Visiting Hastings: what to do in this town in Sussex, England?

Today, I'm taking you to visit Hastings, a small seaside town in East Sussex, in the south of England. Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, it combines medieval history, coastal walks, cliff railways, and a very relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether you are planning a day trip from London or Brighton, or a full weekend on the English coast, Hastings offers a good mix of nature, heritage, activities for children, and local life.

In this guide, I suggest a detailed itinerary so you know what to do in Hastings, how to get there, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the most of the town depending on your travel style. You will also find up-to-date practical information for 2026, to help you plan your visit without wasting time once you're there.

What to do in Hastings in Sussex?

Hastings is easy to explore on foot in a day, combining seafront, hills, Old Town, and a few maritime museums.

It was while spending a few days with English friends in the Sussex region in the south of England that we had the idea of taking the train to a random place, decided at the last minute. So we headed for Hastings, with no precise plan in hand, just the desire to see the sea and get a bit off the beaten path.

We stepped off the train under bright sunshine, enough to prove wrong the naysayers who always associate England with rain; the sun stayed with us throughout our visit to Hastings.

I admit that before reaching this pretty sea view, I first had a brief moment of doubt: the area around the station is not especially charming; without being ugly, it could look like many other English towns. Hastings' appeal really appears when you get closer to the sea, when you take in its two hills, and when you discover the Old Town tucked between these slopes.

Understanding the geography of Hastings: a town between two hills

Hastings is built in a sort of valley open onto the sea, framed by two steep hills, East Hill and West Hill, which very clearly structure the visit.

Leaving the station, we headed toward the sea, walking through Priory Meadow, which you can see in the photo below. It is the main shopping center in town, with dozens of stores spread over a large area, handy if you need to pick up a few things or quickly find a café when you arrive.

It is near the beach that Hastings reveals its little secrets. The first is that the town is nestled in a sort of valley between two hills. You can go up to the top of each one thanks to cliff railways, and you quickly realize that the Old Town seems a bit hidden between these two rocky masses.

The second secret is that Hastings is a very old town, documented since at least the 8th century: so you find both a modern part, historic alleyways, a ruined castle, and traces of its past as a fishing and smuggling port. Taken together, this creates quite a distinctive atmosphere, somewhere between a family seaside resort and a small slice of English history.

The pebble beach and Hastings Pier

Hastings Beach is long and pebbly, with a large wood-and-steel pier that makes a great landmark for planning your walk.

On the vast pebble beach, you can walk for miles along the sea, with beach huts, children's attractions, and benches where you can sit and gaze out at the horizon. As in many English seaside towns, there is a "pier," a jetty that juts out into the sea. Hastings Pier reopened in 2016 after being closed for almost ten years, following major damage caused by a storm and a fire that destroyed 95% of it.

Its story calls to mind that of Brighton's West Pier, which was also largely destroyed by fire. As it happens, both landmarks were designed by the same architect, Eugenius Birch, as was Eastbourne Pier not far away. The big difference is that Brighton left the West Pier abandoned, whereas Hastings decided to rebuild its pier and give it a new life.

The structure has received an architecture award, and today you'll find a restaurant, food stands, an events space, and a large viewing platform over the sea. It's a great place to take a break, especially at the end of the day when the light softens.

Hastings East Hill: the East Hill and Hastings Country Park

East Hill is the wilder of the two hills, with a very steep cliff railway and a large park at the top, perfect for getting some fresh air and admiring the view over the town and the sea.

We started our walk with Hastings' East Hill. You reach it via a funicular 81 meters long (about 265 ft), with a 78% gradient, which makes it the steepest cliff railway in the United Kingdom. The ride up is quite striking, especially because from the lower station, tucked at the foot of the cliff, you can't really see what awaits you at the top.

Up to 16 passengers can go up per trip, which can mean a bit of a wait at very busy times, although when we went we were lucky enough to have a cabin all to ourselves. The cliff railway was opened in 1903, then modernized in the 1970s and again in 2008; today it runs on electricity.

