by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:6th October 2020
Discover the Twittens, Funiculars and Rock-a-Nore
A look around HastingsWhen you think of Hastings, you may immediately envisage King Harold and William the Conqueror engaging in a brutal skirmish on the harsh battlefields in 1066. However, I don’t want to disappoint, but the conflict actually took place in Battle, some 8 miles away.
Nonetheless, Hastings has so much more to offer for a day out, there’s something for everyone in this East Sussex seaside town. Historic streets, an active fishing quarter, adventure golf and the nostalgic aroma of fish and chips by the sea.
Not only is it perfect for a day out with the family but, it is also ideal for weekend break from London.
Why not Pin it for later?
The Fisherman’s Museum
Where is Hastings?
How to get to Hastings
- By Train
Catch a highspeed train from St Pancras Intl, London and change at Ashford Intl. Or alternatively, catch a direct Southeastern train from London Bridge Station.
- By Car
It's a country route along English 'A' roads to Hastings, so you will need to be patient. There's pay & display car parking dotted around Hasting, but it can get busy on sunny days in the summer months.
A little bit of history about Hastings
So where did it all start?Hastings rich history dates back centuries and centuries. No sooner had William the Conqueror defeated the British, he’d ordered that a stone castle was to be built on the cliffs. Today just a few ruins of the castle remain.
Pelham Crescent with Hastings Castle ruins above
During the 12th century, Hastings became a Cinque Port. Members of the Cinque Ports were responsible for providing ships and men, to meet the naval and transportation requirements of the English Crown.
Planning your visit
Hastings beach and seafront
One of the unusual aspects of Hastings is that although for over a thousand years, fishing is part of daily life, Hastings doesn’t have a harbour. The fishing boats are all hauled back across the pebbles, which makes Hastings, Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet.
A walk around Hastings
Fishing Quarter and The StadeThe area of Hastings that I’m immediately drawn to is the fishing quarter and especially The Stade. I just love strolling around by the wooden black weather-boarded net sheds, then stumbling across the stoney beach amongst the trawlers.
Wooden black weather-boarded net sheds
All the while, squawking seagulls soaring overhead, looking for their next innocent victim who doesn’t have a firm grip on their fish and chips.
Ahh, you definitely know you’re beside the English seaside and all within a day trip for London. Grab the kids and let's visit the coast.
RX Fisheries and Net Shops
Dotted all around are fisheries tempting you with their catch of the day, or you can just grab yourself a pot of jellied eels or cockles and sit and watch the tide lapping across The Stade.
The Stade is the landing area for the colourful working fishing boats. When the fishermen have finished their haul for the day head in amongst the vessels, it’s like a pebble graveyard for huge rusting chains, buoys and weather-worn fishing nets.
Fishing Boats on the beach
Your bucket and spade won’t be required here, building sandcastles and burying your uncle neck-deep in the sand will have to be saved for another day trip to Margate.
We have a new little book on our shelves that we delve into when we're heading to the coast.
Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different counties of England. It tells tales of the history of the shoreline that surrounds our country.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves the English seaside.
A little bit of old Hastings
Rock-a-NoreThere’s plenty to keep you amused all along Rock-a-Nore. From the East Hill Funicular railway and the Hastings Contemporary to the aquarium, Fisherman’s Museum and the Miniature Railway.
That’s before you have a rummage around the antique shops or a quick refresher in one of the socially distancing seafaring pubs.
Antiques, ice-cream and nautical gifts
The fascinating lofty tall black sheds along the Rock-a-Nore immediately catch your eye. The net shops, some of which are three stories high, are used for storing the fisherman’s nets and ropes rather than for drying them.
East Hill funicular railway and Net sheds
The net shops have been an integral part of Hastings fishing fleet for centuries, in 2010 the 39 remaining net sheds were granted Grade II* listed building status.
Another unique element of Hasting’s seafront is East Hill Lift, one of two funicular railways in Hastings. East Hill opened in 1902 and transports you effortlessly 81 metres to the country park above. The funicular railway originally operated on the water balance principle; however, this was upgraded in 1976 to electricity.
The East Hill lift
Hastings Miniature Railway
The Rock-a-Nore and Stade is such a fascinating part of Hastings and full of so much history. With the Shipwreck Museum and the Fisherman’s Museum, you’ll be kept amused for hours with all the salty-sea-dog tales.
For a little bit of nostalgia hop onto the Miniature Railway which winds its way from Rock-a-Nore by the pebbly beach to the bustling amusement park.
Yes, you're right Hastings is a fun day out for the family.
Is Hastings worth visiting?
Let's look at Hastings Old TownWhen you manage to drag yourself away from The Stade, head up through the lanes of the Old Town.
Oh, and keep an eye out for the Winkle Club sculpture, yes, it is a giant mollusc.
Hastings Winkle Club sculpture
Stroll north along the picturesque road of All Saints’ Street. There are so many delightful timber-fronted buildings along here. What makes this lane even more charming is the ancient raised walkway and the quaint street lamps.
Timber-framed homes at the bottom of All Saints’ Street
Charming cottages all through All Saints’ Street
Colourful weather-boarded cottages along All Saints’ Street
Strolling the raised footpath along All Saints’ Street
Hastings Old Town was originally just two main streets, the High Street and All Saints' Street, which were divided by the Bourne Stream. The town has most certainly grown since the 14th century; however, these two pretty streets have still kept their charm.
The Cyril and Lilian Bishop lifeboat
Just before crossing over to the High Street take a little time to appreciate the wonderfully restored 1930’s lifeboat the Cyril and Lilian Bishop. This tough vessel not only saved 34 lives during its time in Hastings, but it was also used in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
More seaside adventures
If you love visiting seaside resorts, take a peek at the Kent coastal towns we’ve discovered. Uncover the delights of Broadstairs, Deal, Hythe, Dungeness, Folkestone and more.
