10 Things you (probably) didn't know about Hove
22 Dec, 2025
1. Hove Was Once a Sleepy Farming Village
Before it became a fashionable seaside retreat, Hove was little more than open farmland with a scattering of cottages. Its transformation didn’t really begin until the 19th century, when wealthy Londoners started eyeing the coast for healthier living.
2. Its Famous “Boundary” Is More Cultural Than Real
Locals love to debate where Brighton ends and Hove begins, but the boundary has shifted multiple times over history. Today, it’s less about official maps and more about vibe: Brighton buzz on one side, Hove calm on the other.
3. Hove Has Some of the UK’s Widest Lawns
Those expansive green spaces along the seafront aren’t just pretty, they’re unusually wide by British seaside standards. They were deliberately designed to feel open, orderly, and refined, reflecting Hove’s upper-class ambitions.
4. There’s a World-Class Toy Collection Hidden Here
Inside Hove Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most impressive historic toy collections in the country. From antique dolls to model trains, it’s a quietly magical place that surprises many first-time visitors.
5. The Beach Huts Are Carefully Controlled
Hove’s iconic pastel beach huts may look carefree, but strict rules govern their colours, maintenance, and use. Overnight stays are banned, and owners must stick to approved paint shades to preserve the classic look.
6. Hove Played a Role in Early Women’s Sport
Hove was home to one of the earliest women’s cricket teams in England. At a time when women’s sport was frowned upon, local players were already breaking social norms and competing publicly.
7. It Has One of the UK’s First Bowling Greens
Bowls has long been associated with Hove, and for good reason. Some of its bowling greens date back to the Victorian era, making the town an important early centre for the sport’s development.
8. The Streets Were Designed for Status
Many of Hove’s grand avenues weren’t just about housing, they were statements. Wide roads, uniform terraces, and strict building rules were meant to attract wealthy residents and signal respectability.
9. Hove Lagoon Was Once Controversial
What’s now a family-friendly watersports hub was once criticised as an eyesore when first developed. Over time, however, it became one of Hove’s most distinctive recreational spaces.
10. “Hove, Actually” Isn’t Just a Joke
The phrase has become a tongue-in-cheek way for locals to assert Hove’s identity. It reflects a long-standing pride in being separate from Brighton, quieter, greener, and a little more understated.
Final Thoughts
Hove may not shout for attention, but that’s part of its charm. Behind the calm façades and manicured lawns lies a town rich in stories, quiet firsts, and cultural confidence. Next time you visit, look a little closer, you’ll see there’s much more to Hove than meets the eye.