Old Town Hastings is in the heart of Hastings, England and lies mainly within the eastern valley of the town. It is situated between two hills and is a vibrant seaside town. It’s beautiful to look at and is rather separate from the rest of Hastings. The seaside town offers many stunning views, as well as a range of cottages, town houses and passageways.
It is popular with art enthusiasts as it is home to many artists, and also offers a range of art galleries and exhibitions within the town. If you love independent quirky shops and cafés, Old Town Hastings is a wonderful place to visit as it has many shops which sell art, antiques, flowers, homeware and much more.
Close to the seafront is The Stade, where the town does its fishing – so if you plan on visiting a sea food restaurant, you know it will be fresh and delicious food. Don’t miss out on seeing some of the most picturesque views of the Old Town, at West Hill or East Hill – the start of a three mile coastline journey, which creates Hastings County Park.
Address
High Street
Hastings
England
http://www.coolplaces.co.uk/places/uk/england/east-sussex/hastings
2. Hastings Pier
Hastings Pier is a popular pier in Hastings, East Sussex in England. It was built in 1872 and since then, the pier has continued to entertain generations of locals and visitors with amazing coastal views.
A visit to Hastings Pier makes a great day out, especially if the sun is shining. Why not take a visit to Hastings with friends or family? There is so much to see and do, in and around Hastings. So why not take a visit to the beach and relax with a book, or take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the sea waves?
There are many restaurants and places to stay in Hastings, so if you’re planning on staying a little longer, make sure to take a look at the popular restaurants and hotels!
Address
1-10 White Rock
Hastings
TN34 1JY
England
Contact details
01424 445566
www.hastingspier.org.uk
3. Hastings Country Park
Hastings Country Park is a beautiful Nature Reserve and is the most prestigious area of biodiversity management in the Borough. It is also the largest area of public open space and largest nature reserve.
The reserve is home to the Hastings Cliffs, Hastings Cliffs Special Area of Conservation and to Pett Beach Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a popular heritage destination and is a renowned area of archaeological importance.
Hastings Country Park is peaceful and stunning park of ancient gill woodland, cliffs and grassland making it perfect for walkers and explorers! It covers 853 acres of natural beauty, as well as 5km of dramatic cliffs and coastline. There are so many views to experience, such as spectacular views which overlook the coastline from Beachy Head to Dungeness.
Car park
Hastings Borough Council
Hastings Country Park
Coastguard Lane
East Sussex
Fairlight
TN35 4AG
Contact details
01424451070
www.hastings.gov.uk/countryside_nature/naturereserves
4. Cliff Railway
Cliff Railway is worth a visit, especially if you love the countryside and are a railway enthusiast! The West Hill Lift still has its original wooden Victorian coaches and also runs through a tunnel which funiculars don’t usually do. The funicular is also England’s steepest railway and is a structure of local importance as well as a source of local price.
It has a charming lower station, full of history and is in traffic-free George Street, home to many continental style cafés, bookshops and art shops. There are so many beautiful views to enjoy, which stretch round to Beachy Head in the west and also across the channel. If you plan on making a day of it, why not get a bite to eat in the West Hill Café? It’s open throughout the summer offering a range of food and refreshments.
The railway has become an iconic symbol of Hastings over the years, as it has managed to withstand two world wars and the fast changing century. There is so much to do in Hastings, so why not visit the Cliff Railway? Make sure to bring a camera, as there will be some stunning coastal views.
Address
West Hill
George Street
East Hill
Rock-a-Nore Road
Hastings
TN34 3EG
England
Contact details
01424 451111
www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/attractions/cliff-railways
5. Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park offers woodland valleys and beautiful scenery, perfect for a weekend walk with friends or family – it has something for everyone to enjoy. It also is home to the best collection of trees in England.
It is in the heart of a valley and starts flat, going uphill towards the north of the town. The park is around 109 acres and travels through the town for a few miles. There are many beautiful areas of the park including gardens and a pond, which is full of various species of wildlife.
Why not take a tour around Hastings one weekend and have a picnic in the park? Whether you fancy a coastal, town or forest trip, Hastings has many places to experience and explore.
Address
Alexandra Park St. Helens Road
Hastings
TN34 2EL
England
www.hastings.gov.uk/parks_gardens_allotments/parks/alexandrapark
Top 5 kid’s activities
From aquariums to beaches, kids will love a day out in Hastings!
1. Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef Aquarium offers a great underwater adventure, making it the perfect day out with the kids. Children will love learning all about the sea creatures and their habitats.
There is so much to discover at the aquarium, such as the spectacular ‘underwater gardens’ of the Mediterranean where you will see seahorses, puffer fish to sharks. The 15 metre walk way tunnel lets you walk under all the tropical fish – can you name them all?
At Blue Reef Aquarium, there are so many themed displays, which are home to amazing octopus, crabs, and turtles. The aquarium is perfect for all ages, offering a range of sea creatures and information about them all. There are so many seasonal events, so make sure to check what’s on before visiting. Follow a treasure trail during Pirates Weekend, or draw your own sea life artwork!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed 25th December.
