Home to a historic castle, a contemporary gallery and a 19th-century pier, Hastings is a popular seaside town with lots to offer visitors.
Earlier this year, the town was named one of the “coolest” places to live in a survey by Naturecan.
Visiting there last summer, I was excited to experience the town’s rich history and 16th-century architecture.
Located in picturesque East Sussex, Hastings is a seaside town just over 50 miles from London and 24 miles from Lewes.
It’s most famous for – and got its name from – the Battle of Hastings which took place eight miles away at Senlac Hill in 1066.
Located high above the town of Hastings on a hill looking over the English Channel is Hastings Castle.
The castle, which was built in the 12th century, is now largely ruined and is open to the public between March and October.
We visited the castle on a sunny day, making our way up the cliff on the West Hill cliff railway.
The West Hill Lift opened in 1891 and still has its traditional wooden Victorian coaches.
The lift is a fantastic experience and runs through a tunnel which is very unusual for a railway of its kind.
The castle itself is definitely worth a visit – even if just for the spectacular views.
The castle is a huge part of British history being the first Norman motte and bailey castle to be built in England.
At just £6.25 per adult ticket and £20.50 per ticket for two adults and two children, it’s a relatively affordable day out for all of the family.
However, as it’s largely out in the open, I’d recommend not visiting the attraction when it’s raining or particularly windy.
Before visiting the castle, we explored Hastings Old Town and the idyllic George Street which has plenty of quirky boutiques, vintage stores, art shops, bookshops, bars and cafes.
Hastings Old Town is just 15 minutes from the main, newer part of town and is filled with character and charm.
One of our favourite spots on George Street was Ye Olde Pumphouse – a quaint, pub with timber frames, real ales and delicious pub grub.
If you can grab a spot outside, you can enjoy George Street’s bustling atmosphere while enjoying a local beverage.
The old town has a network of “twittens” which are tiny passageways and alleys linking the streets to lanes and streets.
Many of these passageways are actually in between some of the old houses on All Saints Street.
Some of the best pubs are also located around here including The Stag Inn and The Crown. Be sure to pop in for a pint while exploring.
If you’re looking for a spot for lunch then I’d highly recommend visiting Maggie’s Fish & Chips.
Located on Rock-A-Nore Road, Maggie’s doesn’t just offer generous portions at reasonable prices but fabulous views over the Fisherman’s Beach and Hasting’s Net Shops.
Hasting’s net shops are iconic and were built in the 1800s from thin timber up to three stories high to store and mend nets.
While Hastings Old Town is full of character and charm, the new town is an entirely different story.
The newer part of town is filled with chain stores, overflowing rubbish bins and rowdy people spilling out of bars.
Like many seaside towns in the UK, Hastings is, unfortunately, a town of two halves.
While I enjoyed exploring the old town, the newer part of town was dirty, neglected and slightly unpleasant.
Walking back through the new town towards our apartment in the evening, we felt, on occasion, unsafe and intimidated.
So would I return to Hastings? I’m not so sure. Perhaps to Hastings Old Town, but I’d give the newer part of town a miss.
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