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Should You Visit Hastings? A Local’s Take on a Quirky Seaside Town
Hastings is a beautiful little seaside town on the South East coast of England. Only around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Bridge by train, you might be wondering: Is Hastings worth visiting? For me, it’s a definite yes.
I grew up in Hastings and spent most of my early twenties there. These days, I go back regularly, especially now that many of my friends who moved to London at the same time I did have found their way back (affordable house prices, a slower pace of life, and the fresh sea air are hard to beat after years of living in the city).
There’s honestly so much more to Hastings than meets the eye and if you time it right, you’re in for a real treat. On a sunny day, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy a trip to Hastings. In this post, I break down all the reasons Hastings is worth visiting (and the few reasons it isn’t) so you can decide for yourself and start planning your trip!
Is Hastings Worth Visiting?
Yes, it really is! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed seaside day trip or a fun weekend away, Hastings has plenty to offer. It’s full of character, creative energy, and a bit of grit (in the best, most endearing way), and it’s super easy to reach from London.
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11 Reasons to Visit Hastings
1. Hastings Old Town
You could easily spend a full day exploring Hastings’ Old Town — even though it’s relatively small, it’s packed with charm. George Street is the heart of it all, pedestrian only, picturesque and lined with lovely pubs, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s especially magical on a sunny day when people are sat outside with a pint, soaking up the atmosphere.
Just around the corner, the High Street is equally delightful, with more independent shops and eateries to discover. My favourite pub, The FILO (First In Last Out), is tucked up here and is well worth a visit if you’re a fan of traditional pubs with lots of character.
Antique hunters will be in their element too, with endless vintage and antique shops to browse. And then there are the winding little side streets, full of quirky architecture and rickety old buildings that feel like stepping back in time.
2. St. Leonards-on-Sea
Just a 20-minute walk along the seafront from the Old Town, St Leonards has seen a real revival in recent years. As a teen, it was a no-go area at night — now it’s one of the coolest spots in the area, full of independent galleries, shops, and great places to eat. Check out Heist Market for a food-hall-style experience or Goat Ledge for beachside brunch with lovely sea views.
I’d actually recommend staying in St Leonards if you fancy a weekend trip — skip the new town entirely and spend a day exploring here, and another wandering around the Old Town. It still has that slightly scruffy seaside-town charm, but that’s part of what makes it so special.
3. Scenic Coastal Walks & Funiculars
Hastings has two funicular railways — the East Hill and the West Hill lifts — both starting from the Old Town and offering beautiful views as you climb. They’re the perfect starting point for exploring the coastline.
If you’re after a proper walk, head up East Hill and into Hastings Country Park, which stretches across the cliffs all the way towards Rye. This route is part of the Saxon Shore Way and offers breathtaking sea views and rugged coastline the entire way. You have to check tide times as a large section of the walk is along the beach, but it really is spectacular. I’ve only done it once and was lucky enough to see seals along the way.
4. Art Galleries and Museums
Hastings has a thriving creative scene that’s really made a name for itself in recent years. The Hastings Contemporary (formerly Jerwood Gallery) hosts fantastic rotating exhibitions — definitely worth a look. Quentin Blake, the legendary illustrator, actually lives locally and has a permanent exhibition on display too.
For something a bit different, I always recommend the Fishermen’s Museum — it’s small, free, and located among the iconic black fishing huts, once used to dry nets. It’s a charming little stop that offers a glimpse into Hastings’ maritime past. I always take friends here as part of the ‘Hastings Tour’!
5. Jack in the Green & Local Festivals
If you can time your visit right, Hastings really comes alive in spring and summer. Jack in the Green is my favourite local celebration — held over the May bank holiday weekend, it’s a wonderfully weird tradition rooted in Pagan Britain, celebrating the arrival of spring. Expect a big parade, Morris dancers, a maypole, and a whole lot of greenery.
Later in the year, there’s the Bonfire Night celebration and summer sees a whole host of quirky events: Pirate Day, the beer and music festival in July, and Carnival Week in August — complete with the famously eccentric pram race. There’s always something going on, and it usually involves costumes, so consider dressing up!
6. Fascinating History
You might recognise the name Hastings from one very famous date — 1066, when the Normans invaded and defeated King Harold in the Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror’s castle still overlooks the town (though I’ll be honest, it’s more ruin than fortress these days). Bits of the castle were historically pinched by locals and used to build houses — you can still spot some of the stones and windows scattered around the Old Town if you look closely.
Hastings also has a rich pirate and smuggling past — you can learn all about it in the Smugglers Adventure caves. It’s a bit cheesy, but definitely fun, especially with kids or a sense of curiosity.
7. The Delicious Food Scene
Hastings is packed with fantastic places to eat and drink, from cosy pubs to quirky independent restaurants, there’s no shortage of choice. Some of my personal favourites include Thai Bookshop (tiny but brilliant), Yaaze Bistro for Lebanese food, Half Man Half Burger for relaxed vibes, and Monellis for excellent Italian. Source Park and Heist both offer a variety of street food-style options too, perfect if you’re visiting with a group and want something casual but delicious.
