Head to Hove

Hove was originally a small settlement, evidence of which traces back to the 12th century when St Andrews Church was built. It developed into a very small and rather unremarkable fishing village surrounded by farmland but remained rather deserted until the late 18th century when Regency and Victorian development of the area began. As a more low-key alternative to the increasingly busy Brighton, smugglers found Hove to be an ideal place to conduct illicit activities; the Ship Inn became a favourite meeting spot amongst smugglers but the place was quickly put under army surveillance in 1794 and a coastguard station was established next to the Inn in 1831 to help fight criminal activity. In the Regency era, wide boulevards and grand mansions were built here by holidaying urbanites to give the town the signature style it is still known for today. These contrast nicely with Brighton's narrower, more labyrinthine streets and its more modest buildings. In 1997, Hove merged with Brighton as part of a local government reform to form the borough of Brighton & Hove, which was granted city status in 2000.

It’s worth taking the time to walk around and look up at all the grand beautiful buildings that make Hove so unique. It’s worth taking time to go to Adelaide Crescent, designed by Decimus Burton, building started in 1830 but wasn’t finished until the 1860s. One of the most prominent pre-Victorian structures in the Brighton & Hove area, its scale is remarkable and nearly matches Bath’s iconic crescent for its beauty. Located right off the seafront, it offers a wonderful perspective of the town and everything it has to offer. Palmeira Square is another quintessential location in Hove to discover local architecture. It is reflective of the overall evolution from Regency style architecture into a more Neo-Renaissance style that is prominent in the area, showcasing a unique interpretation of Victorian/Italianate aesthetics. The square also leads down to the beachfront so it’s a perfect spot to stop before heading down to the beach.

Hove’s seafront is an absolute delight for anyone seeking to get away from the Brighton crowds and busy beach. You can head down from either Palmeira Square or Adelaide Crescent and take a stroll along the promenade or head down onto the rocky beach itself. You also get a fantastic view of Brighton from afar. We love planning picnics on Hove’s beachfront or simply taking the time to sit on the beach and enjoy a coffee or a drink. It’s also a fantastic sunset spot where on a clear day you can sit peacefully for hours and watch the colours in the sky turn from bright blue to deep blood-orange to cotton-candy pink and ultimately into a deep mauve before darkness takes over. It’s a wonderful place to gather amongst friends or family members and is a lovely place for a beach day out with the kids as it is often much less overwhelming than the busy Brighton beachfront. Make sure you also keep an eye out for all the adorable colourful beach cabins along the seafront.

Hove is a wonderful place to go out for dinner, with a wide variety of delightful restaurants being in the area. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite dinner spots here. 

Cin Cin Hove is an excellent neighbourhood Italian joint, where the staff is always welcoming and friendly. Their fresh pasta is excellent and a sure crowd pleaser. 

Etch is a more high-end restaurant, kept by winner of Master Chef: The Professionals Stephen Edwards. A modern feel permeates both the space and the chef's take on the culinary arts. The restaurant has views on the open kitchen, allowing guests to gaze upon the food-making process while waiting for their dishes. 

Wild Flor was opened in 2019 and has since been highly rated by food critics around the world. A small team operates the restaurants which gives it that welcoming feel, and the food is always fresh and locally sourced to create some exquisite dishes. 

Fourth and Church is a charming wine bar and restaurant located on Church Road. They offer an extensive selection of wines from some of their favourite small producers, allowing guests to get a unique wine tasting experience each time they come back. They also concoct unique dishes, built around specific ingredients. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is warm and friendly, perfect for a dinner amongst friends and family. 

By car: 

• The drive from Brighton to Hove is very short and straightforward. Everything is also clearly signposted and it’s hard to get lost. Street parking is available throughout Hove although it can sometimes get busy.  

By bus: 

• Brighton & Hove public buses function normally in Hove, and many of them run straight from Brighton into Hove so it’s a very convenient way of getting from one side of town to the other. 

Hove is a very small town so walking is the best way of getting around, and it’s also the perfect way to bask in all the stunning local architecture.

• Ditch the Google Maps and just get lost in the town. It’s very small and you’ll easily make your way back into central Brighton without needing directions. And if you’re really truly lost, just walk back along the seafront, it’s fool-proof.