2025 Hastings Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Hastings has become one of my favourite towns in the UK!! It is located in the southeast coast and only 2 hours trip from central London. With its historical background, there is a cliff railways, castle, park, pier and beach to visit. It is a must-go in your list when you are planning to visit Sussex area.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼#unitedkingdom #travel #relaxtime

#tripaway #tripaway#triplocal

#Overseas travel The teeth of the cliffside funicular cut through the sea fog, and the keels of old fishing boats grind away the blood and sand of 1066. I am convinced—Hastings is an unhealed wound in the English Channel, and the spirits of conquerors and pirates still linger in the salty wind. This secret spot in East Sussex, which The Guardian called “the most rebellious example of Britain’s coast,” tells the story of Britain’s wildest maritime epic with its castle ruins, smugglers’ caves, and pirate flags. ✨Recommended places ☠️ Hastings Castle On the cliff where William the Conqueror landed, touch the volcanic rock marks of Norman arrow holes. Hidden underground is the “Stone of Destiny,” which legend has it that anyone who touches it will hear the arrows of the Battle of Hastings. 🌊 Smugglers Adventure Enter a maze of sandstone cliffs to discover a 200-year-old smuggling tunnel filled with whisky stills and counterfeit gold frames. Look for “ghost barrels” that float on the rocks when moonlight passes through vents—they project 18th-century pirate hand signals. 🛤️ East Hill Cliff Railway Ride Britain’s steepest wooden funicular (78% gradient) and watch fishing boats float by like Lego as the gears whirr. The top observation deck is engraved with the names of WWII observers, and you can use the telescopes to see the French coast across the Channel. 🐚 Old Town Net Shops Explore a maze of blackened wooden towers, where the tarry scent of 17th-century smoked fish warehouses still lingers in the oak crevices. Look for ‘pirate codes’ on the slanted ‘High Street’ – some doorknobs have treasure map fragments hidden in them. ⚔️ Shipwreck Beach Cross the red sand and rocky shoreline at low tide, and you’ll find fluorescent green algae growing between the rusted rivets of WWII sunken ships. Look for ‘time capsules’ – a piece of wave-worn ceramic may have the emblem of a Victorian tea factory stamped on it. We can format it for you in Instagram/blog style if you want!

Train Station close to town centre. Nice coffee shops to sit outside but not much on beach front. Frequent buses in town. shopping centre.

Just got back from an amazing trip to Hastings! While the weather was a bit chilly, the charm of the town was undeniable. March might still be a bit cold, but it’s the perfect time to beat the crowds and enjoy the quieter side of this seaside gem. Definitely a trip to remember! 🌊 #hastingsadventures #travel #seascapes #hastings

Sunny seaside

lifts by Westmill in hastings

nice

Just when you want to treat your, because you're worth! Luxury chocolate mocha decaf coffee. 📍Address: Hastings Town centre

A nice small village good to run away from the crowd city

#travelgram #100waysoftravel Hastings, a historic seaside town on England's south coast, blends old-world charm with beautiful coastal scenery. Known for the 1066 Battle of Hastings, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Start your journey in the **Old Town**, a maze of narrow lanes filled with vintage shops, cozy cafes, and quirky art galleries. Don’t miss **George Street**, known for its antique shops and charming boutiques. For history, visit **Hastings Castle**, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the English Channel, and explore the **1066 Story** to learn about William the Conqueror's victory. Down by the sea, you’ll find the **Hastings Fishermen’s Museum** and the **Jerwood Gallery**, showcasing modern British art. Walk along **Rock-a-Nore Road** to see the traditional black wooden fishing huts and sample fresh seafood. For a panoramic view of the town, take the **East Hill Cliff Railway**, one of Britain’s steepest funiculars, leading to Hastings Country Park, with scenic hiking trails and dramatic cliff views. Hastings is vibrant and lively, especially in summer when festivals fill the streets. With its mix of history, art, and seaside charm, it’s an ideal day trip or weekend destination.

