Rock-a-Nore Beach
Iconic beach with historic net huts, dramatic cliffs, and a working fishing fleet. A picturesque slice of Hastings' maritime heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Exposes rock pools & sand
Rock-a-Nore Beach
Best Time
Exposes rock pools & sand

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic beach with historic net huts, dramatic cliffs, and a working fishing fleet. A picturesque slice of Hastings' maritime heritage.
"Fantastic beach beneath imposing sandstone cliffs with lots of great photo opportunities."
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is best for exploring rock pools and sandy areas . Don't miss this for great photos! :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is pebbly and rocky, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Net Huts
Rock-a-Nore Beach
Historic black wooden huts, centuries old, once used for drying fishing gear. A true symbol of Hastings' maritime past.

Cliffs and Coastal Views
Rock-a-Nore Beach
Soaring sandstone cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop and stunning photo opportunities, especially on sunny days .

Fishing Fleet Charm
Rock-a-Nore Beach
Witness Britain's largest fleet of beach-launched fishing boats, a vibrant scene of local culture and tradition .

Rock Pools at Low Tide
Rock-a-Nore Beach
Explore fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life when the tide recedes, offering a glimpse into the underwater world .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tides
Parking and Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is best for exploring rock pools and sandy areas.
Don't miss this for great photos! :iphone:Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is pebbly and rocky, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Net Huts
These historic huts are a photographer's dream, especially in the morning light. :camerawithflash:
Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early on sunny days or weekends to secure parking. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is best for exploring rock pools and sandy areas.
Don't miss this for great photos! :iphone:Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is pebbly and rocky, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Net Huts
These historic huts are a photographer's dream, especially in the morning light. :camerawithflash:
Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early on sunny days or weekends to secure parking. :car:
Embrace the Sounds
Listen to the calming 'susurration' of the waves – it's truly therapeutic. :notes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rock-a-Nore Beach for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and the unique charm of its historic fishing net huts. The opportunity to explore rock pools at low tide and the vibrant atmosphere of the fishing fleet are frequently highlighted as major draws. While parking can be a challenge on busy days, the overall experience is considered a picturesque and culturally rich seaside visit.
"Fantastic beach beneath imposing sandstone cliffs. At low tide you can walk east heading towards Fairlight. It's a challenging route, picking a way through the rocks, but rewarded with a small waterfall onto the beach from Ecclesbourne Glen (best viewed after a period of heavy rain otherwise the flow is minimal).
Lots of great photo opportunities, with rocks of unusual shapes and colours, particularly striking on a sunny day. Spent quite a while here just taking in the views.
Low tide exposes some sand and rock pools, so it's worth checking the tide tables when planning your visit to coincide with this.
There's a large paid parking lot, cafés, ice cream shops, fish and chip shops and toilets."
Andrew Thomas
"Beautiful English fisherman's market located on the Rock a bore beach . Lots of sights to see and lots of raw culture. You are able to get the lift to the castle which can been seen from the beach . A truly stunning part of a wonderful coastal town. Great parking facilities at a reasonable price. Amusements and acades. Fun for all the family."
Cheryl Balchin
"It is a great place by the beach for families and couples. Lots of rides, museums and eating places. There is parking available by the beach but it will cost 1.90£ per hour. There are also clean toilets available by the beach. However, it is fairly crowded during the weekends. So please ensure you carry sanitisers and wipes for safety and precaution."
priyanka pandey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rock-a-Nore Beach is easily accessible in Hastings. If driving, there's a large paid parking lot nearby.
Public transport options include local buses that stop close to the seafront. It's also a pleasant walk from the town center.Yes, there is a large paid parking lot available. However, it can fill up quickly on good weather weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! It's a scenic walk along the seafront from Hastings town center to Rock-a-Nore Beach, offering lovely coastal views along the way.
While cycling directly on the beach might be challenging due to pebbles, the promenade alongside the beach is great for cycling. You can also find cycle racks nearby.
The easiest way is by train to Hastings station, then a short bus ride or a walk to the beach. Driving is also an option, but be mindful of parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rock-a-Nore Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. You can enjoy the seaside freely.
Rock-a-Nore Beach is open 24/7, as it's a natural beach. However, facilities like cafes and toilets will have their own operating hours.
No booking is required to visit the beach itself. If you plan to visit attractions like the Hastings Contemporary gallery nearby, it's advisable to check their individual booking policies.
Generally, there are no major restrictions. However, always be mindful of local bylaws, especially regarding BBQs or fires, and ensure you take all your litter with you.
Yes, the beach is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic net huts,
admire the dramatic cliffs, watch the fishing boats, and at low tide, discover rock pools. There are also cafes, fish and chip shops, and amusements nearby.Yes, it's great for families! Kids can enjoy exploring rock pools, building sandcastles (when sand is exposed), and there are amusements and fish and chip shops nearby.
The iconic net huts, the dramatic cliffs, the fishing boats, and the rock formations at low tide offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The golden hour light is particularly beautiful.Yes, there are clean toilets available by the beach, along with cafes, ice cream shops, and fish and chip shops.
Swimming is possible, but it's advisable to check local conditions and safety advice. The beach is primarily known for its scenic beauty and fishing heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous options right by the beach, including fish and chip shops, cafes, and restaurants like White's Seafood & Steak Bar.
You'll find plenty of choices for a seaside meal.Many cafes and restaurants offer a range of options. It's best to check menus or ask staff directly, but you'll likely find salads, jacket potatoes, or other dishes.
Yes, picnics are welcome! There are plenty of spots to lay down a blanket and enjoy your own food with a view of the sea.
Given its fishing heritage, fresh fish and chips are a classic choice! You can also find ice cream and other seaside treats.
Yes, the Old Town area adjacent to Rock-a-Nore Beach has a fine selection of pubs offering food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for capturing the dramatic cliffs and historic net huts.
Low tide also provides unique compositions with rock pools.The iconic black net huts, the imposing sandstone cliffs, the active fishing fleet, and the textures of the pebbles and rock pools are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. It's essential to check current UK drone laws and any local restrictions before flying. Some videos show aerial views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cliffs and beach. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of rock pools. A tripod is helpful for low-light photography or capturing the sound of waves.
The promenade offers excellent vantage points. For a different perspective, consider the East Hill Lift for panoramic views of the coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ Walkers and Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Net Huts
These huts are not just relics; they are a living part of the community. While their original purpose may have evolved, they continue to add character and a unique visual appeal to the beach. Many artists and creators find inspiration in their rustic charm and the stories they seem to hold. They are a tangible link to the generations of fishermen who have worked these waters.
Exploring Rock-a-Nore at Low Tide
Beyond the rock pools, the low tide can also expose interesting rock formations and even lead to the small waterfall from Ecclesbourne Glen if there's been recent rain. This is also an ideal time for photography, as the wet rocks and sand create reflective surfaces, and the unusual shapes of the rocks become more prominent. Remember to check the tide times before your visit to make the most of this natural phenomenon.
The Dramatic Coastal Scenery
These cliffs are a significant geological feature, shaping the unique character of the beach. They offer a sense of scale and grandeur, making visitors feel immersed in the natural beauty of the English coast. Exploring the base of the cliffs, especially at low tide, can reveal interesting textures and formations, adding to the overall experience of this picturesque seaside spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit