Brighton and Hove, city and unitary authority, geographic county of East Sussex, historic county of Sussex, southeastern England. It is located on the English Channel 51 miles (82 km) south of London, with which it is closely linked by rail and superhighway. The unitary authority, which is the largest in population on the southern coast of England, comprises the seaside resorts of Brighton and Hove (the administrative center) and surrounding communities. It is the main commercial center of Sussex. The unitary authority was granted city status in 2000.