Reviewers give Sussex gentle applause

3:09am Wednesday 23rd May 2007

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Sussex towns have been given mixed reviews in the latest edition of the Lonely Planet guide to Great Britain.

The 7th edition of the book describes the country as being in the grip of an identity crisis. It cites the growing independence of Scotland and Wales and the continued influx of people from all over the world as the main reasons.

Co-ordinating editor David Else said: "Although Britain has had a reputation for being multicultural for decades, this has escalated in recent years and the impact has become even more widespread.

"Being exposed to so many religions, festivals and food allows Brits to experience many other cultures without leaving the country."

In the guide, Brighton and Hove is described as "family fun, high-brow culture, with an exuberant gay population and cutting-edge club scene. Don't listen to folk who call Brighton little London by the sea.

"However cosmopolitan it has become, this is a place with a character and quirkiness all of its own."

The authors describe Eastbourne as a "classic golden-oldie seaside resort, with scrupulously snipped seaside gardens and picturesque arcade-free promenade", but reccommend a trip to Brighton for those looking for a cosmopolitan buzz.

West Sussex is also fondly looked at the guide, which picks out the tumbling hills and valleys of the South Downs as the perfect backdrop to a relaxing break.

Chichester is described as managing to "straddle the divide between countryside charm and cosmopolitan culture", while Arundel is labelled "irresistibly romantic."