Brighton is unquestionably England's most spectacular seaside resort town. Made popular in the 18th century, when the Prince Regent (later King George IV) chose it as the site for his holiday palace (the bizarre and fantastic onion-shaped Brighton Pavilion), it is still famous for its frivolous entertainment venues and enviable nightlife. An eclectic combination of Regency and Victorian architecture gives Brighton a unique air, with winding village lanes crammed with antique and jewellery shops, and its flamboyant East Pier stretching out over the sea sparkling with thousands of lights from its funfair and amusement arcades.

Website: www.brighton.co.uk

Transport: Train from London Waterloo (one hour)