside entertainment in the shape of funfairs, fish and chips, candyfloss and casinos. Facing it is the historic West Pier. Built in 1866 it is the UK's finest seaside pier and the only one to be Grade 1 listed. Closed since 1975, it has survived the ravages of the elements and a recent destructive fire and is on the brink of a major redevelopment and will remain an essential part of the city's famous seafront.

Between the two piers runs the new Riviera style beachfront area. Nestling under small Victorian arches lies the Artists' Quarter which houses twenty studio spaces. Further down fishermen bustle about mending nets and selling fresh fish in their own quarter, which also boasts an award-winning Fishing Museum. The new performance arena, the Ellipse, is the place to watch free theatre, music and dance events. Behind the area, elegant Regency squares and terraces look out over the picturesque promenade.

Brighton and Hove is one of Britain's creative centres and is bursting with a vast selection of galleries, theaters and art centres celebrating different aspects of high and contemporary culture. Visit the Gardener Arts Centre located on the leafy Sussex University campus which hosts an eclectic programme of visual arts, films, comedy, music and workshops. The Komedia Theatre and cafe is a great place to catch some comedy, take in a show or just drink people and soak up the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.

A vibrant clubbing and music scene draws in clubbers from London and from the Continent. By night the seafront transforms from a family-friendly arena into a seething mass of trendy young things intent on a night of abandon in local hotspots such as the legendary Beach and Zap clubs.

Brighton and Hove is one of the most vibrant and visitor-friendly seaside resorts in Britain. It combines a strong historical tradition with strong artistic energy and a pulsating party vibe. It's fun for the whole family, but it may be worth noting that three quarters of the visitors staying overnight come without children.