The Old Police Cells Museum Guided Tour
Step beneath Brighton Town Hall for a guided tour through the original Victorian police cells and 200 years of Sussex policing and crime history.
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Stretching between North Street, East Street and Ship Street, and just a few minutes from Brighton seafront and around 10 minutes from Brighton Station, The Lanes are the oldest part of the city.
Once the streets of the old fishing village of Brighthelmstone, these narrow alleyways (or ‘twittens’) have evolved into one of Brighton’s most popular places to explore, while still retaining much of their original historic character.
The Lanes are best known for jewellery, with specialist jewellers and watch retailers making the area one of the UK’s leading destinations for engagement rings, luxury watches and one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll struggle to find anywhere else. You’ll also find independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, traditional pubs and cafés, making The Lanes one of Brighton’s favourite places to shop, eat and spend an afternoon.
The Lanes is full of hidden courtyards, tucked-away cafés and historic buildings that appear between the winding narrow alleyways, making every visit feel a little different.
Get the latest on independent shops, local events, hidden gems and new openings in The Lanes and across Brighton & Hove.
Find out what’s on in The Lanes. Workshops, classes, shop openings, social meetups & nightlife all happening in one of Brighton’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
Step beneath Brighton Town Hall for a guided tour through the original Victorian police cells and 200 years of Sussex policing and crime history.
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Ask anyone who’s spent time in The Lanes and they’ll probably tell you the same thing: don’t rush it. Independent cafés sit next to family-run jewellers, centuries-old pubs share the streets with contemporary restaurants, and no two businesses feel quite the same. Here are some of the local favourites worth discovering.
You’ll never be far from an exceptional coffee in The Lanes. Local cafés are tucked between the jewellers and boutiques, making it easy to stop for a break, watch people wander past or escape the crowds for half an hour.
If you’re planning a catch-up lunch or special dinner in Brighton, The Lanes are always a safe bet. You’ll find everything from relaxed bistros and seafood restaurants to Michelin-starred dining, with plenty of outdoor tables to enjoy when the sun’s out.
From traditional pubs that have welcomed locals for centuries to hidden cocktail bars, rooftop terraces and lively sports pubs, The Lanes have somewhere for every kind of evening. Whether you’re meeting friends for a pint or staying out late, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Spend time walking through the alleyways of The Lanes and you’ll come across hidden courtyards and passages to more shops, galleries & cafes.
Hanningtons Lane is an expansion of Brighton’s historic shopping district The Lanes. Opened in 2019, it was built on the old Hanningtons Department Store (often referred to as the “Harrods of Brighton”).
Leading off Duke Street, you’ll find Duke’s Lane. A collection of independent boutiques, cafes & rotating pop-up shops.
Grassroots music venues, live jazz and funk nights, comedy and theatre all make it worth sticking around once the shops have closed.
People come from all over the UK to shop for jewellery in The Lanes. Independent jewellers, specialist watch retailers and family-run businesses have made the area one of Brighton’s best-known places to find one-of-a-kind jewellery.
The Lanes combine some of Brighton’s most characterful places to stay with one of its best locations. Choose from boutique hotels, traditional guest houses and charming B&Bs, all within easy walking distance of the beach with excellent bus links to other parts of Brighton & Hove.
The best thing about living in The Lanes is waking up and stepping out into a maze of pedestrian-only alleyways. The beach is a stone’s throw away, making it a great place to wake up early and wander down to the beach for a morning walk or grab a coffee before all the cafes, bars and shops open.
Living here isn’t for everyone. The narrow streets attract visitors throughout the year, especially during weekends and the run-up to Christmas, but that’s part of what gives The Lanes their atmosphere. For many locals, being surrounded by history, unique and creative businesses and some of Brighton’s best food and drink spots more than makes up for the crowds.
Head to the North Laine for a different take on independent Brighton, or walk down towards the Brighton Seafront. Travel east to explore Kemptown and Brighton Marina, or head west through Seven Dials towards Hove and Portslade. Discover the local side of Brighton life with Hanover, London Road and Fiveways all within walking distance.
Here’s everything you need to know before exploring one of Brighton’s most historic neighbourhoods.
The Lanes are best known for being the oldest part of Brighton. Once the streets of the original fishing village of Brighthelmstone, they’re now famous for their historic winding alleyways and some of the best places for shopping, dining and exploring some of the city’s oldest streets.
Yes. The Lanes are great for families, although timing your visit makes a big difference. During the week or earlier in the day when it’s a little quieter is best for families and young kids. Saturdays can get very busy, so narrow alleyways and larger crowds can make buggies trickier to manoeuvre. There are plenty of family-friendly cafés, ice cream shops, sweet shops and places to pick up souvenirs plus Brighton Beach is a stone’s throw away.
Outside of London, The Lanes in Brighton offers the highest number of independent, second-hand and antique jewellery shops in the UK. There’s at least 40 dotted around The Lanes. It’s been this way since 1900.
The Lanes, Brighton are absolutely worth visiting. It’s relaxing, surprising and full of a mix of heritage Brighton, culture, places to eat, drink & shop.
The narrow alleyways found in The Lanes, follow the original layout of the medieval fishing village of Brighthelmstone, long before Brighton developed into the Regency seaside resort we know today.
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Brighton that doesn’t revolve around alcohol, there are plenty of unique experiences to enjoy. Take a ghost walk through The Lanes to uncover the area’s fascinating history and spooky stories, browse the independent shops and hidden courtyards, hunt for vintage treasures, visit local art galleries, or stop off at one of the many cosy cafés The Lanes has to offer.
If you want to really experience The Lanes at its fullest, then visit during summer (July & August) where you’ll experience al fresco dining at its finest, talented buskers and an atmosphere that’s hard to match.
If you’d rather explore at a slower pace, aim for a weekday morning before lunchtime. It’s much easier to browse the jewellers, boutiques and galleries, grab a coffee, stop for a bite to eat and watch the world go by without weaving through the crowds.
Although they’re often confused, The Lanes (or as some people mistakenly call it, The South Lanes) and North Laine are two totally different areas of Brighton.
The Lanes are Brighton’s oldest streets, with winding historic alleyways dating back to the original fishing village of Brighthelmstone.
If you’re looking for history and jewellery, head to The Lanes. For quirky shopping, creative culture and alternative vibes, North Laine is the place to explore. Learn more about what to expect when visiting The Lanes.
If your business is based in The Lanes, you can join The Brighton Spotlight and be featured on Brighton.co.uk. Get started by creating an account and choose either the Grow or Elevate plan to be included on this dedicated page and start promoting your business to both locals and visitors.
