Soldiers, Saints, Celebrities & Saxons

What is the walking tour of Aldrington about?

 
The Aldrington of the Domesday Book, settled from Saxon times, was comparable to her neighbour Brighthelmstone that was just far wealthier. By 1402 the ‘poorer fishing village’ of Brighthelmstone was relying on Aldrington for its welfare. For centuries, Aldrington was on the frontline, and her beacon lit to warn of an impending Spanish invasion. Her beaches defended; the landing craft crew for the world’s most significant seaborne invasion in history were trained in her waters. 
Aldrington has been the muse for Britain’s famous artists. The paintings of Aldrington can be seen on the walls of The Tate and other museums and art galleries around the UK.

Tragedy in Aldrington inspired Alfred Lord Tennyson to put pen to paper. The beauty of Aldrington’s beach and relative remoteness from Brighton attracted Hollywood Stars, famous inventors. What’s more, “The greatest book about the first world war” (W. H. Auden) was written overlooking Aldrington’s beach.
 

What are Hove Actually Walking Tours

Hove Actually Walking Tours are fun, informative and informal guided historical walking tours best suited to the incurably curious. Whether it’s your first visit or you have lived here your whole life, the tours are a great way to discover, uncover and experience the area. 

Booking is essential — email: hoveactuallywalks@gmail.com to reserve a place.

Who is your Local Tour Guide Expert?

 
A local historian, teacher, author of monthly historical articles for local magazines & used to be a guide at the Royal Pavilion Brighton. She adores our fabulous city, exploring, learning about old things and new things, and she especially likes strange, quirky and slightly unusual facts.

 

Where does the Aldrington tour start?

This tour starts outside the Deep-Sea Anglers Club (Western Esplanade, Hove BN41 1WE) on the beachfront in front of Hove Lagoon, and next to “Millionaire’s Row.”

It winds its way through the streets (for a mile or so, for approx. 2 hours) ending up near St Leonard’s Church on New Church Road (BN3 4ED). 
It is a mostly flat walk, with one set of steps which can be circumnavigated by a steepish path, if necessary.

Cost: £10 (£8 concession – children, students & low-waged) to be paid on the day.
 

What do customers say about the Aldrington historical tour?

“ Great walking tour this afternoon. As a local there were so many 'Ooh I never knew thats....' crammed into 90 minutes. Rachel is an engaging story teller”.

“Rachel was a brilliant tour guide and was so informative and enthusiastic. I learnt so much about the area in which I have lived in for many years”.

“ Really enjoyed this walking tour - well worth it. So much information - can’t believe it really! “
    
“ Rachel vividly brings to life Hove and it's many colourful characters”.

“Meticulously researched, full of interest and presented by a charming guide. Rachel has encouraged me to look anew at what surrounds me, she brought the local streets alive with her knowledge. All very impressive and I would encourage everyone to join her in the future.”