Ask someone where they live and you might hear the reply: “Hove, actually.” It’s a local phrase that’s become part of the city’s identity, reflecting just how different Hove feels from neighbouring Brighton. There’s less rush, fewer crowds and more space to slow down, whether that’s over brunch on Church Road, a walk along the promenade or an afternoon on Hove Lawns.
Church Road, Hove’s high street, runs through the centre of Hove and is lined with independent cafés, restaurants, artisan bakeries and boutique shops. While the absence of nightclubs in Hove means evenings are more likely to end with dinner, drinks or a stroll along the seafront with a sweet treat in hand than a queue outside a club.
Elegant Regency architecture, colourful beach huts and broad tree-lined avenues give Hove a look that’s instantly recognisable. It’s easier to drive around, flatter to explore on foot and home to some of Brighton & Hove’s most sought-after addresses. Spend a day here and you’ll soon understand why locals are so quick to make the distinction.
Hove offers relaxed seaside living, elegant architecture, independent businesses & one of the UK’s best promenades.
Get the latest on independent shops, local events, hidden gems & new openings in Hove.
Hove beach is one of the most relaxing stretches of the seafront. Wide promenades, colourful beach huts and Hove Lawns create a coastline where locals come for sea swims, coffee, picnics and sunset walks rather than getting swept up into Brighton’s busier attractions and tourist spots.
See what’s happening across Hove, from community celebrations, sports events to live entertainment and seasonal activities.
Mark Thomas marks 40 years at the microphone with a fast-moving mix of political comedy, personal mayhem, jokes and stories. The anniversary show looks back over a career spent turning the state of the nation into fearless, funny stand-up.
Bringing local business leaders together to discuss resilience, leadership, strategy, risk and how Brighton businesses can adapt to uncertainty.
On Your Bike Baffo! follows an optimistic clown determined to complete a very important cycling challenge, only to be distracted by curious discoveries and comic mishaps. With clowning, slapstick, live music, audience participation and increasingly ridiculous props, the family show celebrates imagination, perseverance and the joy of trying again.
A 16-piece chamber orchestra brings festive film music, traditional carols and Christmas classics
Independent shops are one of Hove’s biggest strengths. Wander through Church Road and George Street to find some of Hove’s best independent businesses. Browse specialist chocolatiers, neighbourhood bookshops, boutiques, furniture stores and carefully curated homeware shops, with plenty of hidden gems along the way.
Hove offers plenty for spectators and players alike. Catch county cricket at Sussex CCC, tee off on an 18-hole championship course or discover local sports clubs, tennis courts and community facilities across Hove.
Hove takes café culture to the next level. Independently roasted coffee, beautifully designed spaces and some of the best brunch spots in Hove making café hopping one of the greatest pleasures. The tricky part is deciding which one to check out first.
Looking for places to eat in Hove? Some of the best Hove restaurants are found along Church Road and the surrounding streets, from independent bistros and open-kitchen dining to authentic Italian favourites, wood-fired pizzas and relaxed seafront restaurants with panoramic views of the beach.
If your idea of a great night out starts with a carafe of red and a charcuterie board, you’ll feel right at home in Hove. Discover stylish wine bars, independent cocktail spots and relaxed venues where the atmosphere is every bit as memorable as the drinks.
The best finds are usually the ones you weren’t looking for. Wander through antique and vintage shops in Hove showcasing everything from mid-century furniture and decorative pieces to unusual collectables and beautifully crafted home accessories – with prices to suit every budget.
Hove’s boutique hotels combine beautifully designed interiors, local artwork and elegant Regency architecture, offering a more relaxed base while keeping Brighton within easy walking distance.
Discover peaceful gardens, family parks, sports facilities, playgrounds, cafés & wide open spaces perfect for relaxing, exercising or simply enjoying the outdoors.
One of Hove’s largest parks, popular for tennis, football, jogging, family picnics and its miniature railway. Wide open green spaces and excellent sports facilities make it a favourite with locals year-round.
Stretching alongside the seafront, Hove Lawns are perfect for picnics, sea views and lazy afternoons in the sunshine. Throughout the year they host community events, outdoor fitness classes and festivals overlooking the beach.
