Pick up your hire car in Brighton and you'll find out the city dubbed 'London-by-the-sea' isn't just about fish, chips and Fat Boy Slim.
"We're the coolest beach city in Britain - bright, bouncy, brilliant and populated by interesting, edgy people. Like Zoe Ball and Chris Eubank!"
Yes, Brighton is cool, although calling it London-by-the-Sea, as some (though not necessarily locals) do, is pushing a bit. But it's pretty easy to fall in love with the combination of beach-side fun, night-time revelry and windy shopping streets.
Laid back. Even though you spend half your time climbing hills, you'll still feel blissed out after a trip here. Maybe it's the sea air.
Brightoners have got that quirky and beautiful thing going on. Even that old fella selling winkles out of a van. He's the coolest dude in town.
The British coast isn't always the warmest. Unless the sun is splitting the rocks, you'll need a wind-cheating layer.
Fish and chips of course. There's even more fun to be had if you get yours on the pier and have to fight the gulls for them. They usually win.
Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim, hails from Brighton where he owns the Big Beach Boutique club and plays monster gigs on the beach.
Brighton is home to the world's oldest aquarium. The Sea Life Centre dates back to 1872.
"There is a phrase: 'the sweet smell of success'. I've had two experiences of that and it just smells like Brighton and oyster bars." - actor Laurence Olivier
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1. Brighton Pier
Pace yourself. If you work through the pier the way it's set out you'll have a belly full of rock, chips, ice-cream and candyfloss just in time to ride the rollercoasters.
There are car parks at the Brighton train station and in Edward Street. Alternatively you can use the pay and display parking in Madeira Drive for Å
2. Royal Pavilion
Stunningly beautiful palace built as a funky seaside home for the foppish Prince Regent, George (the one off Blackadder the Third) who later became King George IV.
Park your hire car in the Brighton station car park. The Royal Pavilion is just five minutes' walk away.
3. North Laine
A regular rabbit warren of small independent shops and cute cafes catering for every taste from moody mods to wannabe WAGs.
If you are visiting during the weekend, you can park at the City College car park for a flat rate of Å
4. Stanmer House
Gorgeous country house set in divine parkland and once the seat of the Earl of Chichester. Have a roam outdoors then come in for afternoon tea.
Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
5. Sea Life
Unsurprisingly packed with fish and the like. There's a glass tunnel you can walk through while sharks swim around you. It's probably the closest you'll ever come to being James Bond.
Use either the pay and display parking at Madeira Drive or the Brighton station car park.
1. Battle Abbey
Visit the spot where Britain officially lost to the cheese-munching French. 1066. Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror. You did it at school.
Take the A27 east until you join the A259. It's about a 36-mile journey to Battle.
2. Arundel Castle
There's nothing like a castle to get the blood pumping round the veins. There's nearly 1000 years of history here. And some excellent swords.
Take the A27 westwards out of Brighton, you'll be at the castle in about 40 minutes.
3. Glyndebourne, Lewes
Mad about Mozart? Hankering for Handel? If you need a break from raving in the clubs, take yourself here for a swanky night at the opera.
Lewes is 11 miles from Brighton. Join the A27 eastwards and then take the A26.
4. Bluebell Railway
There's something so very romantic about steam trains. Pretend you're in a 1930s film and make your lady friend wave you off from the platform with tears and a floaty hanky.
Take the A27 eastwards and then the A26, which takes you all the way to Uckfield in around 35 minutes.
" Getting from one side of Brighton to the other is easy enough, thanks to Marine Parade, which is a wide boulevard dividing the city from the sea and a great road to cruise down on a nice day. Parking can be difficult in the summer months so it's best to arrive early, and you'll need the reactions of the Stig to dodge night-time revellers at the weekend. But you'll be glad you hired a car when you set out to explore the surrounding area. Within no time you'll be rolling through the beautiful East Sussex countryside. "
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