The City of Brighton

Brighton is fun, cosmopolitan and uniquely eccentric all year round. A visit to the Royal Pavilion, the most fantastic palace in Europe, is a must; or explore the famous Lanes and Brighton's bohemian quarter' the North Laine for quirky and specialist shops. Take time to enjoy the vibrant, new look seafront with its Fishing Museum, Artists Quarter, stylish cafes and bars, or splash out and take the Volks Railway along the seafront to Brighton Marina with its waterfront restaurants, bars and shops. Enjoy a swim or try your hand at ten pin bowling at the King Alfred Leisure Centre. There's theatre, dance and performance of all kinds at the Theatre Royal, Dome Theatre, Brighton Centre, pubs, theatres and cabaret cafes as well as a lively, buzzing arts scene.

The Lanes

East Street, Regent Arcade The narrow alleyways of The Lanes reveal an array of outstanding merchandise from past and present. The Lanes are famous for their antique shops, but you will also discover the best in quality contemporary gift shops and jewellery emporia. In East Street and Regent Arcade you'll find a superb range of upmarket clothes shops where famous names like Armani, Bally, Hugo Boss, Jaeger, Jigsaw and French Connection await you. And for children, visit Gap Kids. There are also plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants in The Lanes which serve all types of cuisine.

North Street

The Clock Tower and Boots the Chemists stand at the top of North Street. Nearby stands the Royal Pavilion - the Prince Regent's seaside palace. In the Pavilion gift shop souvenir hunters will find quality gifts, oriental jewellery and artefacts. North Street also houses the Body Shop, a number of book shops and many high street banks.

Duke Street and Dukes Lane

Here the studious can mix with the fashionable. Browse amongst the antique shops, bookshops, the household interior shops and the small, chic clothes shops. Alternatively hunt for stylish bargains in shops with pine furniture, or chat over a cappuccino in the popular bars and cafes.

Royal Pavilion

Experience the magical world of Brighton's Royal Pavilion, home to three British monarchs. Decorated in the Chinese taste with an Indian exterior this Regency Palace is quite breathtaking. The Famous seaside residence was built for King George VI, and was also used by his brother William IV and their niece Queen Victoria. Originally a farmhouse, in 1787, architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was later transformed into its current Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1822.

Regency teas, light lunches and refreshments can be enjoyed in the Queen Adelaide tearooms, its balcony providing sweeping views over the newly restored gardens. Browse in the Pavilion Shop among the fine collection of books, prints, ceramics and gifts from exquisite jewellery to reproductions of the Pavilion's own wallpapers and fabrics. The Pavilion offers many services to enhance your visit including guided tours, visits for those with special needs and education facilities.

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier (originally Palace Pier) has nearly four million visitors every year. With its fish 'n' chips, fairground rides, karaoke bar, fortune tellers and slot machines, it is, in fact, an unashamed celebration of what made the British seaside so popular.

Visit the Tourist Information Centre for: Accommodation, bus and train information, National Express tickets, local coach tours, maps, guides and souvenirs.

Brighton Beachfront at night

Springtime sees Brighton Festival take over the city with the biggest arts fiest in England.