Hove Area Guide

Once named as the most sought-after location in England and Wales for young professionals, Hove is an elegant seaside town located on the southern coast of England in East Sussex, nestled between Brighton to the east and Portslade to the west. It enjoys a prime position along the English Channel, offering stunning sea views and easy access to the South Downs National Park. Its coastal location provides residents with a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. It is one of the two main parts of the City of Brighton and Hove.

Boasting a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was referred to as ‘Hovea’, historically, it was a small fishing village and agricultural community until the 19th century when it began to grow rapidly in response to its eastern neighbour Brighton. This expansion was also driven by the construction of the railway in 1840, connecting Hove to London and other major cities. By the Victorian era it was a fully developed town with borough status. Victorian and Edwardian architecture flourished, and today, Hove is celebrated for its elegant Regency buildings, grand squares, and spacious streets.

Neighbouring parishes such a Aldrington and Hangleton were annexed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neighbouring urban district of Portslade was merged with Hove in 1974. In 1997, as part of local government reform, the borough merged with Brighton to form the Borough of Brighton and Hove; this unitary authority was granted city status in 2000.

A well-known reply by residents of Hove, usually humorous, when asked if they live in Brighton is "Hove, actually" thus maintaining a distinction with their less genteel neighbour. One source has identified the locally resident actor Laurence Olivier (who lived in Brighton) as the origin of the phrase. In the 1990s the Hove borough council used the slogan "Hove, actually" to promote the town for tourism.

Property

Hove's property market is diverse, just like it’s population, featuring a mix of grand Victorian and Edwardian houses, listed buildings, modern and period apartments, 1930s semi-detached and charming terraced homes. Hove's wide boulevards contrast with the bustle of Brighton, although many of the grand Regency and Victorian mansions have been converted into flats. Palmeira Square and Brunswick Square are renowned for their stunning Regency architecture, while areas like Poets' Corner offer more affordable yet attractive options. For those seeking luxury, there are high-end developments along the seafront, providing contemporary living with spectacular ocean views in addition to some stunning modern and period properties around Hove Park and Dyke Road.

Education

Hove is home to several excellent schools, making it an attractive location for families. Notable primary schools include Cottesmore St Mary Catholic School, St Andrew’s C of E, Hove Junior School and West Hove Infant School. For secondary education, Blatchington Mill School and Sixth Form College, Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Hove Park School offer strong academic programs. Additionally, independent schools like St Christopher’s Prep, part of the Brighton College family of schools and Brighton & Hove High School, provide alternative educational opportunities. The University of Brighton's campuses are also easily accessible, contributing to the area's vibrant academic community.

Shopping

When it comes to shops, bars and restaurants the hubbub of Church Road, George Street and Blatchington Road all offer plenty of choice surrounded by iconic period architecture.

Hove boasts a variety of shopping experiences, from independent boutiques to larger retail stores and supermarkets. George Street features a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants with Church Road being another popular shopping destination housing an eclectic mix of high-street brands, independent retailers, and artisan shops. Showcasing everything from art, lifestyle, interiors and chocolates to the French Pastries of Flour Pot Bakery, everything you need is right on your doorstep.

Down on the seafront, a parade of local independent amenities on Kingsway includes the ever-popular Franco’s Osteria, the Sugardough Bakery and Kernel of Hove health food store. The renowned Marrocco’s is close at hand on King’s Esplanade with handmade Italian ice-cream, perfect for hot summer days.

The amenities of Western Road and Brighton’s famous Lanes are also within easy reach and for those seeking fresh produce and local goods, Hove's farmers' market, held monthly, is a must-visit.

Entertainment

Hove offers a vibrant entertainment scene, catering to all tastes and interests. The Hove Museum and Art Gallery provides a glimpse into the local history and showcases contemporary art. For theatre lovers, the Old Market is a hub for performing arts, including theatre, music, and comedy.

Hove's seafront, with its picturesque promenade, is perfect for leisurely walks, while the King Alfred Leisure Centre offers various sports and fitness facilities. Hove Lawns, Palmeira Square and Adelaide Crescent offer plenty of green open spaces to relax in as well as some beautiful parks including Hove Park and St Anne’s Well Gardens, while the beach and seafront is never far away. Hove Lagoon is a bustling hub for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring one of the country's premier watersports centers. Hove Lagoon Watersports offers windsurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding tuition and hire, making it a perfect destination for both beginners and seasoned athletes. The area also boasts a café owned by Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), along with a children's skatepark and playground, providing fun for the whole family.

For cricket fans the County ground is found on Eaton Road. It is used for county, national and international matches, music concerts, fireworks displays, and has found resurgent popularity with the introduction of Twenty20.

Numerous bars, pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants are scattered throughout Hove, providing ample options for nightlife and dining. One venue definitely worth a visit is Rockwater, a vibrant seafront destination offering a unique blend of good food, entertainment, and wellness experiences. With stunning views of the English Channel, this stylish destination features live music, comedy nights, and an array of events, making it a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike. There is definitely no shortage of things to do in the area.

Travel

Hove is well-connected, making travel convenient for residents and visitors alike. The mainline railway station offers regular services to London, Brighton, Gatwick and other destinations, making it ideal for commuters. Brighton mainline station along with Portslade and are all within easy reach.

Numerous regular bus routes serve the area across the city up to Devil’s Dyke and outlying villages, providing efficient public transport options.

For those who prefer cycling, the extensive network of cycle lanes ensures safe and easy travel around the town and along the coast. Additionally, Hove's proximity to the A27 and A23 roads facilitates quick access to the wider region.

In summary, Hove is a vibrant and historic town that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and coastal charm. With its excellent schools, diverse property market, varied shopping and entertainment options, and efficient transport links, Hove remains a highly desirable place to live for families, professionals, and retirees alike.