Brighton Pier by dawarwickphotography

Where to Visit

For a sightseeing tour with a difference, sign up for a City Walks tour. These walking tours offer more than just a standard history of the city, with themes such as the ‘Brighton Rock Walk’, which takes in locations featured in the 1930s cult classic movie. Tours are led by a knowledgeable local guide and film expert, who offers personal as well as group tours.

Whether you wish to indulge in some retail therapy or just want to explore a cool part of town, head for the bohemian North Laines and Cultural Quarter. This part of the city is filled with independent boutiques and vintage shops so you can wander your way around the twisting alleyways and cobblestones searching for one-off finds and quirky keepsakes. Nestled in amongst the shops there is a wealth of cafes and bars, so take your time and stop off for a refreshing drink.

Brighton North Laine by willemgo

Visit the exotic, oriental style Royal Pavillion building, which looks distinctly out of place in its quaint seaside setting.  Take a tour of the magnificent interior, then ponder the collection at the Brighton Museum and Art gallery, which covers everything from 20th century art and design to fashion and style. There are also stunning gardens around the Pavillion and a beautiful tea room where you can stop off for a classic English pudding or a glass of local cider.

Brighton Pavilion by Brighton Guy

If the weather lets you down, don’t worry – it’s the perfect excuse to spend a rainy afternoon sinking into your comfy seat at the Duke of York’s, the UK’s oldest picture house. It’s certainly a cinema experience with a difference as you can relax with a glass of wine and enjoy an indie or arty flick on the big screen.

Brighton has several ‘villages’ surrounding it which are worth venturing slightly off-track for. Kemp Town is a very fashionable part of town, filled with boutiques, antique shops, second-hand book stores and lots of lovely little eateries and places to relax with a coffee. It’s a pleasant spot to have a wander through and is also the location of the funky annual carnival, which celebrates Brighton’s diverse arts and culture scene over a weekend of live performances and installations.

Kemp Town, Brighton by sol revolver

Brighton is often dubbed ‘London by the sea’, and for most the beach and pier are, of course, a key attraction. Embrace the retro seaside vibe by hopping on the vintage carousel or hitting the arcade. On a hot sunny day, people flock towards the sea to enjoy the cooling sea breeze and a happy, summertime vibe takes over. Pull up a deckchair and spend a while soaking up the atmosphere.

Where to Eat

For brunch, head to Sam’s of Brighton in Kemp Town, where your can wash your Eggs Benedict down with a Sam’s Bloody Mary.

If you’re spending Saturday afternoon wandering around in town, sample the best of local produce at the FARM market on the North Road. Follow this up with a sugar fix at Choccywoccydoodah, a local chocolate shop where the window displays are as pleasing as the chocolate they’re made from.

Hog roast, Brighton by Jeremy Keith

For your evening meal, Tookta’s Cafe serve up some of the best Thai food in town or, for a livelier night, Ole Ole tapas bar has live Flamenco music and dancing as well as top tapas – book ahead as it’s a popular spot.

Finally, if it’s cheap and cheerful traditional seaside fare you’re after, opt for fish and chips from Bardsleys of Baker Street, who dish up Brighton’s best. These are best enjoyed during a sunset stroll along the pier.

Where to Drink

A seafront beverage is a must, so enjoy a drink or two in the Fortune of War whilst gazing out over the sea. Something of a Brighton institution, the Fortune has the best beer garden in town – Brighton beach!

The Prince Albert is another cool spot and a great live music bar. It was once known for the Banksy ‘Kissing Coppers’ painting that appeared on the wall outside but has since been removed and sold. Still, if it’s good enough for one of the world’s most elusive artists, it’s definitely worth popping in for a pint.

The Prince Albert, Brighton by Ed Webster

For late drinks, enjoy the jazz at The Verdict café/club in Kemp Town, or head to The Volks club on the seafront if you’re in party mode.

Where to Sleep

Stay near the beach at quirkily cool Brighton guest house, The Oriental. Set in a stunning grade II listed Regency town house near the sea front, a luxurious haven awaits beyond the front door. The beautiful rooms are kitted out with spa baths, and the designer bar is perfect for a drink before you head out to explore the city. Each morning, enjoy the papers as you wait for your delicious breakfast, freshly prepared from organic produce.

If you’d prefer to stay in the Kemp Town area, the boutique Blanch House B&B is ideal. They really go the extra mile to make guests feel special. The themed rooms are stylish, chic and filled with little extras such as luxury toiletries and delicious home-made biscuits. Guests even have access to an exclusive resident’s champagne and cocktail bar!

Originally from Ireland but now living and working in London, Anita Doherty loves to travel. She indulges her passion for travelling and writing as frequently as she can and is part of the team at Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses.

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A Shoreline in Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Havis

Majorca’s Beaches

Majorca has more than its fair share of sun, sea and sand – in fact, it’s known for having some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The only problem for visitors is which beach to choose. Magaluf in the south west is every popular, with 900 metres of beach, a new promenade and lots of bars and restaurants. It’s great for singles and young couples as the area is known for its nightlife. In fact, it’s the island’s nightclub capital. Families may prefer somewhere a bit quieter.

You can find a great family beach at Alcudia. Not only is the sand as fine as that on a golf course, but there’s a children’s playground and shallow water. Lots of watersports and restaurants on the beach make this the perfect place for a day out. With three beaches, Palma Nova is another good option. If you’re not bothered about watersports then Cala Tuent in the north east and Calas de Mallorca in the south east both offer plenty of space for sun worshippers – and nice scenery too!

Palma Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by John Burke

Exploring the Capital

If you want to spend some time out of the sun, there’s still plenty to do in Majorca. Palma is a good place to start. You can pick up transport around the island from Plaça d’Espanya which is underneath a large park. Kids will enjoy the themed play areas while you wait. Included in Palma’s chequered history is a period of Moorish rule and one of its most famous sights, La Seu, is a cathedral built on top of what used to be a mosque. This heritage is also on show in the warren-like Old City whose narrow streets are well worth exploring and the Arab Baths, though in disrepair, are well worth a look.

Outside the capital are other historic and picturesque sights, so be sure to leave the beach for a sightseeing trip at some point during your stay.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers who offer transfers from Majorca airport to get your holiday off to a fabulous start.

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