The departure point is just a stone's throw from the Net Shops and the fishing boat area, which makes it easy to combine the visits.

The funicular opens in the late morning or around midday depending on the season, with service frequency adjusted to demand. Check Google Maps for an idea of current opening hours. Payment is taken by card only, according to the official website.

You can buy a round-trip ticket but, if you like, you can walk back down via the staircase built along the side of the hill if you are in the mood for a walk. However, the climb on foot is still quite steep, so it's more suitable for travelers in good physical shape.

Arriving on the East Hill plateau can be surprising: at the top, there is no attraction as such, but a large park, Hastings Country Park. You'll find wide stretches of grass, a few benches, paths, and walkers who have come up to get some air above the town.

The view, on the other hand, is really lovely. On one side, the hill looks out over residential neighborhoods and Emmanuel Church.

On the other side, you can enjoy a superb view of the West Hill and the Old Town, with roofs clustered around George Street.

And of course, the view also opens wide onto the sea, with the beach stretching out at your feet.

It's a very pleasant place for a picnic, to settle down with a book, or to let the children run around on the grass when you don't feel like staying on the pebbles. On the other hand, if you're looking for specific activities or playground equipment for kids, West Hill will be more suitable.

Hastings West Hill and the Smugglers Adventure

West Hill is the most complete hill for visitors, with a cliff railway in a tunnel, a café, a ruined castle, and a family attraction set in caves.

This second hill, the West Hill, is also accessible by cliff railway, but the atmosphere there is different. The entrance is tucked away in a small recess on George Street, the superb pedestrian street in the Old Town. The cliff railway station is quite discreet; you need to look up a bit to spot the sign. The small station is very cute, and this cliff railway has the particular feature of running through a tunnel dug into the cliff, which gives the ride a slightly mysterious feel.

At the top, West Hill turns out to be much larger than its neighbor. There is a large café, the West Hill Café (which has a beautiful view, even if when I visited the place was not very well looked after), public restrooms, and above all several points of interest. The plateau forms a large grassy area with paths leading to the castle ruins and to the hill's main attraction, the Smugglers Adventure.

It is a staged visit inside St Clement's Caves, formed during the Ice Age. These caves have had many uses over time: hospital, air-raid shelter, ballroom, and of course an ideal hiding place for the smugglers who operated along the coast.

Today, they have been developed to tell the story of smuggling and piracy on the English coasts, through characters, reconstructions, light shows, and soundscapes. It is an activity mainly designed for families with children (although you may want to avoid it with very small children who are very sensitive to the dark).

You can find the Smugglers Adventure prices as well as the opening hours on their website, which is updated regularly. In practice, the visit lasts about an hour; I would recommend planning it for the middle of the day, when the sun is very strong or when the weather is turning bad.

From West Hill, the view of East Hill is very beautiful and lets you see at a glance just how much Hastings is indeed built between these two landforms.

Hastings Castle and the Battle of 1066

Hastings Castle is a hilltop ruin, and it's mainly of interest if you enjoy English history and the Battle of 1066, rather than for its monumental appeal.

There is an admission fee and, honestly, it's really only worth it if you're genuinely interested in English medieval history: the site is modest, and you come more for the historical context and the view than for the extent of the surviving remains.

The history of Hastings Castle is nevertheless very revealing when it comes to understanding England. At the beginning of the year 1066, the King of England died. Harold Godwinson was crowned the very next day, but his legitimacy was quickly challenged from several sides:

• William the Conqueror claimed that he was supposed to succeed him and accused Godwinson of breaking a promise made to the late king.
• The King of Norway, Harald Hardrada, felt that in the absence of a direct heir, the throne should have passed to Norway under an earlier agreement.

Norway therefore attacked England and was eventually crushed by Harold Godwinson, at the cost of heavy losses for his army. Meanwhile, William gathered his troops on the continent and landed on the south coast, at Pevensey. He quickly had castles built at Pevensey and Hastings to establish solid bases from which to launch his military operations in the region.

