Things to do in Hastings

To soak up Hastings’ history, wander the preserved Old Town’s winding streets and tiny twittens crammed with Tudor houses and flower-bedecked cottages, and inhale the hard-working fishing quarter with its towering net huts and ramshackle huts on the beach.

Hastings Old Town lies in a valley between the East and West Hills, each with their own funicular railway. Take the East Hill Lift from the fishing beach up to Hastings Country Park, where on clear days you can see from Beachy Head to Dungeness and as far as Folkestone and the coast of France. The nature reserve covers 345 hectares of coastal gill woodlands, open pasture and cliff top grassland, together with five kilometres of dramatic soft rock cliffs and coastline. It’s one of three Green Flag Award winning parks in the town, the others being the spectacular Alexandra Park with its many lakes and collection of rare trees, and the Regency-style St Leonards Gardens.

Take the West Hill Lift from George Street, up through a tunnel of rock to emerge into the tranquil light of another world. Explore the ruins of Hastings Castle and the labyrinth of caverns hidden deep within the West Hill, packed with the thrilling history of smugglers, bootleggers and warring bloodthirsty gangs.

Then, for a cool, modern twist head for the America Ground. This vibrant triangle in the centre of Hastings was formed when the great storm of 1287 threw up a silt and shingle spit beyond the boundaries of Hastings Borough. Above the independent shops, restaurants and cafes you’ll see the grand architecture of Hastings Library, The Printworks and Holy Trinity Church. These lead you through to the RIBA Stirling Award-winning Hastings Pier and The Source, transformed from its origins as a Turkish baths into the biggest underground BMX and skate park in the world. For non skaters, the balcony café is a great place to watch the action below.

Heading west, the alternative vibe continues as you arrive in St Leonards. Purpose built in the 1800s by James and Decimus Burton as a genteel seaside resort for the aristocracy, its architecture provides a striking backdrop for art galleries, antique shops, chic boutiques and a thriving café culture.

To really immerse yourself in the spirit of the town, a visit to some of its quirky museums is a must. The Shipwreck Museum, opposite the Blue Reef Aquarium, is a fascinating reminder of the dangers of the sea, with lots of information about local wrecks the Amsterdam and the Anne. The nearby Fishermen’s Museum houses Hastings’ last lugger the Enterprise and a suit made of winkle shells, among many other curious exhibits. Just up the road is the ultra-modern Hastings Contemporary, with regularly changing exhibitions of famous contemporary British art.

The Flower Makers’ Museum in the High Street invites you into a world of fabrics, cutters and presses, the tools of this dying art. From there it's a short and scenic walk to admire (from the outside) the house where Foyle's War was filmed. And a little further along the seafront tucked into the caves is an unusual find – the True Crime Museum, a collection of criminal memorabilia such as acid baths, execution beds and knuckledusters. The more formal Hastings Museum and Art Gallery on Bohemia Road has excellent regularly changing exhibitions of local and international history and art, and is home to the Durbar Hall, a magnificent carved hall made for the 1886 Colonial & Indian Exhibition in London.

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Number of results: 48

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Hastings Lifeboat

Address

The Stade, Old Town, HASTINGS, East Sussex, TN34 3AL

Telephone
+44(0)1424 425502

hastings_visitorcentre@rnli.org.uk

HASTINGS

Applications for group guided tours must be made in writing at least 28 days in advance of proposed visit. The guide will give a tour of the station and boathouse explaining the equipment used with an opportunity to use the visitors centre with its…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
474 reviews
Shipwreck Museum

Address

Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3DW

Telephone
+44 01424 437452

info@shipwreckmuseum.co.uk

Hastings

Maritime museum with 3000 years of historic treasures from local shipwrecks. Audiovisual show 'A Shipwreck Adventure', push button videos, talks with slides on shipwreck and coastal history topics.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
474 reviews
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Hi Store

Address

4 Trinity Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1HG

Hastings

Art café. Fascinating array of Illustrated books, prints and gifts created by local artists.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
482 reviews
Hastings Castle & 1066 Story

Address

Castle Hill Road, West Hill, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3AR

Telephone
01424 422964

hastings@bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Hastings

Fragmentary remains of Norman Castle built on West Hill after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
482 reviews
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584 reviews
Carr Taylor Vineyard

Address

Wheel Lane, Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4SG

Telephone
+44 01424 752501

sales@carr-taylor.co.uk

Hastings

Carr Taylor Wines,whose winery is at Westfield, are producers of award-winning sparkling wines, white and rosé still wines, and fruit wines.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
584 reviews
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Xcapestation

Address

White Rock Gardens, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1LD

Telephone
01424423778

info@abductedlive.co.uk

Hastings

Have you and your team got what it takes to outwit the abductors and escape!

