Brighton and hove is full of "fizz and craziness" and Eastbourne "slightly eccentric" according to the new Lonely Planet guide to Britain.

The book is one of the biggest selling worldwide independent guides and has a reputation for straight descriptions praising or criticising tourist attractions.

Both East and West Sussex are given the full treatment from its researchers in no-holds-barred descriptions.

The entries in today's updated edition could influence thousands of tourists.

Of Brighton, the guide says: "How did England ever produce such a resort with the fizz and craziness of Brighton. It is like a family of duffers producing a babe of Mozartian genius."

It describes Brighton and Hove as "a fascinating mix of seediness and sophistication".

The Royal Pavilion is "completely over the top and so un-English" while the Regency Tavern, off Regency Square, is "like an extension of the Pavilion".

Further along the coast, Rye is described as "desperately picturesque", and the guide says it is the most beautiful town in Britain.

A few miles down the coast, Hastings's seafront is described as "run down with a sorry-looking pier" and the new town centre is called "grey and depressing".

The description continues: "The old town of Hastings could be described as atmospheric in a decaying sort of way but the nightlife is better here than Eastbourne further down the coast."

Battle, with its abbey and battlefield, impressed the researchers.

The book reads: "You can't helped be totally absorbed in the event as you wander the field and image the carnage which took place."

It describes Eastbourne as "relaxed and slightly eccentric, which makes a nice change from some of the tackier seaside resorts of Sussex".

The guide also says that despite the town having a reputation "as the foremost spot for octogenarians", it still has plenty of youthful character with its student hangouts, bars and amusements for kids and clean beaches.

West Sussex is not so well represented in the guide.

Chichester is "very expensive" and tourists arriving in the town are advised to look around for accommodation.

Petworth Park is worth a visit with the historic house described as "impressive".

Arundel, says the guide, is "a lovely little tourist trap that sits on the River Arun at the foot of a romantic-looking castle".