When I booked the train tickets from London to Brighton for the 10th January I didn’t expect good weather for the trip. Waking up in our grand Hotel du Vin room, I could see a glint of sunshine poking through the thick curtains and excitedly got dressed to explore Britain’s favourite seaside town. It was just as a day in Brighton ‘should’ be; walks on the beach, ice-creams on the pier and fish and chips al fresco, the perfect day to be by the sea.

To do

Walk along the pebbled beach and pop into the Pier arcade to play on the 10p machines and slurp an ice-cream. Do the things you can only do when you are by the sea!

To shop

Utility – Wander around the lovely Laines and you will discover numerous appealing independent shops. My favourite was Utility, a hip household store selling retro and vintage-inspired items which will bring nostalgia and flair to your home.

To eat

Regency – This fish and chips restaurant is an institution in Brighton, a favourite with families, locals and visitors. Serving up cheap and cheerful fresh fish by the sea’s edge, it is known to be one of the best of its kind on the South coast.

To see

Royal Pavilion – Extraordinary and extravagant this ‘pleasure palace’ was built for the Prince Regent two hundred years ago. Its exotic, oriental design stands out against the urban landscape and it is a thrilling architectural one-off to visit. Exhibitions inside are varied and imaginative.

To drink

Coffee at 33 – Bringing Monmouth beans to the South coast, this minimalist café offers great flat whites, tasty artisanal-style sandwiches and cookie dough to take home and bake. A joyful little stop for tired shoppers.

To sleep

Hotel du Vin Brighton – This is a particularly charming branch of the much loved chain of du Vin hotels. With spacious rooms, an atmospheric bistro and pub, there is something for everyone. It is perfectly situated: near the sea, the centre of town and just a short walk from the main station.