Hastings Bed and Breakfasts

The seaside town of Hastings lies along England's south-east coast and is best known as the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, which will forever be immortalised on the Bayeux Tapestry. There's more to the place than just medieval battles, though. This pretty town, squeezed in a valley with soaring cliffs on both sides, is lined with multi-coloured Georgian and Victorian terraced houses, some fascinating maritime museums and seaside-inspired art galleries. Its main draw is the long stretch of golden sand punctuated by a long, wooden Victorian pier. On the beach are grounded fishing boats and it's backed by a handsome promenade. The heyday of British seaside resorts looks set to make a comeback and with all the retro trappings, like colourful deckchairs, fish and chip shops and kid-friendly amusement attractions, it's easy to see why.

Seaside retreats, country boltholes and Victorian B&Bs, Hastings

The bed and breakfasts in Hastings have been the staple choice of accommodation for decades. When you can nab a waterfront guestroom with views over the beach and the ocean for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room, it's hardly surprising. Gone are the days of drab 1970s decor and poorly cooked food. Today, B&Bs have reinvented themselves. Some are housed in glorious terraced houses, offering just a handful of guestrooms, while others are boutiques near to the centre with luxurious interiors and furnishings. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, there are plenty to choose from, while the cottages further along the coastline offer scenic seaside boltholes away from the bustle of town. Whichever you pick, the local owners always go out of their way to make you feel welcome and can prove mighty useful in helping to decide where to go and what to see. You can search through every 1 of the bed and breakfasts in Hastings by using Expedia. Simply fire up the platform, filter the results, find the perfect match by reading through the descriptions and photos, and book in just a few clicks.

Once you check into your cosy guestroom, you'll find everything you need for your stay. These days, most will have ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs on the walls, so you don't have to miss out on your favourite shows, and facilities for making freshly brewed tea. Depending on your needs, you can find a place with free parking or pet-friendly rooms, should you want to bring your furry friend on holiday, and WiFi is a given. In the morning, if you can tear yourself away from the ocean views through your window, you can head downstairs for a proper home-cooked English breakfast, accompanied by juice and tea. Many places also have healthier options, offering granola, yogurts and fruit. After Hastings, why not catch the train to the town's trendier neighbour, Brighton?

Golden sandy beaches, ancient ruins and wartime history near your B&B, Hastings

During the summer, most holidaymakers make a beeline for the beach and spend their days basking in the southern sunshine and braving the chilly waters of the English Channel. If you tire of sunbathing, you could always try 1 of the water sports on offer, or walk along the pretty promenade and dive into 1 of the cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat. If the 1,000-year-old Hastings Castle could talk, it would surely have some stories to tell. It might be in ruins, but what's left has withstood battles, sieges, strong coastal weather and World War bombing. While you're there, you shouldn't miss a visit to the town of Battle, just a few miles away – it's where William the Conqueror was victorious during the Battle of Hastings.

• Stay along the beachfront without breaking the bank
• Bring your furry friend on your beachy escape
• Wake up to the sound of the ocean lapping against the shoreline
• Enjoy a proper home-cooked breakfast every morning