A Weekend in Hastings Old Town

You’ve landed in Hastings Old Town; the sun is shining and a full weekend of exploring stretches in front of you. Here’s our recommendations, but this is just a starting point as there are so many more pubs, bars, cafes, shops and activities tucked into the Old Town, you could stay for a month!

DAY ONE:

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How about spending your first morning at the Hastings Contemporary, the town's innovative public modern art gallery and an independent charity. When you’ve had your fill of art, grab a coffee on the La Coquina terrace inside the gallery (you can visit here for free too, without paying entry to the gallery) overlooking the fishing boats and get your bearings. You’ll be able to see the Hastings Lifeboat house from here and the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe. Can you see the wheel of Flamingo Amusements - the traditional amusement area. Up on the West Hill is the Hastings Castle and Smugglers Caves.

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You’ve got a couple of options for the rest of your morning, you could head into the Hastings Aquarium to see seahorses, eels and an array of sea life and reptiles. The Shipwreck Museum is right next door and is free. After a friendly welcome, you can learn all about the fascinating smuggling and sea-faring life of Hastonians.

You will be hungry now, so head into Maggies. Founded by Margaret Banfield, it's known for its fresh, locally sourced fish and traditional cooking methods, continuing a legacy that spans three decades. The restaurant is located on Rock-a-Nore Road, among the historic fishing huts of Hastings' Old Town. Make sure to phone up to book your table in advance! Then work off your chips with a stroll down to the seafront, throw some rocks in the sea, say hello to the fisherman.

Head down Courthouse Street to dip into the Hastings History House and browse the collections of history in this small independent museum. You’ll have to stop at the shops on Courthouse Street and then down the winding pedestrian George Street.  Head into Rye Chocolates and buy a delightfully designed bar of chocolate to take home or have a hot chocolate or ice cream.

For dinner, why not head to the First In, Last Out pub (known locally as the FILO). Delicious food and beer brewed just up the road, make sure to try ‘Old Town Tom’ their ginger cask ale. The name "First In Last Out" is thought to derive from the pub's location on a route used by coaches traveling between Hastings and London.

After dinner, grab a corner table in Porters Wine Bar, and if you plan ahead, you can choose a day when there is a live music event, these bring in a great crowd and show Hastings music lovers at their best. Delicious food heading out of the kitchen and a cosy courtyard garden tucked at the back too.

DAY TWO:

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The next morning, catch the UK’s steepest funicular Cliff Railway to the top of the East Hill to the Hastings Country Park & Nature Reserve (or if you’re feeling fit you can walk up the steps!) and admire the views over the Old Town and beyond to Eastbourne and the beginning of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. On clear days it’s also possible to spot a glimpse of France. Just this year alone our shores have been visited by a pod of dolphins, seals and even a humpback whale.

Drop down Crown Lane onto the historic All Saints Street, one of the original main thoroughfares of the Old Town and have lunch at The Crown Pub. A friendly independent family-run freehouse serving high quality and locally sourced food & drink. Make sure to book a table on their website at busy times. The snug has board games and a fire, or sit on the street tables and admire the view (and the seagull called Jonathan if he is around). The Crown is open 7 days a week, 364 days a year and always offers a warm welcome.

Take a stroll up All Saints Street, peeping at the historic houses, before walking back down the High Street where you can buy all sorts; flowers, bread, clothes, cheese, wallpaper, mini mice… the list really does go on! Of special interest is the Flower Makers' Museum, an extraordinary family business dating back over 110 years, supplying handmade flower and plant props for film, theatre and television. With a mini museum and a small shop, you’ll be transported back in time. But don’t stop shopping there, head to Rock a Nore Fisheries; traditional fishmongers and the only local family smokehouse in Hastings specialising in smoking high quality fish.

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Following your steps from yesterday you’ll find Hastings Fishermen’s Museum, a small independent museum dedicated to the fishing industry and maritime history. Climb aboard an indoor boat, watch videos and marvel at the fishing relics and models.

After an afternoon of delights, head to your booked table at Webbe's; an Old Town fish restaurant with one of the shortest ingredient journeys in Britain, about a minute across the shingle beach from the boats to the kitchen.

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If you’re here for an extra day do check out The Stables Theatre just up from the FILO pub, they have regular performances and art exhibitions. 

Going to be travelling with a group? Why not book a visit to the British Tea Museum on George Street to learn about the customs and manners of British Teatime.

If you need to wish to get further afield to visit other local towns such as Rye or Battle, to visit our castles, beaches or vineyards, make sure to call Empress Coaches and they'll get your group where you need to go!