Pricing
Adults: £9.00
Kids: £6.95
Concessions: £8.00
Family: from £29.90
Address
Rock-A-Nore Road
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3DW
England
Contact details
01424 718776
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/hastings
2. Hastings Beach
Hastings Beach has so much sand to explore and play in, especially at low tide. It’s a great beach to take the kids during the weekend, or even during the summer holidays.
Whether you are after sea castles or bathing in the sun, look no further than Pelham Beach which is known as an award winning beach. It makes a wonderful day out with the family and has colourful character designated areas to help children and parents identify specific areas in and around the beach. If you fancy making a day of it, there are a range of cafés, restaurants, and attractions near Hastings Beach.
If you fancy reading a book while the children play on the beach, why don’t you hire a deck chair? - Available May to September. You won’t be disappointed at Hastings Beach.
Opening hours
Access all year round.
Lifeguard cover May to September.
Dogs unwelcome during those months.
Pricing
Local parking charges will apply. No admission.
Address
Tourist Information
Queen Square Priory Meadow
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 1QR
England
Contact details
01424 451111
www.hastingsbeach.com
3. Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park is popular with locals and visitors as it is well known for its wildlife, especially at the Old Roar Gill which is now a Local Nature Reserve – Don’t forget to bring some binoculars!
You’ll see a range of wildlife, from colourful Kingfishers, to Grey Wagtails. The lower part of the park offers a boating lake, family friendly café, adventure playground and much more. If you fancy a game of tennis, why not take a stroll to the upper park which offers a tennis court, fishing and rose gardens. There is so much to do at the park with friends or family, so why not plan a day out to Hastings? Children will have so much to do and discover.
There are also many events which take place during the summer, including Band Concerts, Play in the Park and other activities and walks.
Opening hours
Daylight access year round.
Pricing
No entry fees. Internal elements such as railway may charge.
Address
Lower Park Road
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 2LD
England
Contact details
01424 781338
www.hastings.gov.uk/parks_gardens_allotments/parks/alexandrapark
4. Shipwreck Museum
Shipwreck Museum is an independent museum based in the historic small town of Hastings. It includes many artifacts from ships, exhibits of fossils found in the area and much more. There is free admission to the museum, making it a great place to go during a day out in Hastings.
Children will love exploring the wrecks of the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam and warships from the navy. There is so much to see and learn at the Shipwreck Museum. Don’t forget to check which events are on before visiting, as there are a range of seasonal events and exhibitions that take place at the museum.
Explore the dinosaur times, where you will travel back nearly 140 million years – Kids will love it! You will get to experience what life was like back during the Cretaceous period and also see dinosaur footprints and fossils of 138 million year old fishes.
There is so much to do and see at the museum, which kids and adults alike will love! If you’re visiting Hastings, the museum is well worth the visit.
Opening hours
April – October (Summer) Daily 10:00am - 5:00pm November – March (Winter) Weekends 11:00am - 4:00pm
Pricing
Admission is free. Charges for some events and exhibitions.
Address
Rockanore Road
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3DW
England
Contact details
01424 437452
www.shipwreckmuseum.co.uk
5. Smugglers Adventure
Smugglers Adventure situates in the deep heart of Hastings West Hill, with acres of caverns that protect the thrilling history of smugglers, gangs, and bootleggers.
Kids will love exploring the labyrinth of secret passages and tunnels, where they can discover the hardships and dangers that Sussex smugglers of the 18th century had to face. There is a great tour which walks you through the underground passages, secret tunnels and more where you will voyage back through time to the smuggling days.
At Smugglers Adventure, you will meet 70 life size characters, interactive displays, and exhibitions which are full of sound effects and lighting, bringing everything back to life. Watch out for surprises lurking around the corners…
There is so much for children to learn about of the tricks of the trade, as well as fun activities in the interactive games area.
Opening hours
11th February - 1st April: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
1st April - 4th November: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Pricing
Adults: £8.20
Kids: £6.00
Concessions: £7.00
Family: from £26.30
Address
St Clements Caves
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3HY
England
Contact details
01424 444412
www.smugglersadventure.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Hastings
On your visit to Hastings, make sure to stop by at one of these popular restaurants
1. St Clement's
www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk
3 Mercatoria
Hastings
TN38 0EB
England
01424 200355
2. White's Seafood and Steak Bar
www.whitesbar.co.uk
01424 719846
44 George Street
Old Town
Hastings
TN34 3EA
England
3. Taylor's
www.taylorshastings.com/#welcome-1
2 Sturdee Place
Hastings
TN34 3AJ
England
01424 258563
4. Rustico Italiano
www.rusticoitaliano.co.uk
01424 431431
31 Robertson Street
Hastings
TN34 1HT
England
5. Maggie's Fish and Chips
www.maggiesfishandchips.co.uk
Fishmarket Rock-a-Nore Road
Hastings
TN34 3DW
England
01424 430205