Brighton is a much-loved seaside resort and is one of the two main areas of the City of Brighton and Hove. Located on the south coast in the county of East Sussex, archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates to the Bronze Age. Brighton was granted city status in 2000 and has been described as one of the happiest places to live in the UK and the unofficial gay capital of the UK. King George IV spent much time in the town and constructed the beautiful mock Indian Royal Pavilion there. Arrival of the railways in 1841 helped it to become a popular destination for day-trippers from London who are attracted not only by the sea but also for the quirky “Lanes” area of shops, pubs and restaurants. Parts of the old, abandoned Victorian pier are still visible to the west and the newer pier and Marina to the east provide entertainment and rides aplenty. Recently the Brighton Eye tourist attraction was constructed near the famous Grand Hotel which provides a state-of-the-art ride high into the sky to view the city and seascape in all its glory and a redesigned outdoor swimming lido alongside the pier is planned for future development.