When Harold Godwinson learned what was happening, he marched his army from London to Sussex at an impressive pace of about 25 miles per day (40 km per day). On October 14, 1066, at dawn, the two armies faced each other and the Battle of Hastings began, not in Hastings itself, but about 6 miles (10 km) to the north. In the afternoon, Harold was killed; his army scattered and William prevailed. He did not become King of England immediately, but ended up being crowned at Westminster on Christmas Day 1066 after exerting strong pressure as he moved closer to London.

On the exact site of the battle, Battle Abbey was founded, and you can visit it today. The visit is very well done and the site is a few minutes' walk from Battle station, which makes it easy to get there by train from Hastings if you would like to deepen your historical immersion. You can find information here.

As for Hastings Castle itself, it went through a series of misfortunes.

In 1287, a storm tore away a large part of the façade, which collapsed into the sea below. In the 14th century, Hastings was attacked twice by the French and the castle deteriorated further. It ended up being abandoned, then bombed during the Second World War, before being turned into a tourist attraction in 1951. Today, the site remains open to the public mainly in season; in winter, it generally closes between December and April inclusive (up-to-date information online here).

There is something quite unusual about standing in this castle that is almost 1000 years old while overlooking the sea and the modern pier.

Hastings and the sea: fishing port, shipwrecks, and hidden wreck

The Hastings coastline tells a story of hard fishing, violent storms, and shipwrecks, still visible today in the Net Shops, the maritime museums, and the wreck of the Amsterdam.

Another side of Hastings' history is closely tied to the sea. The town has tried several times to build a real fishing port, but repeated storms have regularly destroyed the structures put up over the centuries. You can easily imagine how violent the sea can be here when you know that the storm of 1287 tore away a large section of the castle and swallowed it up into the sea.

This complicated relationship with the sea is still visible today. In the Old Town, at the foot of East Hill, you walk into a very distinctive, almost timeless landscape: you come across the Net Shops, those tall black wooden sheds that were once used to store and dry fishing gear, safely away from storms. At the time, the sea often rose very high, covering much of the beach; today, protective structures help limit erosion and stabilize the coastline a little.

In this area you will find a rather unusual museum, the Shipwreck Museum, which displays remains from various shipwrecks. Admission is free (donations encouraged), which makes it a very good option for a short visit, especially if you are curious about maritime history or if the weather turns bad.

Right next door, I also recommend the Hastings Fishermen's Museum. Founded in 1956, it occupies a former fishermen's church and explores the connection between Hastings and fishing through objects, photos, and personal accounts. Admission is also free, but once again donations are welcome to support this small independent museum. You will find the current opening hours on their website.

If you would like to see a more concrete remnant of the storms, you can go in search of the wreck of the Amsterdam. To do this, you need to walk for about 50 minutes along the seafront toward St Leonards-on-Sea, keeping a close eye on the tide times.

In 1749, a Dutch East India Company ship, the Amsterdam, was sailing along the Hastings coast on its maiden voyage. The ship had just come through a very violent storm in the English Channel, had lost around fifty crew members to an epidemic, and had faced mutinies. On board was a cargo of precious goods brought back from the Indies: gold ingots, cannons, wines, fabrics… Seeing it sail past offshore, some Englishmen decided to attack it to seize this cargo.

The ship sank, but it didn't really go down into the sea: it quite literally stuck in the mud at the edge of the beach. At very low tide, you can glimpse the top of the wreck emerging from the ground. Studies carried out on the site have shown that the rest of the ship, along with a large part of the cargo and the crew's belongings, is still preserved under the mud, intact or almost.

Seeing the wreck of the Amsterdam still comes down to luck: it only appears at certain times of the year, and only at very low tide. To improve your chances, carefully check the tide times and the predicted water level, for example on this site. The water level needs to be below 2 ft (60 cm); if you see that the sea remains high, it's better to focus on the maritime museums or the Net Shops.

Hastings old town: George Street and medieval atmosphere

Hastings isn't just about seaside attractions: there's also the old town, tucked between two hills. It's centered around a few narrow streets and old churches, with George Street as its liveliest and most appealing hub.

