About Hastings
The seaside town of Hastings is the perfect blend of traditional and modern, mixing nicely to leave a vibrant, bustling town with plenty of surprises. The Old Town is an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac shops, galleries, independent boutiques, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. It is very hard to pass the window of the award-winning Judges Bakery, without being lured in and purchasing one of their yummy delights, you have been warned!
If you are looking for evening entertainment then take in a film at the Electric Palace Cinema, an independent community-based cinema that aims to bring you a wide choice of alternative films and film-related events. Sign up for a Foyle’s War trail and visit all the locations used in the Old Town for the popular TV series.
Looking to explore the Country Park, then why not take the funicular up to the top or, if feeling fit, the many steps. The view is worth the effort and you can walk for miles taking in the cliff views.
Hastings Pier is located a pleasant walk along the seafront and throughout the year holds music events, so worth seeing if there is something that takes your fancy as tickets sell fast.
The town is famous for the biggest beach-launched fishing fleet in Britain and much of the tradition has been kept. The net drying huts and fishing fleet can be found on the beach today, along with the many fresh fish stalls. The Hastings Contemporary is found on the seafront and a building you cannot miss along with The Shipwreck and Coastal Heritage Museum all worth a visit.
Past the pier, you will find yourself in St Leonards on Sea, purpose-built in the 1800s by James and Decimus Burton as a seaside resort for the aristocracy. It almost has a Brighton vibe with the architecture and lawned squares and has attracted many artists to the area. You will find a good mix of galleries, antique shops, independent retailers, an independent cinema and plenty of cafes serving good coffee and sweet treats.
The town has a full calendar of events running throughout the year, one of the most popular being the ‘Jack in the Green’ festival during the early May bank holiday and its Wine and fish festival in September. The town also boasts two theatres showing a variety of plays and music recitals throughout the year. So always worth arranging your visit around one of the many events to add to your experience of visiting Hastings.
One of the reasons Hastings and St Leonards are becoming popular with tourists wanting a good mix of traditional and modern and why our hand-picked holiday cottages are a great base.