The Lanes, Brighton (must see)

Brighthelmston was a sleepy fishing village until Doctor Richard Russell came to visit in 1747. The good doctor had long extolled the health benefits of bathing in and drinking seawater. He recommended the waters around Brighthelmston, or Brighton, as it soon came to be called. In 1753 he moved his practice there.

Doctor Russell helped start the wave of "sea side" mania so popular in the latter half of the 18th century. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland sought the seaside cure and they rented the doctor's house (after he died in 1759). The royal patronage had its effect. The sleepy town of Brighthelmston became big, exciting Brighton.

The Lanes are bounded by North Street in the north, Ship Street to the west and Prince Albert Street and Bartholomew Square in the south. The Lanes is also Brighton's most historic quarter. The streets are narrow and many 16th and 17th century houses remain.

One of the oldest buildings is the Cricketers Arms, the oldest public house in town. It is rumored to date from 1545. It is memorialized by Graham Greene in his novel "Brighton Rock." Strolling along narrow brick pathways called twittens, it is possible to become lost among boutiques, designer shops and galleries.

There are fabulous restaurants, cosy tea rooms and good old-fashioned pubs. No one starves in the Lanes. Not since George IV anyway.

For those who seek more shopping adventure, the North Laine is just a hop and a skip away.