Hastings guide and sightseeing         

Summary
This East Sussex seaside resort has a bit of that faded seaside glamour feel about it, a good century past its Victorian heyday. But with the largest beach-based fishing fleet in the EU and 1066 as an historical heritage, the south coast town is a fun, historical alternative to neighbouring Brighton. Hastings has a wide range of hotels and budget accommodation and great for a late break.

Whether you take a wander around the fishing boats of the Stade or take the West Hill lift to reach Hastings Castle, there are a variety of attractions around the town, most of which can be reached on foot.

Getting there/getting around Hastings
It takes just over two hours to reach Hastings by train, leaving from London. If travelling by car take the A21 out of London and allow a good two hours for your journey.

The town is also about 36 miles east of Brighton along the A27.

Sightseeing around Hastings
Among the maritime attractions is the Fisherman's Museum housing the Enterprise - a sailing lugger which took to the seas between 1912-1955. Situated along Rock-a-Nore road, the museum brings to life Hastings' fishing history with some interesting exhibits. The Shipwreck Heritage Centre and the net huts of The Stade are in the same area and are worth a wander around.

Head up West Hill along Castle Hill Road and you'll be able to journey back in time. The West Hill lift will take you to the top where you can learn about the history of 1066 and the Battle of Hastings at the medieval siege tent, before venturing on to see the remains of Hastings Castle founded in 1066 by William of Normandy. It's a great spot from which to view the town itself.

Hastings family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences         

Family attractions in Hastings
Children will love the Clambers Play Centre in White Rock Gardens where play facilities include scramble nets, swinging ropes, a huge sandpit and an 18 hole adventure golf course. Alternatively, Smugglers Adventure in West Hill provides a great afternoon out for the family. You can explore St Clements Caves and discover more about the town's history of smuggling and bootlegging.

Pelham Beach is great to relax on with views of the sea and Hastings Pier, which once hosted numerous rock concerts but sadly is now closed to the public. Also on the seafront is a 19 hole mini adventure golf course, well worth playing and ideal for the kids.

Alexandra Park attracts about half the town's population once a week with its boating lake, bandstand and adventure playground and is just a stroll away from the town centre.

Day trips from Hastings
Head over to Camber Sands. Drive along the coastal road, the A259 and pass through the beautiful village of Rye before you reach Camber which has vast sand dunes and a huge beach, ideal for kitesurfing and kiteboarding.

Take a trip to Battle, a small town about six miles inland from Hastings where William the Conqueror defeated Harold II in 1066 to become the next king of England. The town's Abbey was built during this period and is a historic treat.

Shopping in Hastings
Hastings old town is full of wonderful antique and second-hand shops where some truly strange items can be picked up at bargain prices.Spend an afternoon pottering around George Street and Courthouse Street.

For High Street brands head to Priory Meadow shopping centre.  It's got 50 shops, including several restaurants and coffee bars.

Hastings restaurants and nightlife         

Restaurants in Hastings
There are a wide range of restaurants and brasseries with international cuisine including Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian food on offer in the town centre.

Similarly, there is an eclectic mix of places to head for in the old town, including a variety of tea rooms in which to indulge in a cream tea. For an authentic taste of British seaside cuisine, get a bag of fish and chips from either The Blue Dolphin fish bar, the Mermaid restaurant or Lillie Langtry's Carvery and Fish Restaurant and wander along the beach front, dodging the seagulls and breathing in the sea air.

Nightlife in Hastings
Try the Old Town for a variety of quaint old pubs. Along George Street you will discover a good selection of places to have a drink and the nearby Stag Inn is worth a visit, if only to hear the story of a Hastings witch and her mummified cats who lived in the town four centuries ago. The pub is one of several on the Old Town Ghost Walk - worth taking when twilight descends on the town.

Alternatively head into the town centre and put on your dancing shoes for a night of fun with cocktails in The Brass Monkey and a twirl in The Dime Bar or Waves nightclub. For live music check out the Crypt, where luminaries like Coldplay, Ash and Gil Scott-Heron have all played live. There are many pubs in the town centre if you want to forgo the boogie and just go for the beer followed by an evening stroll along the beachfront where amusement arcades may grab your attention if the shingle beach doesn't.