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Collared

Address

37E Robertson Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1HT

Telephone
01424 719918

Hastings

Collared is a dog accessory and gift shop They source top quality products from around the world for dogs and dog lovers. These include Puppia, West Paw, Wacky Walker, Rough Wear, Walters, and many more.

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Combe Valley Countryside Park

Address

Bexhill, East Sussex, TN38 8AY

Telephone
+44 (0)1424 787660

Bexhill

Combe Valley Countryside Park is a joint project between Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council and has been part of a series of developments in East Sussex and northern France which have benefited from…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
120 reviews
Clambers Play Centre

Address

White Rock Gardens, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1LD

Telephone
+44 01424 423778

info@clambers.co.uk

Hastings

One of the best and largest Children’s Play Centres in the UK with extensive indoor and outdoor areas. For children up to 12 years and a separate play area with a toddlers obtacle cousre for the under 6’s. Large indoor play frame on 2 levels, an…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
120 reviews
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Dyke and Dean

Address

14 Claremont, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1HA

Telephone
01424 429202

Hastings

Interior designers
Monday - Wednesday by appointment only

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
St Mary in the Castle

Address

7 Pelham Crescent, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3AF

Telephone
01424 715 880

Hastings

St Mary in the Castle is a unique historical Grade ll* Listed building located on the seafront in Hastings.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
807 reviews
Smugglers Adventure at St Clements Caves

Address

St Clements Caves, West HILL, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3HY

Telephone
+44 01424 422964

smugglers@discoverhastings.co.uk

Hastings

Smugglers Adventure is now closed for essential maintenance. An exciting adventure for all the family as you explore the sandstone wonders of St Clements Caves and discover many surprises around every darkened corner.

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807 reviews
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1066 Card

Address

6 Acorn Close, ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA, East Sussex, TN37 7RH

hello@1066card.com

ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA

100s of savings across Sussex for days out, eating out, local businesses, shopping & more.
Just show the 1066 Card and ask for the discount. Includes 25% discount at Knockhatch Adventure Park.
Plastic 1066 Cards are available to purchase…

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Wow and Flutter

Address

8 Trinity Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1HG

Telephone
01424 439859

Hastings

Buys and sell records, comics, arts and books. Refreshments served.
Also sells tickets for gigs in the local area. Fresh stock every week, occasional instore events and exhibitions.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1027 reviews
Fishermen's Museum

Address

Rock-a-Nore Road, HASTINGS, East Sussex, TN34 3DW

Telephone
+44 01424 461446

hastingsfishermensmuseum@googlemail.com

HASTINGS

The museum is housed in a former church (dedicated to St Nicholas) which was built on the beach in 1854 to serve the local fishing community. It operated as a church until 1930 but was turned into a museum in 1956 by the Old Hastings Preservation…

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1027 reviews
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Playland

Address

7-9 Pelham Place, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3AD

Hastings

Family friendly premier amusement arcade where you can play video, merchandisers (claw cranes) or coin operated games and air hockey.
Play for as little as 2p!
Big range of ticket machines
Win tickets - exchange for prizes…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Hastings History House

Address

21 Courthouse Street, HASTINGS, East Sussex, TN34 3AU

Telephone
+44(0)1424 424744

ohpscontact@gmail.com

HASTINGS

Located between High Street and The Bourne, Hastings History House is the headquarters of the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS).
Permanent local history display and constantly changing exhibitions of aspects of history in Hastings and St.…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
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Flamingo at the Stade

Address

East Beach Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3AR

Hastings

Premier amusements in Hastings. With a huge and exciting range of activities and machines on offer at all the centre, there’s a game for every fun seeker.
Lots of children's rides adjacent to the park, plus food outlets in the park…

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Tea and Deportment Ceremony

Address

Hastings, East Sussex, TN38 0BU

Telephone
07825916401

rebeccagildea@outlook.com

Hastings

Enjoy afternoon tea with Lady Rebecca in historic Hastings. Join Lady Rebecca as she guides you through this fun and quintessentially British experience.
What you’ll learn:
A social history of the famous Afternoon Tea Ceremony
The…

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Fairlight Tower/St Andrew's Church

Address

Coastguard Lane, Fairlight, East Sussex, TN35 4AB

Telephone
+44(0)1424 812799

Fairlight

St Andrew’s Church’s majestic ‘Fairlight Tower’ is conveniently located by the picturesque Hastings Country Park next to the coach and car-park - the perfect place to visit with its Victorian Gothick architecture and spectacular 360degree views.…

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Shifting Shorelines

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