Mention Hastings and most people still think first of the historic battle in 1066. However, there’s far more to the town than its place in the history books. Today, it’s one of the Sussex coast’s most characterful seaside spots, with everything from its Victorian-era Old Town and iconic fishermans’ huts, to beautiful sea views and country parks.
Perhaps what makes Hastings so appealing is its contrast. There’s history here, of course, but there’s also a creative and independent spirit that pulsates through its streets and ‘twittens’. Antique shops and old pubs filled with pirates’ tales reside alongside modern cafes, offering the kind of trip that makes a weekend feel full without being overly hurried.
And though it’s coastal, Hastings is the sort of place that works whatever the season. In summer, the beach and pier pull people out into the sunshine, while the Old Town hums with the sound of buskers, serenading visitors as they drift between cafés, pubs, and shops. In the colder months, Hastings takes on a different kind of charm — all dramatic skies, sea air, and an abundance of cosy spots to duck into after a windswept walk.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in Hastings, a Sussex staycation, or simply looking for the best things to do in Hastings on a day trip, here’s where to begin.
Explore Hastings Old Town
If you’re wondering where to begin, make it Hastings Old Town. This is the part of town that gives Hastings so much of its charm: narrow streets lined with independent shops, weatherboard cottages, old pubs, antique finds, and cafés that make it very easy to linger longer than planned. George Street and the High Street sit at the heart of it all, and they’re best explored without too much of an agenda.
Visit The Stade and Hastings’ Famous Fishermen’s Huts
A short walk from the Old Town brings you to The Stade, one of the most distinctive parts of Hastings. This stretch of shingle beach is home to Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet, and it still feels very much like a working part of the town rather than a backdrop for visitors. Fishing boats sit pulled up on the shore, gulls circle overhead, and the salty air carries right through the seafront.
Most recognisable of all are the tall black fishermen’s net huts, which line the beach in neat rows and have become one of Hastings’ defining images. Weathered, practical, and deeply tied to the town’s identity, they’re one of the first things many people picture when they think of Hastings — and seeing them in person is well worth it.
Ride the East Hill Lift
Climbing steeply from The Stade to the top of East Hill, this historic funicular railway is the steepest of its kind in the UK, and the view only gets better as you rise. At the top, you’ll find a brilliant vantage point over the Old Town rooftops, the fishing beach, and the coastline curving away in both directions.
It’s a short journey, but one that gives you a great panorama of the landscape here once you reach the top — sea on one side, steep green hillside on the other, and the town folded between them.
Walk the Clifftop Trails at Hastings Country Park
Just east of the town centre, the landscape at Hastings Country Park is one of the most striking stretches of coastline in East Sussex, and a completely different side to the beach-and-pier feel of the town below. The walks here can be as gentle or as ambitious as you like. Some visitors simply head up for the view, while others carry on towards Fairlight for a longer clifftop route. Either way, expect wide skies, sea wind, and those big coastal views that make you stop every few minutes “just for one more look”.
Visit Hastings Castle
Sitting above the town on West Hill, Hastings Castle is one of the town’s most important historic landmarks. Built soon after the Norman invasion in 1066, it began as a timber fort before later being rebuilt in stone. Although parts of the castle have been lost to coastal erosion over the centuries, what remains still feels atmospheric, especially with the sea stretching out behind it.
You don’t really need to be deeply into history to enjoy it. Even if you’re just visiting for the setting and the views, it’s an easy place to add to your itinerary — especially if you’re already exploring the hilltops and seafront nearby.
Spend Time on Hastings Pier
No visit to any major Sussex seaside town is complete without a walk along the pier. Stretching out into the English Channel, it’s a lovely spot for taking a break in the sea air and watching the day go by (even better if you can grab a coffee or fish and chips for that real English seaside experience). The surrounding seafront is worth lingering around too, with its wide promenade offering plenty of places to stop for something to eat or drink, as well as a long stretch of beach.
Best Pubs in Hastings
Hastings does pubs particularly well, especially around the Old Town, where it’s easy to move directly from a seafront walk to a low-lit corner table without much effort. If you’re after somewhere unique, The Stag Inn claims to be one of the town’s longest-serving pubs (opened in the 16th century), and has plenty of character to match: expect inglenook fireplaces, regular live music, and mummified cats – encased above the bar and shrouded in mystery.
If local produce and craft beer’s more your thing, The Crown ticks the box with both, while still retaining the warmth and ease you want from a good pub. Meanwhile First In Last Out, often known simply as FILO, is well worth seeking out for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and unfussy charm.
Best Restaurants in Hastings
For a town of its size, Hastings has a seriously good food scene, with plenty of independent spots that feel rooted in the place rather than made for passing trade. Monelli’s is one of those long-standing favourites the locals return to again and again, known for its unique sourdough, deep-crust pizzas and lively atmosphere. Tonka, meanwhile, brings something a little more contemporary to the table, with Mauritian food, friendly service and an intimate vibe that services date nights immaculately. If seafood is high on your Hastings list, Rock a Nore Kitchen is one of the best places to head, especially after time spent around The Stade and the fishing beach nearby.
Best Cafés in Hastings
Part of the pleasure of a day in Hastings is how easily it lends itself to coffee stops, and there are plenty of good ones to fold into your plans. Good Grades is a brilliant place to start the day, with its quality coffees and homemade cakes and pastries. The paninis, salads, and cheese boards at Hanushka provide a fabulous spot to refuel after a morning of wandering the shops of the Old Town, its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves only making it easier to stop for an hour or two. Meanwhile, contemporary drinks spot Stooge feels very much in step with Hastings’ creative side, with its menu spanning everything from traditional coffees and teas, to the more unusual matcha, oolong, hojicha and haldi doodh (turmeric milk).
Day Trips and Nearby Places to Explore
One of the best things about visiting Hastings is how easy it is to explore more of the Sussex coast and surrounding countryside. Nearby St Leonards-on-Sea is a natural addition to any Hastings itinerary, with its elegant seafront architecture, independent shops, and plenty of good places to eat. It’s close enough to walk to, and makes a great extension to a day or weekend in the town.
If you’re staying longer, Hastings also works brilliantly as a base for exploring nearby places like Rye, Camber, Battle, and the wider 1066 Country area. Each destination is within easy reach, and each offers a slightly different perspective on this stretch of the South East coast, from medieval streets and historic landmarks to open countryside and sea-framed walks.
Stay in Hastings with Bloom Stays
If you’re looking for a Sussex coastal break that combines history, character, and plenty of unique spots, Hastings makes for a fantastic choice.
Planning your own East Sussex seaside escape? Bloom Stays offers a handpicked collection of beautiful holiday homes in Hastings and across the surrounding coast, giving you the perfect base for beach walks, Old Town wanders, pub dinners, and days spent exploring the best of Sussex.
Whether you’re after a romantic weekend away, a family coastal break, or a longer stay by the sea, browse our collection of Sussex holiday homes and find your next stay with Bloom Stays.
