Brighton was originally a small village which grew rapidly when sea cures were first recommended by doctors in the mid 1700s. Affluent citizens flocked to the country’s coastal towns, and Brighton’s proximity to London made it very popular, forcing it to grow to accommodate the influx of visitors. The sea front became the place to be seen among fashionable society, and with the piers being built at the end of the 19th century, the status of Brighton was confirmed. Now it is a bustling, modern town, with a wide range of shops from the unique to the high street store.

One of the most remarkable features of the town is the Royal Pavilion. Built for George IV in 1787 by Henry Holland, it was transformed into its famous Indianesque style by John Nash, between 1815 and 1822. Bought from Queen Victoria by the town council, it was beautifully restored, and is now resplendent with fantastic furnishings and decorations, some on loan from Her Majesty the Queen.

Being a large cosmopolitan town, Brighton has a thriving nightlife with many pubs, clubs and restaurants. For the daytime, it also has a wealth of museums, and children will particularly enjoy visiting the Sea Life Centre and the Booth Museum of Natural History.