NIGHTLIFE

For a traditional seaside getaway destination, Brighton certainly packs in a bucketful of delights. This is a town that oozes character, its famous shingle beach stretching out for miles against a backdrop of pastel coloured Regency terraces and grand hotels. For a day out, its huge marina provides enough entertainment in itself, while those who fancy venturing out to sea can try deep-sea fishing trips and pleasure cruises. There`s also the Sealife centre, and entertainment at the Pier with its traditional seaside arcades and funfair. The Royal Pavillion, Brighton`s most lavish landmark, reminds us that Brighton is as much a place of decadence as it is of indulgence.

But it`s perhaps by night that Brighton really comes into its own. One of the UK`s liveliest nightspots, the town has enough pubs and clubs to keep several generations of self-confessed party addicts occupied every night of the week. For summer days that melt into balmy evenings, head to The Hampton on Upper North Street with its cosy beer garden and minimalist decor, or relax at The Cobblers Thumb on New England Road with an Aussie beer and a pizza. If you`re looking for a fabulous selection of beers, the real ale at The Evening Star on Surrey street has the connosseurs coming back again and again. If you`re feeling sociable, the Eclipse on Montgomery street can promise you pub quizzes, poker nights and live sports on large plasma TVs. On the other hand if it`s those wooden floors, leather sofas and cosy alcoves you`re looking for, The Ancient Mariner on Rutland Road is a fabulous place to eat and drink, and the outside decking area is a great place to watch the sun go down.

Brighton won`t leave you short of venues when it`s time to party into the early hours. It`s no myth that Brighton has become synonymous with a vibrant gay scene; Kemp Town, more camp than kemp, has been dubbed the gay capital of Europe, and is the home of Club Revenge. The popular Charles Street Club promises nights of poptastic trashy pop and offers dancing on two floors: drag queens get in free. Seek out the Lanes area of the city for an equally alternative but more Bohemian flavour. You`ll find no less than 22 pubs here, and a plethora of clubs that are both cosmopolitan and a little frayed around the edges. But for cutting edge discomania, head for the seafront, where Brighton hides some real gems underneath its arches; intimate clubs such as The Beach, Funky Buddha Lounge and Honeyclub. This is the world of enormous dance floors, where the beautiful people hang out.

With Flybe flights to London operating from all over the UK, and Brighton just two hours by train from the big smoke, a hedonistic weekend of fun on the south coast has never been within easier reach to party goers looking for something a little bit different.