North Laine
North Laine
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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Popular mentions
4.5
2,992 reviews
Excellent
1,968
Very good
858
Average
132
Poor
21
Terrible
13
Brian T
London, UK8,047 contributions
Jul 2021
Move over ‘The Lanes’ in Brighton… it doesn’t seem to be the happening place in Brighton any more, usurped by the bohemian neighbourhood of North Laine! This is where the hustle and bustle of Brighton now occurs! The eclectic, slightly eccentric , and quirky neighbourhood represents Brighton’s evolution into a trendy and alternative city destination.
The neighbourhood is roughly bordered by Queens Road, North Road, Trafalgar Street and Gloucester Place. It’s quite close to to Brighton railway station, and well signed as you depart the station. The main thoroughfare seems to be Kensington Street which becomes Sydney Street as you head north. Part of it is pedestrianised, with cafes and restaurants crowding the area with their outside seating areas.
It’s certainly bohemian and a bit alternative. The vibe is funky and quirky. There’s hundreds of stores packed tightly into the area. They are a mix of ethical, exotic and ‘different’, from retro to 50s kitsch to chic vintage. You’ll see the words ‘vegan’ and ‘ethical’ over and over again. There’s numerous independent boutiques with curious names, offering everything from beauty treatments to vegan footwear to improve your lifestyle.
It was extremely crowded on our midweek visit in July; social distancing was non-existent and difficult to maintain. And since our last visit a year or so ago, it had become a bit more edgy with a little hint of unsavouriness. The volume of beggars was very noticeable, and we were actually followed and harassed by someone making unwarranted claims. We didn’t linger.
It’s a colourful area, and there’s lots of interesting street art a d graffiti around. It’s great for a browse, but keep your wits about you.
The neighbourhood is roughly bordered by Queens Road, North Road, Trafalgar Street and Gloucester Place. It’s quite close to to Brighton railway station, and well signed as you depart the station. The main thoroughfare seems to be Kensington Street which becomes Sydney Street as you head north. Part of it is pedestrianised, with cafes and restaurants crowding the area with their outside seating areas.
It’s certainly bohemian and a bit alternative. The vibe is funky and quirky. There’s hundreds of stores packed tightly into the area. They are a mix of ethical, exotic and ‘different’, from retro to 50s kitsch to chic vintage. You’ll see the words ‘vegan’ and ‘ethical’ over and over again. There’s numerous independent boutiques with curious names, offering everything from beauty treatments to vegan footwear to improve your lifestyle.
It was extremely crowded on our midweek visit in July; social distancing was non-existent and difficult to maintain. And since our last visit a year or so ago, it had become a bit more edgy with a little hint of unsavouriness. The volume of beggars was very noticeable, and we were actually followed and harassed by someone making unwarranted claims. We didn’t linger.
It’s a colourful area, and there’s lots of interesting street art a d graffiti around. It’s great for a browse, but keep your wits about you.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evie b
Hurstpierpoint, UK18 contributions
Feb 2023
This area of small streets and independent shops and cafes is the most interesting in Brighton. It is still managing to keep its vibe, with an amazing mix of small shops selling new and vintage clothes and belongings, semi precious beads, crystals, veggie shoes, street fashion, beautiful flowers, and more. The mix of cafes offers all sorts of food, delicious veggie fare, cake treats, chidren's meals etc. In good weather many streets are traffic free and you can sit out with your coffee or meal. It's a fun place to wander through.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian R
Gillingham, UK82 contributions
Mar 2022
If you want over priced tat, this is the place. One exception is the cook shop. Betty’s I think. Which is worth a look. Like all the streets in Brighton, it needs a good clean. For a City claiming to be green, Brighton is remarkably full of litter and dirt.
Written March 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BIves24
Shoreham By Sea33 contributions
Nov 2019
Brighton is one of the quirkiest places I have ever been to. Full of vibrant colours and a mix of crazy places to buy your nicknacks, eat different food and enjoy seeing the hustle and bustle of people everywhere. The North Laine, has lots to offer, I especially enjoy the food stalls when passing.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fulvia B
5 contributions
Sep 2020
It is and always will be my favourite browsing and widow shopping area. A huge range of independent shops offering anything from clothes, to home decor, to cafes and many more. In a time when most independent shops are closing down by the dozen replaced by the big brands ones, it's such a pleasure to be able to have them in our town. If you are in Brighton, you must pay a visit!
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Brighton, UK2 contributions
May 2021
filthy - there was no social distancing, no track and trace, no questions asked on arrival, lots of people not wearing masks. Tables were not cleaned between people sitting at them, knives and forks were dirty. Only 3 dirty toilets for the whole place as gents were out of order meaning a lot of people queuing. understaffed and overwhelmed
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania36,721 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
A kind of bazaar. An area full of life, full of color. There are a lot of small shops that sell all kinds of products, generally artisanal or small series. Antiques, vintage products and much more. Buildings full of graffiti, cafes, small bars and indescribable crowds. An area with a good vibe.
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acs1984
Cockermouth, UK1,612 contributions
Sep 2020
The area of North Laine contains all sorts of quirky, unusual and vibrant shops and cafes. I didn't see a single chain so they all seem to be independent. We had been here before around 10 years ago but we struggled to remember where it was! Luckily we came across it in the end.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs_WP
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK56 contributions
Apr 2023
Great area to visit. Lots of interesting independent shops, cafes etc. My children loved the bubble tea shops (there seemed to be a few!). Nice to see so many unique and interesting shops, loved the bonsai trees and street art! Would highly recommend visiting North Laine if you’re in Brighton, one of my favourite areas.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK26,630 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Tuesday 7th September and we took a stroll through the streets and lanes of the North Laine area of Brighton.
There was certainly a lot more going on and more atmosphere that the more famous Lanes. It is the bohemian and cultural quarter of the City.
The area is a mixture of commercial and residential properties with many shop lined streets and lanes pedestrianised.
The area is filled with small shops selling secondhand and retro clothing, jewellery, art & crafts and weird and wonderful eccentricities as well as regular goods.
Due to the sunshining some shops had their wares on display in the street on rails, racks and stalls, all adding to the eclectic atmosphere.
There are a plethora of pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as theatres and museums.
We walked along Kemp Street with it's eye catching colourfully painted terraced houses.
There was certainly a lot more going on and more atmosphere that the more famous Lanes. It is the bohemian and cultural quarter of the City.
The area is a mixture of commercial and residential properties with many shop lined streets and lanes pedestrianised.
The area is filled with small shops selling secondhand and retro clothing, jewellery, art & crafts and weird and wonderful eccentricities as well as regular goods.
Due to the sunshining some shops had their wares on display in the street on rails, racks and stalls, all adding to the eclectic atmosphere.
There are a plethora of pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as theatres and museums.
We walked along Kemp Street with it's eye catching colourfully painted terraced houses.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, is there in Brighton a outlet mall like in Portsmouth? Regards.
Written October 23, 2020
Where is the best place to go in Brighton for nightlife for over 30's? live music bars or clubs?
Written November 2, 2018
The latest Music Bar has music and events. It is in Manchester Street Brighton. The Funky Fish club in Marine Parade is a place over 30 go to dance.
Written November 3, 2018
Are the shops in the Brighton lanes open on a Sunday? (today)... thinking of coming in for shopping and a look about.
Written January 7, 2018
yes, but I only just seen your question I'm afraid so they're about be closed again now. Sorry.
Written January 7, 2018
Veronica Solari
Bari, Italy
scusate,da londra dovrei prendere il treno Southern(?) e mi hanno detto che c'è una fermata Preston Park..ma su Google ho visto che c'è un'altra fermata chiamata Brighton..è giusto? Preston Park è molto distante da north laine..invece dalla fermata Brighton sono 15minuti circa..
grazie mille a chi risponderà!
Written May 6, 2017
Brighton è giusta! Esci dalla stazione e dopo 5 minuti di discesa sulla sinistra trovi north Laine se prosegui invece inizi già a vedere il mare!
Written May 7, 2017
Hilly J
Plymouth, United Kingdom
1,901 contributions
How much of it has disabled access?
Written July 15, 2015
accessible public toilets in the area:
Jubilee Library – Jubilee Street
Brighton Museum – Royal Pavilion Gardens
Prince Regent Swimming Pool – Church Street
Royal Pavilion Gardens – Princes Place
Lots of street cafes/eating places as a lot of North Laine is pedestrianised so no problem getting something to eat.
I have taken wheelchairs into Komedia - very helpful - most shops are very disability aware and will make provision - Really friendly place!
Written July 16, 2015
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