Hastings is a historic seaside town in East Sussex, made famous by the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Since then, it’s developed into a fascinating place to visit with many different things to do. From its rich history and old town to its beachfront hub and coastal funicular, Hastings is the perfect place to visit and only 90 minutes or so from London.
7 things to do in Hastings
So, looking for some fun things to do while you’re in Hastings? Here’s a great place to start.
Hastings Aquarium
Hastings is home to an incredible aquarium, if we do say so ourselves. It’s the perfect place to learn about life underwater, with a number of talks and feeds happening throughout the day. There’s a number of different exhibits including Native Zone, Ray Tank and the Jungle Room. When you visit, you might see any number of species such as seahorses, sharks, eels, snakes and turtles!
Smugglers Adventure
The coastal town isn’t just home to marine life though. Hastings is also home to St Clement’s Caves, an ancient area that’s now used to recreate the history and stories of smuggling and piracy of the 17th and 18th centuries. Smugglers Adventure is an immersive experience to help you learn what it was like to be a smuggler.
Hastings Old Town
Known for its timber-framed Tudor cottages and quirky, independent shops, Hastings Old Town is tucked between two cliffs. It has a lively art scene and a shingle beach, and parts of the Old Town are pedestrianised which makes it great for exploring. It’s arguably one of the most characterful parts of the south coast, with its combination of fishing heritage, galleries, eateries and community events.
Hastings beach
Hastings Beach stretches along the town, just a short walk from the Old Town itself. It’s a shingle beach, with a classic seaside feel. A fishing fleet still works off the beach, known as The Stade, with fisherman selling their catch right on the shingles. You’ll also find the fishermen’s museum here.
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
This award-winning museum and art gallery is also very family-friendly, giving you the chance to explore local history and other rotating exhibitions. You can learn more of East Sussex’s ancient past, discover their fine art collection or take a look at their extensive collection of First Nations objects.
Cliff railway
The cliff railways is the UK’s steepest funicular railway, first opened in 1902. There are two funiculars on the East and West Hills, giving you incredible views. The West Hill Lift runs through a tunnel and retains its original Victorian coaches, while the East Hill Lift can be seen from the town which is a fascinating thing to experience.
Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park is Hastings’ largest formal park at 109 acres, retaining its Green Flag status since 2005. Its famed for its tree collection, as well as being home to a café, tennis and putting, playgrounds and a pavilion. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying the great outdoors.
Where to stay in Hastings
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to staying in Hastings. If you prefer to go self-catering and sort all your meals yourself, it might be best to stay in a nearby caravan park or campsite. Alternatively, those seeking a more relaxing break with a few more luxuries like breakfast and maid services are probably best off searching for a hotel in the town.
Either way, Hastings has plenty of options available for different places to stay. From Combe Haven Holiday Park close to the West Cliff railway to a great selection of B&Bs and hotels dotted along the coastline, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.
It’s also worth thinking about how close you want to be to all the attractions. A caravan or campsite might be further away, so you’d have to factor in travel around the area. A hotel or B&B is likely to be a better option if you want everything to be right on your doorstep.
So, on your next trip to Hastings, don’t forget to check out some of these top attractions in the area. You can book Hastings Aquarium tickets in advance too, making it even easier to plan your visit.