#ancienttown #uk #Hastings Hastings, a charming seaside town on England’s south coast, is famously known for the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This historic event changed the course of English history, marking the Norman conquest of England under William the Conqueror. Today, Hastings blends its rich history with a lively coastal charm, offering visitors a glimpse into both its storied past and vibrant present. Located just 85 miles southeast of London, Hastings is easily accessible. Traveling from London, you can catch a direct train from London Bridge, Charing Cross, or Victoria stations, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. For those driving, the trip via the M25 and A21 roads takes around two hours, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. One of the key historical sites to explore is Hastings Castle, perched dramatically on West Hill. Built by William the Conqueror in 1067, this partially ruined fortress offers panoramic views of the coastline. At the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, visitors can dive deeper into the town’s heritage, including its connection to the Norman Conquest. Another must-see is the 1066 Battle Abbey, just a short drive from Hastings in nearby Battle, where the actual Battle of Hastings took place. Hastings also boasts the UK’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet, and the Hastings Old Town is a picturesque spot to wander. Narrow streets lined with medieval and Georgian buildings, boutique shops, and cozy pubs offer a perfect blend of history and modern-day charm. For a more unique experience, head to the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum or the Shipwreck Museum to learn about the town’s long maritime history. Beyond history, Hastings is a cultural hub with annual events like the Jack in the Green May Day Festival and the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival, reflecting its local traditions. For a quirky and fun visit, check out the Hastings Pier and Stade Fun Park, offering classic seaside entertainment for families and tourists alike. Hastings is a town where history is not just remembered but celebrated, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and seaside lovers alike.

nice train journey

stingy the ray

trip to the aquarium to see Nemo!#Nemo

Hastings Missing beach vibes in london...Hastings is a perfect plan for a one day trip. Have fun in the old town... strolling around the beautiful English countryside. 🏖️Ambiance/Facilities:Beach

The tranquility of the seaside town is different from the hustle and bustle of London. Wandering aimlessly is an ultimate enjoyment, and you may end up walking back to where you started without knowing why. The small town can be measured by footsteps, the hidden mysterious antique shops bring endless surprises and fun, and the people who meet you are full of friendly smiles and warm greetings. The thoughts blown away by the sea breeze float high and far, as if I can have a bird's eye view of the whole world. Let's go, find a sunny day, and take a random trip to the seaside, away from the hustle and bustle and find the tranquility and freedom deep in your heart. I'll be back, Rye; wait for me, Hastings🥰🥰🥰 #OverseasTravel #trip #UK #London #UKTravel

#infinitypool 1. Address - Highlights - sunsets are beautiful or an evening Rating - 10 2. Address - Highlights - lots of things to do Rating - 10 3. Address - Highlights - lovely places to eat out Rating - 10

#timetotravel St Leonard's on Sea Dreamtime!! Fabulous carnival and Ben and Jerries Fest on the pier following Reggae on the Beach! The place to be in the heat of August swimming in the blue calming sea beside the art deco buildings and Victorian Hastings Pier on the horizon. Hastings, a Mecca of small Independent boutiques, quirky antique shops with pet seagulls, and established big store shops. A myriad of restaurants, take away street food and of course the seaside fish and chip shops! Museums, art galleries, a Winkle King to rival any Cockney upstart Pearly King and fresh fish bought off the beach in bright huts. A stone throw away from London and yet world's apart. A true vacation wafted from the Riviera!

I had an unforgettable trip to Hastings! It's easy for me to purchase the tickets for a day trip to Hastings and return on the same day. I like to use trip.com to check and buy ticket as I can manage my time to plan the trip to anywhere I want. Thank you so much. 去Hastings一日游，虽然去的路上发生了一些波折，但好在还是平安到达目的地。那天的阳光很好，风很凉快，心情也不错，是个适合一日游的小地方，真心推荐！！！ps可以到小红书上查攻略v哦

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is the award-winning museum featuring many great pieces of art and history of England. If you would like to visit the sea town in South East England, the history of Hastings would be fascinating to all visitors. It evokes the great change and impact when Normandy invaded England from France in 1066. The art collections feature the history of England and the modern world and showcase some impressive works from photographers from all around the world. It does tell visitors the stories about history and art in a delightful way. #artshunting

#celebratewithtrip Looking for the perfect seaside escape near London / within the UK? May I take you to the British seaside - St Leonard's and Hastings. Hastings is a town on England’s southeast coast. It's known for the 1066 Battle of Hastings, fought on a nearby field where Battle Abbey now stands. It easily reached on foot from St Leonard's in around 20-30 minutes with a pleasant walk down the seaside promenade. The town is colourful and full of similar independent antique shops, cafes and restaurants (loads and loads of fish and chips to be eaten...). If you do visit Hastings, one thing I would most recommend is that you go up to Hastings Country park, which offers amazing views over the town and seaside. If you're looking for a peaceful but not boring small town by the seaside without leaving the UK, this is the perfect area.