Old & new BRIGHTON

The East Sussex city is one of Britain's most beloved and historic seaside gems

- ALICIA MILLER

Ice creams on the pier. Classic 2p coin pushers at the arcade. Sticks of rock, jellied eels and stripy deckchairs lining a pebble beach. Brighton is full of old-fashioned seaside fun, perfect for a timeless summer getaway. But this East Sussex hub also comes with some modern marvels to enjoy, including fabulous renovated hotels, chic restaurants and contemporary galleries. Spend a few days taking in the best of both worlds, on the seaside.

Seaside fun

If you see one thing in Brighton, it has to be the seaside. The iconic pebble beach is fringed by the English Channel and characterised by a duo of piers, one of which famously burnt in 2003, leaving behind only a charred frame. On sunny days, families take to the shores with picnics and parasols, enjoying the buzzy scene and wandering up and down the promenade.

Nostalgic Take a wander along the Palace Pier, the last of Brighton's three 19th-century piers still standing. It's free to enter and along the way you can discover the historic Palm Court Restaurant (try the fish and chips), fairground-style rides, and classic games in the historic Palace of Fun arcade. Of course you'll also be able to get a mighty fine stick of rock!