OUR AREA

Why to move to Hove

Hove is known throughout Britain for its gorgeous Regency architecture, beautiful seafront, culturally-rich environment and great educational opportunities. More exclusive than the larger city of Brighton, Hove offers a lively cosmopolitan scene and some of the best properties in the country. Amidst the picturesque streets are endless award-winning restaurants, pubs and independent shops where locals and visitors can find designer fashion and unique gifts to suit all tastes. The excellent school system also makes Hove a great choice for families, who can choose between outstanding state schools and several private options to secure the best educational choice for their children.

Hove also appeals to many London commuters who enjoy living by the sea in easy reach of fast train connections to the city. Offering a more relaxed pace than London, Hove is nevertheless full of cultural opportunities and entertainment including the best in music, comedy and theatre performances. Between the fantastic restaurants, beautiful squares and great theatre, those who appreciate the edgy, sophisticated atmosphere will never want to leave!

History of Hove

Hove, known in centuries past as “La Houue” or “Hova”, was until the mid-nineteenth century a small and sparsely populated village. Unlike the neighbouring settlements of what are now Brighton, Portslade and Hangleton, Hove has no mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, although there is rich archeological evidence for ancient settlements in the area, including a Bronze Age barrow which was excavated in 1856 in what is now Palmeira Avenue.

The population of Hove has made a dramatic upswing in recent centuries. In 1665, only four houses qualified for the Hearth Tax, and in 1801 Hove could only claim 101 residents. However, fifty years later the population had climbed to 4,000, primarily thanks to the royal and upper-class interest in Brighton and its increasing popularity as a seaside resort. Soon some of Brighton’s most stunning architectural achievements, including the stunning Palmeira Square and Adelaide Crescent, would be built in Hove to house the wealthiest of the city’s inhabitants.

Today Hove and nearby Brighton is a culturally-rich and cosmopolitan location known throughout the world for its fantastic art and music festivals and bohemian atmosphere, and is home to many famous writers, artists, musicians and performers.

Dine

Hove features some of the best and most highly critically reviewed restaurants in all of Brighton. From seafood to vegetarian to world cuisine of all kinds, there is something for everyone. Visit our local pubs for traditional fare and excellent local beers – Cooper’s Cask is widely regarded as serving the best Sunday roasts for miles around! Plus, all of the amazing restaurants of Brighton’s city centre are at your fingertips. Whatever you’re hungry for, you won’t leave disappointed with the food!

Shop

The chances to shop in Brighton and Hove are nearly endless. Hove itself offers numerous independent shops, particularly along Church Road, where sophisticated shoppers can peruse high quality handmade items to designer goods including the newest fashions, interior design, toys, gifts, jewellery, and much more. Only a few minutes away are the winding streets of the Lanes and the North Laine, which offer a unique and bohemian shopping experience where visitors can often find buskers and street artists who add colour and vibrance to the shopping experience on warm days. In Hove you’ll also find local and farmers markets that offer organic produce and hand-crafted items. And when you need a break, pop into one of our excellent cafés for a hot tea or coffee!

Explore

Hove truly does offer something for everyone, from leisurely strolls along the gorgeous beach to the undulating hills of the South Downs. Pop into Brighton to explore the Palace Pier or the Royal Pavilion, or take a day to wander through any of Brighton and Hove’s countless museums. Racing fans can choose from both the Greyhound Racecourse in Hove or Brighton’s Thoroughbred Racecourse, and golf enthusiasts will love our excellent courses. Football fans have it all with the new Amex stadium, and families will find endless activities and days out for the children, from theatre shows at Komedia to nearby family farms, a day outdoors at Hove Park or the lagoon, and everything in between.