New York, Ankh-Morpork, Budapest there aren’t too many twin cities in the world. Hove (pronounced to rhyme with ‘cove’) might seem like a strange word for an even stranger place. Down on England’s South Coast, in the county of Sussex, famous Brighton is actually the twin city of Brighton and Hove. Come for the history and stay for the great things to do in Hove.
Are you a local who tried to move to Brighton from London, ended up in a Hove flat and thought ‘what do I do in Hove?’ or are you a traveller keen to see the other side of the city? I’ve got you covered.
Think of Hove as the quieter, calmer and definitely posher sister. It used to be fishing village, but now it’s a quirky and lovely seaside half city. Hipster heaven and just a bit snooty about its other half, Hove has the fun side to back it up.
Once totally independent, she sits on the west side of Brighton and is well worth the 20 minute bus ride from Brighton Pier.
How do I find Hove?
Well there’s no actual border as such, but it’s generally accepted to start around the peace statue, level with Norfolk Square.
Here are 25 fantastic options to get you started exploring!
[bctt tweet=”Never been to Hove? You soon will with this list of fabulous things to do on the South Coast of England. #visitsussex #southcoast #visitengland #UK” username=”live10countries”]
THINGS TO DO IN HOVE
Totally instagrammable beach huts
Look familiar? If you’ve seen these everywhere marked as being in Brighton, you’ve been lied to. These cuties are actually along Hove seafront and they are very expensive to rent. But they also add a gorgeous retro feel to the place, perfect for taking selfies or just lounging in front of them and taking in the view. To find them, walk west for roughly 20 minutes from the i360 tower.
Hove Beach
There’s no sand, but that didn’t stop the Victorians loving it. The views are incredible, you can bring a BBQ and cook your dinner and there are far fewer crowds than in central Brighton. Try the section opposite Langdale Gardens for a great day out.
Hove Lawns
View this post on InstagramScorchio ☀️. #hove #hovelawns #brighton #britishsummer #brightonbeach #britishseaside #scorchio
Grassy lawns that stretch along Hove seafront, each with its own character. Think picnics, think the most vibrant seafront cafe you’ve ever seen and in the summer everything from a circus to giant bubble blowing workshops happen here. Also they have tennis and very posh boules.
Hove Bandstand
View this post on InstagramBrighton and Hove in one picture. #hovebandstand #westpier #i360 #brighton
This icon on the beachfront is ideal for Instagram shots, but its also comes alive with regular events like singing and dancing troupes. Great place to watch a sunset and there’s a popular cafe just beneath it. Find it just off Kings Road.
Hove Lagoon
View this post on InstagramHove Lagoon Shot from the Mavic Pro #mavic #mavicpro #dji #dronephotography #hove #hovelagoon
A shallow lagoon close to the sea, this is the place to try water sports and you’ll find it just opposite Norman Road.
Vintage shopping at Bobby and Dandy
This place is entirely irresistible – I stepped in for a browse recently and came out with a genuine 1930s apron. Dresses, skirts, trousers and men’s clothes from the last century, in a small but perfect setting. Find them at 18 Blatchington Rd. Hove shops are some of the best, so definitely prepare your wallet for some spending.
Department Flea Market
View this post on Instagram
Less a shop and more of an entire vintage fair squeezed into one large shop, this place only sells eccentric stuff from the past and they are arranged into a set of stalls, each fuelled by a local collector. If you want retro Coke crates, a doctor’s kit from the 19th century or furniture to blow your friends’ minds, come here to 22 Blatchington Rd. Read the full guide to vintage Brighton for more.
Brighton and Hove Stuff
Stuffed with kitsch, crazy and generally mad bits and bobs, this shop will sell you the ‘I’ from Brighton Pier’s glowing sign, ancient postcards of the area, rare trinkets and so much more on Western Road. It’s well and truly worth a browse.
