The Lanes is the oldest area of Brighton. After the village was burnt to the ground by French invaders in the 16th century it was rebuilt along the same streets. The town was bordered by three roads - West Street, East Street and North Street covering an area approximately one square mile.

At one time roads including a South Street were discovered under the shingle beach. This lower part of the town had been destroyed during storms in the 15th century. Although some of the buildings have been modernised or replaced, the narrow streets give us a good idea of what medieval Brighton was like.

Once the heart of the old fishing town of Brighthelmstone, Brighton's historic quarter is an intricate maze of twisting alleyways with an extraordinary mix of antiques, jewellery, interior design and famous labels. This area, now known as the The Lanes is mainly jewellery and gift shops and cafes and bars.

In the hidden squares, elegant arcades and winding passages, you can find bespoke perfumes and fragrant herbs mixing with freshly roasted coffee and the aroma of Italian cooking.

A pebble's throw from the beach and the Royal Pavilion, you can soak up Brighton's history. Four hundred year-old fishermen's cottages, quaint old pubs, brick-paved twittens and flint stone exteriors. City walking tours - Brighton Walks - start from The Lanes and cater for a variety of interests including film locations and literary connections, murder mysteries and ghosthunting.