If you were to see only one street while you're there, I'd tell you to head straight to George Street. That's where I really fell for the town: a lively pedestrian street lined with old facades, where independent shops, pubs, tearooms, and small restaurants all mingle.

In this area you'll find plenty of tea shops, beer cellars, home decor stores, and thrift shops, making it a nice neighborhood to wander through without any particular goal, just letting yourself be drawn in by the shop windows or a sunny terrace.

The old town is also home to the Anglican church of St Clement's, which dates back to the medieval period and is a reminder that Hastings was already an important point on the coast long before 19th-century tourists arrived.

Hastings with kids: activities for children and teens

Hastings is particularly well suited to families, with rides, a small amusement park, a mini lake, a well-known skatepark, and a very popular pirate event.

What struck me around Hastings beach is that the town really seems to be geared toward children. There's a small family amusement park, Flamingo Park, set up by the sea, with arcade games and a few rides for different ages. There are also bouncy castles, trampolines, and a mini-golf course with a huge pirate ship that instantly makes you want to play, whatever your age.

For the record, Hastings hosts "Pirate Day" every year, a day when thousands of people dress up as pirates. The beach and seafront turn into a huge carnival stage, and the town has even earned a Guinness record for the largest gathering of pirates in the world. If you're traveling with children or teens who are pirate fans, it might be worth checking the dates of the 2026 edition.

There's also a mini lake with swan-shaped pedal boats, with East Hill as a backdrop. The place has a very "traditional seaside" feel. A few years ago, two young people aged 23 and 26 decided to "borrow" a pedal boat one Sunday morning to try to cross the English Channel on a plastic swan; they were caught by the maritime police and forced to come quietly back to the beach, under the amused gaze of passersby.

For teenagers, Hastings also has Source Park, a very well-known underground skatepark for BMX and skateboarding. You can rent equipment on site, and it also houses one of the largest shops in Europe dedicated to BMX and skate. It's a good option for keeping a teenager busy who needs to move around, or for board sports fans who want to ride in an emblematic spot. You'll find more information here.

Other ideas for visits in Hastings

Beyond the beach, the hills, and the Old Town, Hastings has a few small museums and parks that are perfect for rounding out a day in town. You can also pick and choose from these other ideas for outings in Hastings, depending on your interests:

• Alexandra Park, a large park to the north of town, about a 15-minute walk from the station. There's a lake, restrooms, a café, and a little miniature train, making it a pleasant stop if you're in the mood for some greenery.
• The True Crime Museum, a small museum devoted to crime stories and criminal cases, about a ten-minute walk from the station along the seafront. It's often a hit with teens and fans of detective novels and true crime series. More information on their website.
• Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, a local museum less than a 15-minute walk from the station, which tells the story of the region through objects, artworks, and temporary exhibitions. It's a good introduction to Sussex culture.

Hastings also has a small aquarium, Hastings Aquarium. It doesn't really stand out and is still quite compact; I wouldn't put it at the top of your list if you're short on time, but it can be handy on a rainy day or if you're traveling with young children who like fish.

How to get to Hastings?

Hastings is easy to reach by train from London, Brighton, or other towns in Sussex, which makes it an excellent car-free day trip.

Hastings is located about 2 hours by train from London and 1 hour from Brighton. The station is very close to the town center, so you can visit Hastings entirely on foot, from the beach to the hills via the Old Town. It's a comfortable setup if you don't want to rent a car during your stay in England.

From London, trains leave in particular from London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or London Victoria, with a possible change depending on the timetable. From Brighton, the connection is direct or with a change in Lewes, depending on the departure time.

Similarly, if you choose to stay in Hastings for several days, it's very easy to go and explore neighboring towns by train: Rye, St Leonards-on-Sea, Pevensey and its castle, Eastbourne, or even Brighton.

You can book your tickets on the official website of the British rail network, National Rail, or directly at the station at the ticket machines. For journeys from London, there are sometimes good deals outside peak hours or with discount cards such as a Railcard; it can be worth comparing the timetables.

