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Just an hour away from central London, located on the coast of South East England, Brighton’s county these days confuses even its residents. As part of the historic county of Sussex and the present Brighton and Hove built-up area, which extends into the geographic county of West Sussex, the city of Brighton is shown on the map as part of West Sussex as well. To settle the question of ‘What county is Brighton in?’ keep reading.
Table Of Contents
Brighton And Hove: Distinct But Together
Brighton and Hove were clearly two distinct towns until 1992 when a government commission suggested that two separate unitary authorities be created for both towns. Hove residents rejected the idea because it included merging with Worthing and Adur in West Sussex.
The post-consultation report showed that more than a quarter of the residents in both Brighton and Hove supported the idea of these two towns merging under one unitary authority and undertaking a joint development, although a number of Hove residents were worried that Brighton would control the city government.
Brighton is home to the Royal Pavilion, one of the most exotic buildings in the country, which dates back to the 18th century.
Ultimately, the Commission decided to form the Brighton and Hove Borough Council in 1997. In 2001, Brighton and Hove was granted city status, and the borough council became Brighton and Hove City Council.
Check out the best places to live in Brighton in 2023, from Seven Dials to Kemptown and North Laine.
What County Is Brighton In?
Brighton is situated in East Sussex County alongside towns like Rye and Hastings, yet it falls under the district of Brighton and Hove. The City of Brighton and Hove is located in the south, on the English Channel, straight on the border with West Sussex. It’s only just over an hour’s drive from London.
Historically, the town was a self-administrated county borough but lost its unitary control of its affairs to the ceremonial county of East Sussex in 1972 and remained under this structure until unification with Hove.
Today, the City of Brighton and Hove is one of the eight existing constituencies in East Sussex County, according to the Boundary Commission for England. In case you want to know more about East Sussex, read our article, ‘Where is East Sussex’.
What County Is Hove In?
Hove is in the county of East Sussex and is administered by the City of Brighton and Hove. Hove and Brighton are the two largest areas of the same city but are hereby discussed separately because people often speak about them as if they were two distinct places due to their very own unique characters.
Hove is largely residential and has its own distinct seafront and city centre, while Brighton is more commercial, hosting several national festivals and having the reputation of being the most popular seaside resort in England.
‘Hove, actually’ is a humorous reply that Hove residents give when asked if they live in Brighton.
Population Of Brighton And Hove
The unitary authority of Brighton and Hove had 276,300 residents, according to data from the 2021 Office for National Statistics, making it the largest settlement in East Sussex.
If you look at the map, the Brighton and Hove built-up area is located in both East and West Sussex and comprises Worthing and Littlehampton. Its population is nearly 500,000, making it the second-largest conurbation in the South East and on the Channel. If you want to stay in East Sussex but are looking for a less populated city, check out our list of lovely places to live in East Sussex.
Things To Do In Brighton And Hove
Brighton has a rich nightlife and is home to a range of tourist attractions. You can visit the pubs or stop by any of the restaurants around for fantastic local and international meals.
Brighton is also a hub for art. You can explore the impressive collections held at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery or watch a show at the Theatre Royal. Brighton lies between the South Downs and the English Channel, forming a bay between the headlands of Selsey Bill and Beachy Head cliffs. Its surroundings are definitely a must-visit as well.
You can hire a budget car from SDVH and explore these exciting locations in Brighton and Hove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What County Is Brighton And Hove In?
Brighton and Hove is in East Sussex County, which is also home to towns like Eastbourne and Seaford. However, unlike these towns, Brighton is a unitary authority area within the county, with its own local government, Brighton and Hove City Council. It’s also part of a larger conurbation that dominates the coast of East and West Sussex, the Brighton and Hove built-up area.
What Brighton And Hove Is Famous For?
Brighton and Hove is famous for its cultural, musical and art scene, which makes it a hub for creativity. Brighton and Hove also has an open-minded community, nightlife and diversity. This city is also known for being welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, which has earned it the title of the ‘LGBTQ capital of England’.
Is Brighton A Better Place To Live Than Hove?
No, Brighton is not a better place to live than Hove. Hove is regarded as a better residential area, while Brighton is more popular with tourists. Brighton is, however, better if you are looking for an active life with great neighbourhoods like North Laine and Seven Dials. If you prefer quieter beaches and greenspaces with fairly rich nightlife as well, choose Hove.
Conclusion
So, what county is Brighton in? The simple answer is East Sussex. However, it is a unitary authority area within the county. Brighton’s location and relationship with Hove often confuse people due to their completely independent characters, but ultimately, they are one and the same: the City of Brighton and Hove.
So, what other areas are part of East Sussex?
Hi Beatrice, East Sussex comprises the districts of Lewes, Wealden, Rother, Hastings and Eastbourne, with many beautiful neighbourhoods in these areas.