If you’re a fan of seafood, there is an annual Seafood & Wine Festival. Hastings has the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in England, so the fish here is seriously fresh — a dream for foodies.
8. Unique Antique & Independent Shopping
Hastings and St Leonards are well-known for their antique shops — many of which are much bigger than they look from the outside. Whether you’re into bric-a-brac or mid-century furniture, there’s treasure to be found. One of my favourite spots is Hastings Antiques Warehouse, a real Aladdin’s cave!
In recent years, the boutique scene has blossomed too. You’ll find charming independent shops selling everything from homeware to local crafts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Butler’s Famed Emporium is a personal favourite in the Old Town.
9. The Pier and Beautiful Beaches
If you’re looking for a classic day at the seaside, Hastings delivers. The main beach is pebbly, but when the tide goes out, it reveals stretches of sand and plenty of rockpools to explore, especially great for kids. For a slightly sandier spot, you can head to the beach at the end of Rock-a-Nore.
The pier is a lovely way to enjoy the sea views without getting your feet wet. In summer, it comes alive with live music, pop-up bars, and food stalls. You can even rent kayaks nearby and explore the shoreline and underside of the pier from the water — a really fun way to see the coast.
10. Bodium Castle and Battle Abbey
Hastings is a brilliant base for exploring some nearby historical sites, especially if you have a car. Bodiam Castle is the picture-perfect English castle — complete with a wide moat, turrets, and proper fairy-tale vibes. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to the UK or anyone who loves a bit of medieval history.
Then there’s Battle Abbey, where you can learn all about the famous Battle of Hastings (which, fun fact, didn’t actually take place in Hastings but in the nearby town of Battle). The museum is fascinating, and the town itself is very quaint and worth spending a couple of hours wandering.
Make the Most of Your Trip – Hire a Car!
While Hastings itself is packed with things to see and do, hiring a car opens up a whole new world of castles, vineyards, country pubs, and postcard-worthy villages. 👉 Check out the best local car hire deals here.
11. The Quirky Eccentricity & Local Spirit
To wrap it all up — what really makes Hastings special is its eccentricity and strong sense of local identity. There’s a real DIY, creative spirit here, with people who care about community, heritage, and having a good time. From the slightly chaotic local festivals to the weird and wonderful shops, Hastings has a unique energy you won’t find anywhere else. It’s scruffy in places, yes — but full of heart and completely worth visiting as a result!
Reasons Not To Visit Hastings
Of course, Hastings isn’t perfect. The New Town, for example, is pretty grim and honestly 100% missable. It’s a fairly deprived area, and tourism here can sometimes be looked on a bit negatively by locals. That said, everyone I know there is genuinely lovely — the real frustration centres around people moving to Hastings and pushing up house prices, rather than weekend visitors wanting to enjoy the town.
Like many former Victorian seaside resorts, Hastings is a little rough around the edges, but in my opinion (biased as I am!), that just adds to its unique charm.
Hastings FAQs
If I’ve convinced you Hastings is worth a visit and you want to plan your trip, here are some handy FAQs to help you make the most of your time:
Where should I stay in Hastings?
I’d recommend staying either in the Old Town or St Leonards. One of my favourite hotels, and one I’ve stayed in many times, is the White Rock Hotel. It’s right on the seafront with a lovely terrace overlooking the sea and pier. It’s no-frills but warm, inviting and it’s dog-friendly too! If you’re after something a bit fancier, check out the picturesque 5-star hotel called The Old Rectory. It’s in the middle of the Old Town and has an amazing spa.
What is the best time of year to visit Hastings?
Like most seaside towns, Hastings really comes alive in summer — there’s more to do and the slightly dilapidated vibe somehow feels charming in the sunshine! October’s a great option too, especially if you want to join in with the bonfire night celebrations.
How many days do I need in Hastings?
You can definitely do it as a day trip from London, but if you want to explore properly, I’d recommend a weekend. Two full days let you soak up St Leonards, the Old Town, and either relax on the beach, take a coastal walk, or visit nearby spots like Battle Abbey.
Round Up: Is Hastings Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — Hastings is 100% worth a visit. It’s a place that doesn’t try too hard, and that’s part of what makes it so special. From the indie shops and cafés in the Old Town to the creative buzz of St Leonards, there’s a charm and character here that you just don’t find in more polished seaside resorts. Yes, it’s a bit rough around the edges, but that only adds to the appeal — I think it’s one of the best day trips from the capital!
Whether you’re here for the vintage shopping, the local art scene, the dramatic coastline or just some classic fish and chips by the sea, Hastings has something to offer.
If you’re after a day trip guide, you can check mine out here. And if you’d like a hand planning your visit, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to help with bespoke itineraries or personal recommendations!
