Secrets of the Lanes Tour in Brighton: History and Independent Shops in Historic Quarter

Discover the hidden secrets of Brighton’s Lanes on a small group tour. Explore the historic quarter’s fascinating history and vibrant independent shops for an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

The Lanes - We explore the narrow alleyways of the 18th century old fishing town and trace its development into today’s colourful seaside city.

What's Included
  • Blue Badge guide
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Brighton’s Lanes represent the city’s most charming and historic area. The narrow streets, lined with 18th-century fishermen’s cottages, stand in contrast to the vibrant energy of unique independent shops and cafes. This captivating tour guides you through the secret passageways, unveiling Brighton’s life from the Tudor era to today.
The tour is designed…

Location
Palace Pier
Meet by the entrance of Brighton Palace Pier (see pin on map). The guide will be carrying a folder with 'Secrets of Lanes' on it.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(17 Ratings)
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1 star
Swagner1989
Sep 10, 2025
Fascinating Brighton History - I went on this tour with my husband. We were the only two, so it was a private tour for just us! It wasn’t canceled, so major kudos right from the start. Usually with certain attractions, if so few sign up, then tours are just cancelled or refunded, but Ric didn’t do that. They had a lot of knowledge about the history of Brighton. Many topics were discussed: important figures, health, social movements, business, and architecture. It feels like you are getting the inside scoop on things that you never would have noticed on your own. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
927ayseu
Aug 20, 2025
Learned a great deal in Ric's tour - Ric was an amazing tour guide. He spoke very clearly, had the right balance of factual information and fun stories, and gave us a very good introduction into the lanes and the old parts of the city. We participated as a family with two children both of whom enjoyed the tour, found it interesting and did not get bored. definitely recommend him for all ages and visitors from all backgrounds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V4390seelizabethe
Jun 18, 2025
Ric was great! - Ric was great! Very knowledgeable and clearly enjoys his community and giving tours. Gave us a great recommendation for where to have lunch too. Thanks Ric!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sally
Sep 4, 2024
Great insight into Brighton! - A brilliant 2 hours spent with a small group tour learning all about the Brighton Lanes. Ric is super knowlegdeable & entertaining, so even as a recent Brighton resident, I learned so much about my town. To be thoroughly recommended & I'll be looking out for more of Ric's tours 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marla_d
Jul 3, 2024
The secrets of Brighton - Ric presented the information in a genuine, interesting manner. There is history to Brighton, but also trivia and architecture. I was genuinely engaged the full tour. Do you know where the term shampoo comes from? Well, you're going to learn. Highly recommend. And Ric has a book with suggested walking tours. I have one planned this Holiday, and others are ear marked for my next visit.
Review provided by Viator
Revtzi
Jun 14, 2024
Great Brighton walking tour - We learned a lot about the history of Brighton, and heard many interesting facts and old gossip details around the old town. Ric is very knowledgeable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_w
Jan 21, 2024
Brilliant Brighton walks - An excellent walk around Brighton. Ric was great. Loads of history and knowledge of the area. Very easy to talk to and ask questions
Review provided by Viator
Newdawn1066
Oct 24, 2020
Great Sunday am experience - Ric was a great tour guide and really brought the tour to life with a folder of pics of people and places from the past. It was fascinating to understand the size of 18th century Brighton and so many potted histories and personalities. favourite parts were seeing buildings that were around then and still standing now and also the Hippodrome and the stars that played there in the past
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ilaskey
Oct 19, 2019
Excellent tour and talk - We spent a fascinating morning with Ric wandering around the Lanes area. The pace was just right with loads of interesting background information, anecdotes and pictures to illustrate some key points and characters. We were slightly late due to a mixup on the meeting point (read the actual instructions, ignore what the booking site may say!) but Ric kindly took it in his stride.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen
Oct 12, 2019
A suprisingly 'big' tour of the Lanes, with many different features - The guide was friendly, informative and was happy to answer any questions. We liked the information which he gave us on various local characters from different periods.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $53
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).