A coastal town in East Sussex with a medieval Old Town, annual Pirate Festival, and museums showcasing local history. Popular for swimming, fishing, and golfing.
Hastings, a coastal town in East Sussex, England, invites you to explore its medieval roots and seaside allure. Walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, climb to the ruins of William the Conqueror's castle, or watch fishermen at work at The Stade. You'll find unique museums like the True Crime Museum in seafront caves, enjoy the revitalized pier, and ride scenic funicular railways. With its active arts community and annual events like the Jack in the Green Festival, Hastings offers a rich experience for visitors.
Exploring the Old Town
As you walk through Hastings' Old Town, you'll find yourself in a maze of narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses. High Street is home to antique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes in centuries-old buildings. Explore the "twittens" - small alleyways connecting the main streets. These passages often lead to hidden courtyards or reveal glimpses of the town's medieval past. Stop by one of the historic pubs in the area to enjoy a pint and soak in the atmosphere.
The Stade and Fishing Tradition
The Stade, an old Saxon term meaning "landing place," is where you'll find Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet. If you visit early in the morning, you can watch fishermen bring in their catch and sell it directly from their boats. Look for the distinctive black wooden net shops, structures used for centuries to store fishing gear. To learn more about Hastings' maritime past, visit the Fishermen's Museum. Housed in a former church, it displays old boats, fishing equipment, and photographs that tell the story of this enduring industry.
Arts and Culture
Hastings has an active arts community, with several galleries and museums to visit. The Hastings Contemporary, formerly known as the Jerwood Gallery, displays modern and contemporary British art in a striking building on the seafront. For a unique experience, explore the True Crime Museum, located in a series of seafront caves. The Hastings Museum and Art Gallery offers a varied collection, including local history exhibits and a gallery dedicated to Native American art.
Seafront Activities
Take a stroll along the recently restored Hastings Pier, enjoy the sea views, or attend one of the many events held there throughout the year. For a different perspective on the town, ride one of the two funicular railways. The East Hill Lift, the steepest funicular railway in Britain, takes you up to Hastings Country Park. The West Hill Lift provides access to Hastings Castle and St. Clement's Caves.
Green Spaces and Nature
Hastings offers several green spaces for nature walks. Visit Alexandra Park, a 109-acre Victorian park with ornamental gardens, lakes, and woodland areas. For more rugged terrain, head to Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve. This 853-acre park stretches for three miles along the coast, with dramatic cliffs, ancient woodland, and heathland. The park is home to various wildlife species and offers views across the English Channel.
Food and Drink
Hastings' food scene combines traditional seaside fare with modern cuisine. For classic fish and chips, try Maggie's on The Stade. If you prefer upscale dining, visit The Old Custom House, which serves locally sourced seafood with a contemporary twist. The town also has an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan options, like Seed Hastings. Don't miss the chance to try some local Sussex wines or ales in one of the town's historic pubs.
Annual Events
Hastings hosts several unique events throughout the year. The Jack in the Green Festival, held over the May Day bank holiday weekend, fills the streets with people dressed in green to celebrate the coming of summer. In July, the town embraces its past with Pirate Day, when thousands of residents and visitors dress up as pirates. The Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival in September highlights local produce and wines. These events add to the town's lively atmosphere and give you a chance to experience local traditions.
Hastings Castle and Battle Abbey
On West Hill, you'll find the ruins of Hastings Castle, offering panoramic views of the town and sea. William the Conqueror built this stone fortress shortly after landing in England in 1066. While much of the castle has crumbled over time, you can still see parts of the chapel, dungeons, and walls. For more information about the Norman Conquest, take a short trip to Battle Abbey. This site marks the location of the famous Battle of Hastings and includes an interactive exhibition about the events of 1066.