Shopping at Velvet
The sort of place where you are guaranteed to ooh and ahh before coming home with several things you didn’t know you needed. Cute things for the home, for your body and to set the mood – on Church Road.
The Book Nook
Adorable and independent kids book shop at 1 St Johns Place, where you can settle into the cafe with a good read, or indulge your inner child to its heart’s content.
Norfolk Square Cutter and Grinder
A barber might not sound too interesting, but this one really is an experience, and a piece of history. Sleek shaving with real razors, hipster beard trims and boutique products. The interior is from a genuine 1920s barber shop in Chicago – and yes, it’s very Hove.
CULTURAL THINGS TO DO
Hove Museum and Art Gallery
Art, local history and entertainment for the family on New Church Road. It’s free to enter, so what do you have to lose?
Booth Museum
Indulge your inner geek at this natural history museum, where entrance is free and there are lots of interactive displays. Find it on at 194 Dyke Road.
Brighton Open Air Theatre
The Minack Theatre can eat its heart out, this is a riot of outdoor fun and play acting on Hove Green, Dyke Road Park.
The Regency Townhouse
A grade I listed building, tucked by Brunswick Square, with a real old world feel. It’s being turned into a museum but right now you can take free tours around it and have a lovely tea.
WHERE TO EAT IN HOVE
This is a nightmare section because what Hove lacks in international fame, it makes up for in restaurants. The entire length of Church Road is heaving with places to eat and you can just start at St John the Baptist Church and walk west and you’ll be swimming in options. Here are a few favourites.
Wolfies of Hove
View this post on InstagramSchoolin’ Wolfie Jr. in the ways of the fish! #itsafamilyaffair #wolfiesofhove
Legends of the fish and chip scene, this is the kind of treat you have to allow yourself. They’re based right by Hove Station.
The Regency
If you want fish done right alongside sea views, come here. It’s got a lengthy history and mouthwatering food. There is absolutely no chance of getting a table outside on a sunny day here at 131 Kings Road.
Unithai
Mostly a Thai supermarket, this place has a speedy noodle bar in the back where you’ll get a filling meal for just a few pounds. Great for backpackers and students who need to save the pennies, it’s a way to get a taste of street food in the upmarket surroundings on Hove at 10 Church Road.
WHERE TO DRINK IN HOVE
The Gin Tub
Admittedly not the budgeter’s dream, but trust me this is worth it. Incredible gins (even gin sliders, which I didn’t know were a thing) in a unique decor, where you order from a vintage phone at your table – ooh go on then.
Velvet Jacks
A quirky bar and cafe set along the Western Road, close to the border with Brighton. It’s one of very few hang out spots for Brighton’s queer women, and offers great drinks and atmosphere with a few light snacks.
The Wick Inn
A quirky Victorian boozer with a speakeasy vibe and cocktails upstairs in a dimly lit, plush interior, just off Palmeira Square.
The Bee’s Mouth
Also on Western Road (in convenient staggering distance) is this tempting pub with an edge, which hosts jazz nights and other live music nights. If the weather is in your favour, you can sit outside and people watch.
Ginger Pig
Bar, restaurant and all round cool place – known to the locals as simply The Pig. Lots of pudding flavoured drinks to try if you have a sweet tooth. Plenty suave, but not the start of a cheap night out.
There we have it, Hove’s best attractions, from free things to pricier options, with something for everyone. Notice how I’ve resisted the temptation to dribble in lots of things to do in Brighton – that’s for another post! If you visit any of these, do leave me a comment below!
- The Enchanted Glade Glamping Review - April 23, 2024
- How to get a working holiday visa for the UK – a full guide - March 21, 2024
- Panoramic Pods Allendale Glamping Review - February 15, 2024
Good to see ‘Hove actually’ getting some love! Shame there isn’t a sandy beach, but I’m keen on the bandstand for sure.
Shoudl I be staying in Brighton or Hove for a weekend?
Hove is more family friendly, but Brighton has more action and nightlife 🙂