An older name for Brighton
Brighthelmstone was the fishing town associated with this historic part of the city.
Source: VisitBrighton: The Lanes area guide (opens in a new tab) ↗Old Brighton · Alleyways, squares & shopping
A different Brighton around every corner.
The Lanes
The Lanes make more sense when you think of an older town rather than a modern shopping grid. Their small passages and corners invite a slower kind of exploration.
Discover the facts ↓
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
Three things worth knowing.
Not all lanes are ‘North Laine’
The Lanes sit between North Laine and the seafront; the two names describe different areas.
Source: VisitBrighton: The Lanes area guide (opens in a new tab) ↗Look for the small passages
The narrow alleyways are also known locally as twittens.
Source: VisitBrighton: The Lanes area guide (opens in a new tab) ↗The older town in the modern city
VisitBrighton describes parts of The Lanes as dating to the late sixteenth century, when Brighton was the fishing town of Brighthelmstone. Narrow passages, sometimes called twittens, give the area its distinctive feel. This is separate from North Laine, even though a visit can easily take in both.
Make it part of your Brighton.
Allow time to explore the streets rather than only one destination. For a pickup, choose a complete address and a meeting point that your booking provider can safely reach, rather than an unspecified alleyway.
Sources & further reading
Researched using venue, museum and local visitor information. Historical claims are linked to their sources. Visitor conditions and availability can change; check directly. Last checked 21 October 2026. Photographs retain their individual licences and show the stated capture dates.