Brighton & Hove, one of Britain's liveliest cities, has a bohemian, artistic and eccentric atmosphere that
can't be found anywhere else in the UK. Combining the modern with the traditional, the city has a heritage
that is rooted in the Regency era and is brought up to date with a unique cultural offer.
There's elegant Regency architecture, museums and galleries, great shopping, stylish cafés, bars and
restaurants, glittering nightlife, arts and theatre and all the fun of the seaside.
Don't miss the Royal Pavilion, King George IV's seaside fantasy palace with its Indian domes and oriental
interiors - Europe's most extraordinary royal palace. There's all the fun of the fair on Brighton Pier with its
whirling Waltzers, fish & chips and candy floss. Stroll along the vibrant beachfront with its lively cafés and
bars, pubs and clubs, Artists' and Fishing Quarters, beach volleyball court, children's play area and dramatic
sculptures framing the sea views.
The city's made for walking, so explore the narrow alleys of the 17th century Lanes, a maze of smart shops
selling antiques, jewellery and designer clothes, and the bohemian North Laine, full of unusual and eccentric
shops selling everything from bonsai trees and bongos to oriental silks and far eastern furniture. Find all
your favourite high street names under one roof at the award-winning Churchill Square shopping mall or
discover the designer discount outlets at Brighton Marina.
The arts play a major part in city life especially in May when the Brighton Festival, England's largest
international arts festival, attracts thousands of people to hundreds of events for 3 weeks. There's
everything from contemporary dance to comedy, operas to exhibitions and circuses to street theatre. You
can see pre and post-West End shows at the Theatre Royal, fringe at Komedia, classical concerts at the
Brighton Dome and pop stars at the Brighton Centre.
The city's museums are treasure houses of inspiring objects from all eras and cultures. Brighton Museum
and Art Gallery has undergone a £10 million development and now has dynamic and innovative new
galleries, including World Art, 20th Century Decorative Art Fashion & Style, Body and Social History which
feature exciting interactive displays appealing to all ages. Discover Brighton's origins at the Fishing Museum
and its development at the 1820's Regency Town House, while a visit to Preston Manor gives a glimpse into
the life of a prosperous Edwardian family and their servants. And there's always something happening on the
seafront and in the streets - classic car rallies and cycle races, fun runs and French markets, parties and
processions.
Brighton's nightlife is relaxed and fun-fuelled, with stylish bars, traditional pubs and the biggest selection of
restaurants outside London - over 400 serving mouthwatering cuisine from around the world. There's live
music nearly every night of the week and the club scene is legendary. Home to world famous DJs like
Fatboy Slim, the clubs host some of the most exciting nights around.
And there's a wide range of places to stay, from 5 star luxury to friendly family-run guesthouses, plus a
growing number of hip hotels, individually designed and fitting in perfectly with Brighton & Hove's arty and
offbeat character.
Fashionable, funky and loaded with style, Brighton & Hove is the perfect city break by the sea. (542 words)