Brighton

Brighton and Hove found fame and longevity as a seaside resort in the 18th century, when the resort led the way to the fascinating (at the time) act of sea bathing. The popularity of this area soared when it became the favourite haunt of the Prince of Wales, (later George IV), in 1784; transforming the quaint, original village of Brighthelmstone. He kept his secret wife, Mrs Fitzherbert, here and commuted to London, as many people still do today. The old town centre is preserved and retains its atmospheric feel and look that George and Mrs. Fitzherbert must have loved. The famous Lanes still have small cottages in the twisting lanes, brimming with antique shops, cafes and bookshops.

Brighton and Hove are sister towns and for holiday makers, go hand in hand. Each offers its own unique pleasures yet remain so close that you can have a holiday that is rich in variety. Both Hove and Brighton are the most enchanting of British seaside resorts and have been much loved throughout their long history. With their cosmopolitan air, abundance of varied restaurants, feverish nightlife and simply bundles of culture, Brighton and Hove are unique, exciting and an absolute must-see for anyone who wants to see it all in one area.

For centuries this part of the British coast has been regarded as a place for pleasure and today is no different. Brighton and Hove offer up a lot of something for everyone and they never disappoint. With stunning Regency architecture, cobbled streets with fascinating shops, quiet countryside, long stretches of beach, a pleasure pier, pavement cafés, eccentrics and street entertainers, possibly Britain's liveliest arts scene and a vibrant nightlife that sizzles till dawn, no visitor could even comprehend the word bored. Add to this that just about everything is walking distance and the landscape is flat and you may just have found the perfect holiday destination.

The glorious Sussex Downs are well worth exploring while you are in this region and with excellent roads, reliable public transport and leisurely walks mapped out, there is every reason to take advantage and enjoy the countryside. If your stroll takes you along the coastline, keep your eyes open for dolphins and porpoises at play. The Sea Watch Foundation regional group has been recording and studying local dolphin sightings since 1991. The species most frequently seen is the bottlenose dolphin and may come as close as 50 to 100 yards from the shore. Bottlenose are 'typical' dolphin shaped and have a small beak, whereas porpoise have relatively plump, rounded bodies and do not have a beak; so you should be able to spot the difference. Bottlenose dolphins break the surface with a graceful arching motion when they surface to breath and you can see the difference in behaviour as you watch a porpoise surface with an almost sneaky movement, exposing as little of its body as possible.