St. Ann's Well Gardens, Hove

St. Ann's Well Gardens is a public park in Hove, East Sussex, roughly half a mile from the seafront. It grew up around a chalybeate (iron-rich) spring and remains one of the calmer green spaces in the Brighton and Hove area.

Where does the name St. Ann's Well come from?

Despite how it sounds, the name has nothing to do with a saint. Local legend tells of Annafrieda, a Saxon lady whose lover was murdered; her tears were said to have turned miraculously into the spring now known as St. Ann's Well. It is folklore rather than documented history, but it gives the place real character.

What is the history of the gardens?

The spring drew visitors in the 18th century, and its water was promoted for its supposed healing properties. A pump room was built over the spring, but when the flow weakened the spa declined and nearby fields were dug for brickmaking. In the later 19th century a new owner tidied the grounds and staged concerts, tea parties and balloon ascents.

In 1892 George Albert Smith, an early British film pioneer, rented the park and turned part of the building by the spring into a film laboratory. The council took over and opened the gardens to the public in 1908. Croquet lawns paid for by Flora Sassoon followed in 1913, and in 1935 the old pump room gave way to a mock wellhead.

What can you see and do here?

• Trees and gardens – a rich mix of native and exotic trees, plus a scented garden and a sensory garden.
• Seasonal colour – spring crocuses and strong autumn foliage.
• Streambed and conservation areas – fenced sections protect wildlife and plants.
• Play and sport – playgrounds, tennis courts, a bowling green and a fish pond.
• Café – a handy stop after a stroll.

Getting in and good to know

You can enter from Nizells Avenue, Furze Hill and Somerhill Road. Dogs are not allowed in the children's play areas; elsewhere in the park the rules may vary, so check the signs on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is the park named after a saint? No. The name comes from the legend of Annafrieda, a Saxon lady, not from any saint.

Is there an entry fee? It is a public council park and has been open to everyone since 1908.

Is it good for families? Yes. There are playgrounds, a sensory garden and a fish pond, and the paths are easy to walk.

What is the film connection? In 1892 George Albert Smith rented the park and used part of the building by the spring as a film laboratory.

Can you play sport here? Yes, the park has tennis courts and a bowling green.