Just 250 years ago Brighton was little more than a small town. The aristocracy put it on the map in the middle of the 18th century, coming here for the "seawater cure". And when the Prince Regent made Brighton his own home-from-home it became one of Europe's high society hot-spots. Ever since it has retained its unique character - a resort with an international reputation as well as Britain's own favourite resort. Brighton's history is all around - in its Regency town houses, seafront squares and parks and, above all, the spectacular Royal Pavilion.

The Royal Pavilion's Indian-style exterior with its minarets and spires, floodlit at night, creates a uniquely romantic picture. Step inside and enter a fabulous world of luxury and extravagance: this is truly one of the most exotic buildings in Europe. The interior is Chinese in style - and magnificent in effect. The beauty of the Music Room is said to have moved the Prince Regent to tears. The Pavilion contains many royal treasures on loan from the Queen. A guided tour is recommended. The Dome and Corn Exchange (once the royal stables and riding school) echo the Pavilion's style. From Kemptown in the east with its magnificent Regency town houses to the regal seafront terraces and squares of the Brunswick area of Hove to the west, the influence of this extraordinary building can be seen again and again. Official Blue Badge Guides can offer more insights into Brighton's royal heritage.

While Brighton was building is worldwide reputation, Hove was no more than a tiny hamlet offering shelter to a few residents, travellers - and smugglers. As Brighton boomed, Hove soon became the favoured residence for the well-to-do. The Brunswick Town area on the seafront is majestic and stylish, with stately terraces and squares overlooking the expansive seafront lawns. Cream balustrades, exquisitely proportioned arches and pillars, smooth sandstone and alabaster, classical figurines - these all contribute to Hove's atmosphere of serene calm and exclusivity. For a glimpse of 19th century high life, take a guided tour of the Regency Town House in Brunswick Square, or enjoy a guided Brunswick Town Walk complete with the help if newspapers and diary extracts from the Regency period.

Brighton's Museum & Art Gallery in Church Street displays rich and fascinating collections for visitors and families, with a Discovery Room and multi-media touch-screen computers to explore Brighton's history and a varied programme of temporary exhibitions. Hove Museum features a model of Delhi's Jaipur Gate and the Hove-to-Hollywood film gallery, toys, military insignia and models. The Sussex Toy and Model Museum and the newly reopened Grange Museum in Rottingdean each offer a vast collection of toys and models to delight kids of any age. Enjoy the Booth Museum fascinating world of Natural History with its unique collections of birds and skeletons. The British Engineerium houses a wealth of steam and water-driven engines. Explore the agricultural museum at West Blatchington Windmill or experience life upstairs-downstairs at Preston Manor, and Edwardian country house, complete with servant's quarters and the family's pet cemetery. And don't miss Brighton's new Fishing Museum in the newly-refurbished seafront arches.

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