Things to do in Hastings
I bet you didn't expect the High StreetThe High Street in Hastings is not quite how you would envisage a typical town High Street. Perhaps it’s because this one dates from centuries ago.
Predominately lined with quaint higgledy-piggledy homes, with tiny doorways and diamond leaded windows. Interspersed with antique yards, A G Hendry’s home store and shops where you can have a good old rummage.
The top of Hastings High St
A G Hendy hardware store
Passing through these two ancient streets, keep a lookout for the ‘twittens’. The name twitten is quite unique to Sussex. These little alleyways and passages lead off of the High Street and All Saints’ Street to lanes and streets beyond.
Where to stay in Hastings
- The Laindons - This stylish B&B is located within the historic Old Town of Hastings and is just a short walk to the seafront & restaurants. The bedrooms are beautiful.
- The Jenny Lind - Located along the old High Street in Hastings and a short stroll to Rock-a-Nore and plenty of restaurants. The bedrooms are comfortable and offer a full English breakfast.
Strolling down the picturesque Church Passage
St Clements Church from Hill Street
Take a stroll down some of the hidden alleys, as not only are they used as cut-throughs, they are so often hiding little cottages or pretty floral courtyards.
Keep an eye out for Church Passage along the High Street, this scenic lane leads up to Croft Road. For any Foyle’s War fans, you may recognise ‘St Just’ house from the detective TV drama.
St Just House
This is a delightful area of Hastings to get lost in, there are so many quaint homes and intriguing little lanes to roam around.
Weave you way down past St Clements Church and onto Swan Terrace to rejoin the High Street.
A family day out from London
What could be better than a fun day out with the family by the seaside? Jump on a train from London and the English coast awaits. Candy floss, crazy golf, amusements and spinning teacups.
With Raileasy catch a highspeed train from St Pancras Intl, London and change at Ashford Intl. Or alternatively, catch a direct Southeastern train from London Bridge Station.
The best of Hastings?
George StreetAnother of my favourites streets in Hastings is George Street. It’s full of so much character, and the architecture is wonderful.
Charming architecture along George Street
Hastings is not short of a pub or two
Few of the shops along here are uniform, centuries of time have left its imprint along this pleasant pedestrian lane. Lined with charming boutiques, antiques, curios, bookshops and independent stores. And so many tempting pubs and eateries.
A street musician was keeping us entertained, all the while a couple of locals were playing a game of giant chess.
Playing chess along George Street
Also, along George Street is the entrance to West Hill Lift, Hastings second funicular railway. The two original wooden Victorian coaches travel along the 500ft tracks skywards, through a tunnel to nearby Hastings Castle and St Clements smuggling caves above.
Escape for a few days
Are you in search of a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind in, while you discover the beautiful British countryside?
Take a peek at the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
A bit more history from Hastings
America Ground and Trinity TriangleThis small region of Hastings has a fascinating past. Centuries ago the triangular area around Robertson Street, Carlisle Parade, Harold Place and Claremont was once part of the sea.
The great storms of the 13th-century lead to Hastings harbour being destroyed and gradually the area silted over. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that merchants and ne’re-do-wells, occupied the land. Paying no rent on their ramshackle dwellings and creating the area to become almost self-sufficient, primarily ‘No Man’s Land’.
The America Ground mural, along Robertson Passage
The Trinity Triangle
A form of independence was declared against the Corporation of Hastings, by raising America’s ‘Stars and Stripes’ becoming known as America Ground.
By 1850, the land was transferred to the Crown.
Hastings Old Library in Claremont
The Venetian gothic Printworks
Things have changed a little bit around here now. In and around the ancient Trinity Church and Hastings old library are craft beers bars popping up, tattoo parlours, street-side cafés and organic stores.
Map, guides and more
When you’re nurturing the seed of a road trip, plotting your destinations across a paper map just brings the adventure to life. Whether it’s the touchy-feely aspect of the map or the rustling sound of mastering the art of origami while trying to fold it away, I’m not too sure. Nonetheless, the good old Ordnance Survey guys and gals always come up trumps.
Take a look at the vast array of maps you can choose from.
Hastings Beach
Off to the seafrontHastings seafront just cries out for you to promenade along. With the sun shining a refreshing breeze blowing from the sea head onwards to Hastings Pier.
Hastings pier
Due to a severe fire in 2010, the pier was rebuilt, and in 2017 it won the Stirling Prize for Architecture. Dotted all around the pier are historic storyboards, touching plaques from local residents and plenty of seating to sit and watch the world sail by.
Candy floss and slush, what more could you want?
Hastings Pier still as all the nostalgic fun that every pier should have with children’s rides, billowing candy floss and the traditional amusement arcades.
Hastings adventure golf
Strolling back towards Rock-a-Nore there’s still more fun to be had, the trampolines bring back great childhood memories for me. Nowadays it’s the swashbuckling adventure golf and that boating lake that’s more up my street.
There are so many beautiful regions to discover around the UK. From the delightful Kent coast in the southeast to the stunning Highlands of Scotland in the north. The UK is bursting with historical landmarks, castles and palaces.
Grab a copy of the latest DK Eyewitness guide to ensure you don't miss all those incredible sights.
Our YouTube video of Hastings
We have created a little YouTube video of Hastings. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
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Love your photos of Hastings. I lived there for 22 years and only moved because of my husband’s relocation to Brussels. About to launch a series of ghost stories set in the Old Town. You have captured it so well.
Ahh, thanks very much.
Hastings is a charming town, there is so much fascinating history, I love it around the old lanes and also down by the fishing boats. I can never turn down fish and chips by the seaside.
I can imagine there are quite a few ghost stories around there, you may come across some old smugglers.