Experience the best of Hastings

Hastings lies on the English Channel coast, about 50 kilometres east of Brighton. Its old town climbs steep streets between the sea and the cliffs, and fishing boats are still drawn up on the shingle beach known as the Stade, one of the larger beach-launched fleets in Europe, beside rows of tall, black-tarred net huts.

On the West Hill, the ruins of a Norman castle overlook the old town, and a cliff railway climbs the hill from the streets below. The Battle of Hastings was fought about 10 kilometres inland, at Battle, where Battle Abbey was built on the site. Hastings Country Park lies to the east along the cliffs, and Hastings Pier, rebuilt after a fire in 2010, stands on the seafront.

Fish and chips and smoked fish are the traditional food, shellfish is sold from huts on the Stade, and cafés and pubs in the old town serve local ales and cider. Summer brings the busiest beaches. Spring and autumn are quieter, and winter storms can batter the seafront.