Get one of the Digital Camera magazines (what Digital Camera?). Find out the cost of the camera in Park Cameras in Burgess Hill and ask the shop to match the price. Even if they come close, it could have save the hassle of going to Burgess Hill. My shop in Worthing (easier to park than Brighton) would not match the Park Cameras price but would match Jessops in Brighton. Knocked £90 of the price (down from £300 to £210).
Gawd knows which model is best? I got a Pentax but it is not the best, not the worst either.
get at least 2.0m pixel a zoom is useful and many have a short video capability for not much more in price shop around i did and got a bargain could always try ebay thoughpostage mite as well shop about, Nikon are a good make