
Hastings Old Town
A charming coastal gem with winding streets, historic architecture, and stunning sea views. Explore independent shops and enjoy fresh seafood.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Hastings Old Town
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal gem with winding streets, historic architecture, and stunning sea views. Explore independent shops and enjoy fresh seafood.
"I think I just found the most beautiful coastal town in England!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled streets and inclines are best navigated with good walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Charm
Bring your camera for picturesque streets, coastal views, and unique shop fronts.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wander the Historic Streets
George Street, High Street, All Saints Street
Explore storybook streets filled with independent shops, vintage finds, and Tudor-style buildings.

East Hill Cliff Railway
East Hill
Ride the UK's steepest funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and countryside.

The Stade & Fishing Heritage
The Stade
Experience the traditional fishing quarter with its colourful boats and fresh seafood stalls.

Hastings Castle Ruins
West Hill
Discover the remnants of a Norman castle offering historical insights and stunning sea vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm: Plan Your Hastings Old Town Visit
Getting Around Hastings Old Town
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled streets and inclines are best navigated with good walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Charm
Bring your camera for picturesque streets, coastal views, and unique shop fronts.
🍽️ Savor Local Seafood
Enjoy fresh catches from The Stade, a must-try for seafood lovers.
🕰️ Explore Independent Shops
Discover vintage treasures and unique finds in the many boutiques.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled streets and inclines are best navigated with good walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Charm
Bring your camera for picturesque streets, coastal views, and unique shop fronts.
🍽️ Savor Local Seafood
Enjoy fresh catches from The Stade, a must-try for seafood lovers.
🕰️ Explore Independent Shops
Discover vintage treasures and unique finds in the many boutiques.
🚆 Consider Train Travel
It's an easy 1.5-hour train ride from London, avoiding parking hassles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hastings Old Town for its unique charm, historic architecture, and vibrant independent shops. The stunning coastal views from the East Hill Cliff Railway are a major highlight, alongside the authentic fishing heritage at The Stade. Some find parking challenging, and the weather can be unpredictable, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by train from London Bridge or Charing Cross stations, taking approximately 1.5 hours.
Driving is an option, but parking in the Old Town can be difficult and expensive.Yes, Hastings Old Town is very walkable. Its charm lies in exploring its narrow, cobbled streets on foot.
Walking is ideal for exploring the Old Town's nooks and crannies. For panoramic views, the East Hill Cliff Railway is a must-use.
Parking is limited and can be challenging within the Old Town itself. Several public car parks are available nearby, but walking from the train station is often recommended.
Absolutely! Hastings Old Town is a popular and feasible day trip from London, easily accessible by train in about 1.5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entry fees to wander through Hastings Old Town itself. However, attractions like the East Hill Cliff Railway have separate ticket prices.
Hastings Old Town is always accessible, as it's a public area. Individual shops and attractions will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon.
Yes, the East Hill Cliff Railway operates on a ticket system. It's advisable to check their official website for current pricing and operating times.
Yes, there are several charming B&Bs and guesthouses in Hastings Old Town, such as 'The Old Rectory Hastings' and 'Old Town Guest House Hastings'. Booking in advance is recommended.
Wandering the streets, enjoying the sea views from the promenade, and exploring the Stade are all free activities. The Hastings Castle ruins also offer a glimpse into history without a fee to access the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
George Street, All Saints Street, and the views from the East Hill Cliff Railway offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The Stade with its fishing boats is also very photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the town's charm.
Weekday mornings can also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.Don't miss the unique architecture of the Old Town streets, the dramatic coastal views from the cliffs, and the colourful fishing boats on The Stade.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for street scenes and wider views. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the dramatic coastal landscapes.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permits, especially in populated areas or near the coast. It's best to check with local authorities before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Stade is the heart of Hastings' fishing heritage, offering numerous stalls and restaurants serving fresh catches.
Many visitors rave about the quality and freshness.Several pubs and restaurants in Hastings Old Town offer Sunday roasts. It's recommended to check local listings or ask for recommendations upon arrival for the best 'Sunday Roast Hastings Old Town' experience.
Popular spots include traditional pubs and eateries serving local fare. For a specific recommendation, 'The Jenny Lind Inn Hastings Old Town' is a historic pub.
Yes, there are charming tea rooms offering 'Afternoon Tea Hastings Old Town'. Look for independent cafes and bakeries for a delightful experience.
Yes, beyond the seafood stalls, you can find more affordable options like fish and chips, pasties, and cafes offering sandwiches and light bites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit