#BrightonSnowdogs - The Lanes

It's time for another Snowdogs trail and this week we'll be exploring The Lanes. These twisting alleyways were once the heart of the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmstone but today they are full of boutiques, jewellers, bars and restaurants.

We're going to start our Lanes trail on Duke Street which is easy to get to via public transport or on foot. If you are travelling by train then head straight down Queens Road, on past the Clock Tower and down West Street and then you'll find Duke Street on your left. The majority of buses include stops at Churchill Square or North Street, once you are off the bus head to the Clock Tower to find West Street and then Dukes Street.

While Dukes Street isn't a narrow alleyway it is the start of The Lanes, and you'll see lots of cafés & shops as well as the Disco Dog. The Disco Dog is so-named as he is covered in mirror tiles and resembles a giant Disco Ball. He is always a cheery sight but even more so when the sun is shining and glinting off his back.

15. Disco Dog - Artist: Natalie Guy / Sponsor: Palace of Pooch

From Disco Dog turn right and then almost immediately left to go down Dukes Lane. This lane is full of designers and the fabulous JJ Flaunt. Once you've explored the shops of Dukes Lane turn right on to Ship Street and then follow the road round to the left (ie don't head down to the seafront). As you pass Food for Friends you'll spot the impressive Brighton Town Hall. Turn right at the town hall to see our next Snowdog - Koinu Yakuza. Koinu is Japanese for Puppy so it'll be no surprise to hear that this pup has been sponsored by Moshimo. I do have a soft spot for this Snowdog as I work in Brighton Town Hall and seeing Koino Yakuza smily face is always a great way to start the day!

16. Koinu Yakuza - Artist: Soheila Jones / Sponsor: Moshimo

Our next dog is not far away, head back the way you came from and cross over Prince Albert Street on to Brighton Place (in between Café Rouge & Bella Italia). Make time to pop in to Kellie Miller Arts shop as Kellie Miller designed one of the Snowdogs we'll see on a later trail. From Kellie's carry on walking towards Donatello and at the front entrance of the restaurant you'll find Crush Puppy. Fans who have already done the London Road trail may think she looks a little familiar and that's because this is the sister dog to Dudley as both were designed by the very talented Louise Dear.

18. Crush Puppy - Artist: Louise Dear / Sponsor: Donatello

Turn right down Market Street and you'll come out on East Street. This is a popular street in The Lanes as it features a square of restaurants where live music is often played and this is usually the site of the Christmas Lights switch-on - this year the lights switch-on will be on Wednesday 16th November. Carry on along East Street, pass the taxi rank and you'll find Horatio. This cute mustachioed fellow is ready for a day at the beach as he is dressed in his tradtional bathing suit. East Street was once the home of Martha Gunn who was a famous Brighton dipper. Dippers operated bathing machines which transported people down the beach and into the water whilst protecting their modesty. I'm sure Martha would have loved Horatio's stripey bathing suit!

17. Horatio The Bathing Beauty - Artist: Judith Berrill / Sponsor: iCrossing

From Horatio turn left to walk down the Avenue and then turn left again and then walk towards the pelican crossing to cross over to the Old Steine. Here you will find our last dog of the day Legal Beagle who features a map of all his favourite places across Brighton & Hove.

24. Legal Beagle - Artist: Kip Devore McCullough / Sponsor: GSFW Solicitors

That's it for today's trail so why not turn around and head back into The Lanes to explore all those fantastic shops you wandered past or stop off and refuel at one of the cafés or restaruants?

Other places to look out for in The Lanes:

• Rendezvous Café & Gallery
• English's of Brighton
• Rickshaw Oriental
• The Market Inn
• Browns Brasserie & Bar
• No. 32
• The Cricketers Pub
• Shops in The Lanes
• Hand Made Mysteries
• Ghost Walk of The Lanes
• Chapel Royal
• Fabrica
• Old Police Cells Museum

To download the full trail map head to our website or pick one up from one of our Visitor Information Points. Don't forget the Snowdogs are art sculptures so please respect them and do not climb on or graffiti them. The Snowdogs are supporting the Martlets so if you would like to donate text SDOG16 £3 to 70070.

Charlotte