Families flock to Hove Lagoon for the paddling pool and playground, while watersports enthusiasts make the most of wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. With cafés, open space and plenty happening throughout the year, it’s one of Hove’s best places to spend an afternoon.
A popular neighbourhood park with a large children’s playground, open green spaces and sports facilities. It’s especially popular with families, dog walkers and anyone looking to escape the busier seafront.
Tucked away from the coast, Dyke Road Park offers peaceful walking paths, mature trees and wide open spaces for sport, exercise or simply unwinding away from the crowds.
One of Hove’s most tranquil green spaces, known for its historic gardens, colourful flower displays, cafés and community events. A peaceful place to enjoy a coffee, read a book or escape the pace of the city.
Living in Hove offers a lifestyle that’s difficult to find elsewhere on the South Coast. The beach, parks, independent businesses and excellent transport links all sit within easy reach, creating a neighbourhood that’s just as popular with young families and professionals as it is with retirees.
The architecture is one of Hove’s biggest draws. Adelaide Crescent, Brunswick Square, Palmeira Square and the grand avenues from First to Fourth Avenue showcase some of the finest Regency homes in the country, while Victorian terraces, converted apartments and contemporary developments provide a wide variety of homes beyond the seafront.
Further inland, Poets’ Corner and Aldrington have become favourites for families thanks to their strong community feel, local cafés and period housing, while West Blatchington offers a quieter suburban setting with larger homes, green spaces and excellent schools nearby.
Property prices are typically higher than many parts of Brighton, but larger homes, private gardens, occasional off-road parking and an exceptional quality of life continue to make Hove one of Sussex’s most sought-after places to live. Direct rail services to London and easy access to the city centre only add to its appeal.
Fancy seeing another side of the city? Head east from Hove towards Seven Dials, the Brighton Seafront and the winding streets of The Lanes. Discover Brighton’s independent side in North Laine and London Road, explore neighbourhood favourites Hanover and Fiveways, or continue along the coast towards Kemptown and Brighton Marina. Heading west instead? Take a closer look at Portslade.
If you have more questions about Hove, we’ve answered some of the most popular below.
Hove sits immediately west of Brighton and together they form the city of Brighton & Hove. Hove stretches from the Brighton border near Norfolk Square towards Portslade and is known for its elegant seafront, Regency architecture and somewhat sophisticated atmosphere.
Yes, Hove is very close to Brighton. You can walk from Brighton Clock Tower (city centre) to Hove in around 20–30 minutes along the seafront or via Western Road and Church Road. Most of the bus routes will take roughly 10 minutes, or an 8 minute drive through Seven Dials.
That depends on what you’re looking for. Brighton is known for its attractions, nightlife and lively city centre and is popular among students, while Hove offers a calmer atmosphere, wider streets and is often referred to as the ‘posher’ part of Brighton & Hove. Together they offer two very different sides of the same city.
Brighton and Hove officially became one city in 2001, but they still have distinct identities. Brighton is generally busier and more visitor-focused, while Hove is known for its quieter neighbourhoods, elegant seafront and more residential character.
Yes, Hove ranks among the UK’s most expensive places for first-time buyers outside London. Zoopla reports average asking prices of around £331,900 for a flat and £1.2 million for a detached home. Average rents across Hove are around £1,826 per month.
The combination of beautiful homes, the seafront on your doorstep, excellent transport links into London and an exceptional quality of life means demand for homes in Hove rarely slows down, but most locals would probably tell you that you get what you pay for.
Yes. Hove is widely regarded as one of the most desirable areas in Brighton & Hove. Residents are drawn to its independent cafés, relaxed seafront, green spaces, beautiful architecture and strong sense of community, making it popular with families, professionals and retirees alike.
Absolutely. Walking from (central) Brighton to Hove High Street takes roughly 20–30 minutes. Either along the seafront promenade or via Western Road and Church Road. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore both neighbourhoods.
Hove is widely considered one of the safer parts of Brighton & Hove and generally experiences lower crime rates than many busier areas closer to the city centre.
Yes. If your business is based in Hove, you can create a free Spotlight or upgrade to a Grow or Elevate Spotlight to showcase your business, be featured on this page and reach more locals and visitors.
