A walk through the Lanes

Sections of the current-day Lanes date all the way back to the 16th century, when Brighton was a mere fishing town called Brighthelmstone. A small number of buildings are slightly older but an overwhelming majority of buildings that make up the Lanes as we know them today were built in the 18th century. In the second half of the 18th century, English doctors began to praise the health benefits of sea air and being by the seaside and more and more people took up visiting Brighton and neighbouring towns like Lewes and Eastbourne. By 1792, the Lanes were completely finished and laid out. A more modern addition was made in 1979 when Dukes Lane was constructed as a “historical replica street”.

The Lanes abound with some of the city’s most delightful and unique stores that make the area a shopper’s heaven. No matter what you’re in the market for, there will be a store in the Lanes that corresponds to your needs.

A vintage lover’s dream, the narrow streets are brimming with antique shops full of the city’s most charming bric-a-brac and, if you’re committed, shoppers can find some unique gems. Snooper’s Paradise should be your first stop when strolling through the Lanes, this iconic market-style shop is renowned for its incredible selection of vendors selling all kinds of vintage items. Dirty Harry and To Be Worn Again are a couple iconic second-hand and vintage clothing stores that sell a little bit of everything and have a wide and diverse range of clothes that are sure to fit anybody’s style. Specialising in vintage and antique jewellery, Fetheray is a gorgeous store that offers an incredible array of one of a kind gems and trinkets. Era offers an incredible selection of original mid-century modern furniture, antiques and other magnificent collectible pieces for the home. 

If you’re looking for some new records for your music collection, head to Resident Music. Brighton has a long history of fostering some era-defining figures of British music and this store is full of a mix of classic records, new releases and more underground and indie groups. Stationery lovers will not be disappointed by Papersmiths on Sydney street which offers an excellent selection of pens, notebooks, enveloppes and writing paper, cards and so much more. Established in 2007, The Amnesty Bookshop is a go-to place to browse second hand books amongst locals. With its stunning hot pink facade, this store is welcoming, affordable and all proceeds go to charity, making it a delightful shopping experience. 

Make sure you dedicate at least a couple of hours of your Brighton trip to look around the streets and stores, we promise it’s worth it. 

All that walking around and wandering through eclectic stores is bound to have you feeling a little peckish, or at the very least, in dire need of a coffee. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite spots for a break. 

Flour Pot Bakery on Sydney Street is a favourite amongst locals, and for good reason. It  consistently delivers some of the city’s yummiest pastries, snacks, both sweet and salty, and hot drinks. On warmer days, we love grabbing one of their iced coffees. 

Trading Post Coffee Roasters on Ship Street is a wonderful place for breakfast, brunch and lunch, or just for a coffee break. Their specialty coffees are excellent and friendly staff members are always happy to offer suggestions on seasonal roasts. Their outdoor seating area is perfect for making the most of a sunny day.

The Ivy in the Lanes on Ship Street is the perfect spot for a bougie lunch or dinner out in the Lanes. The interior features some wonderfully unique decor and their seasonal menu is always a crowd pleaser. 

The Cricketers Pub on Black Lion Street is perfect for a classic British meal in a beautiful historic setting. Being the oldest pub in Brighton, there’s nothing quite like sitting down here for lunch, drinks or dinner and trying to piece together the place’s history or thinking about who might have been sitting in your seat in the 16th century. 

• The Lanes tend to be quite busy, especially during the weekends and on sunny days. The streets are very narrow and the crowds can easily get overwhelming to navigate so have an idea of where you’re going ahead of time in order to make things easier for yourself. 
• It’s always a great time to stroll through the Lanes, but they really come alive during the summer months. 
• Most stores take card and contactless payments, but you never know with vintage stores so make sure you have some cash on hand just in case. 
• Most shops and cafés are open daily, most of them operating on reduced hours on Sundays. 

By foot: 

• The Lanes are located in the city centre and thus very easily accessible by foot. Part of the visiting experience is also walking through the different streets and enjoying the very pedestrian-friendly area. 

By public transport: 

• Buses from other parts of the city can drop visitors off at North Road, right off the main Lanes. Here’s more information about various schedules and bus routes that are available to take visitors to that stop.

By car: 

• Parking is available near the lanes. Rates vary on hours and availability but parkings do tend to fill up rather quickly so we recommend prioritising public transport or walking to get to the Lanes.