If you come to Hastings by car, the town has a large seafront car park on the East Hill side. It's not particularly cheap or very attractive, but it's very well located for accessing the beach, family attractions, and the East Hill Cliff Railway. You can also park in the Priory Street car park in the town center, which puts you halfway between the station, Priory Meadow, and the beach.

Where to stay in Hastings?

When it comes to accommodation, Hastings has a fairly modest selection: it's not a big seaside resort packed with hotels, but more a town of B&Bs, small guesthouses, independent hotels, and apartments. The best choice really depends on how you like to travel: right in the Old Town, facing the sea, or a bit farther out in a quieter area.

• To be facing the sea: the White Rock Hotel offers good value for money with a very convenient location on the seafront, near the pier. It's a straightforward choice if you want to be able to step outside and walk along the water without even thinking about it.
• To sleep in the heart of the Old Town: The Laindons is very well located, just steps from George Street, East Hill, and the fishermen's quarter. Its breakfast veranda adds real charm to an excellent place to stay.
• For a more contemporary atmosphere: Number 46 offers more modern décor and a good level of comfort. It's in a quieter area, which is handy if you prefer to avoid the very lively seafront atmosphere while still staying within a reasonable distance of the center.
• For a very English experience: St Benedict Victorian Bed & Breakfast is set in an 1882 house decorated in a boldly stated Victorian style. You either like it or you don't, but the place has personality. It's especially suited if you're looking for accommodation with a strong atmosphere rather than a neutral hotel.

Itinerary ideas for one day in Hastings

In a single day, you can combine the seafront, hills, old town, and one or two museums, adjusting the pace depending on whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family. To help you plan your visit, here are two sample day itineraries in Hastings, which you can adapt according to your energy level and the weather.

Itinerary for a first visit without children

For a classic first taste, start with the Old Town, then head up into the hills before finishing the day by the water.

For example, you could:

• Arrive in late morning and walk through Priory Meadow to reach the beach and take a look at Hastings Pier.
• Head back up toward the Old Town and stroll along George Street, stopping for lunch in one of the pubs or fish restaurants.
• In the afternoon, take the West Hill cliff railway to visit Hastings Castle if you're interested in medieval history, or simply for the view.
• Head back down into the Old Town, walk along the seafront toward the Net Shops, and visit the Hastings Fishermen's Museum or the Shipwreck Museum.
• End the day with a walk on Hastings Pier to enjoy the sunset and have dinner in a fish or seafood restaurant.

Itinerary for one day in Hastings with children

With children, you can alternate between fun activities, short visits to small museums, and free playtime on the beach or in parks.

For a family, a typical day might look like this:

• Morning by the sea, with the rides at Flamingo Park, a swan pedal boat ride if the weather is suitable, and some playtime on the pebbles.
• Simple lunch of fish & chips or in a small restaurant near the beach.
• Quick visit to the Hastings Fishermen's Museum, which works well for short, visual explorations.
• Cliff railway ride up to West Hill and visit to Smugglers Adventure, which usually appeals to children old enough to follow the stories.
• Quiet end to the day on George Street for an ice cream or a hot chocolate, depending on the season.

East Hill or West Hill: what to choose if you are short on time?

If you have to choose only one hill, pick West Hill if you're interested in sights and attractions, and East Hill if you prefer scenery and nature.

To help you decide based on what you feel like doing, here is a small comparison table.

Traveler's memo for visiting Hastings

Here are the answers to the most common questions people ask before visiting Hastings, to help you plan your stay as simply as possible.

Hastings is not necessarily the first town that comes to mind when you are planning a trip to England, yet it offers a real concentration of what's most appealing about Sussex: history, the sea, walks, an easygoing pace of life, and great little foodie spots. Whether you are passionate about the Battle of 1066, love clifftop walks, are a parent looking for an easy destination for a family weekend, or are simply curious to discover a different side of the English coast, Hastings really deserves a place in your itinerary.