Hastings Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hastings featuring general coastal views and a small town or village
Two main themes dominate the lively East Sussex town of Hastings: the sea and 1066.

Hastings once had a thriving fishing industry, and although this may have declined in recent years, it still lays claim to having Europe’s largest beach launched fishing fleet. From seaside coastal hotels and B&BS, to the more rural inland retreats, East Sussex has a variety of accommodation for you to choose from.

Although Hastings was not the actual location of the Normandy battle in 1066 its legacy is still clearly evident throughout the town. Visit the remains of what was William the Conqueror’s first English Castle.

If you are interested in the history of 1066, the nearby town of Battle is well worth a visit. Take the opportunity to explore William the Conqueror’s famous abbey and stand on the very spot where King Harold is believed to have died. A day out for the whole family, with the Abbey’s gardens perfect for children to explore and play in.

A visit to Rye Harbour is sure to capture your imagination. Steeped in maritime history coupled with glimmering beaches, museums and nature reserves, there is an array of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

The wider county of East Sussex include some of the UK’s most popular travel destinations, including Brighton and Eastbourne, all located along the coast.

Take a Quick Trip to Brighton

Brighton has many popular tourist attractions making it a real treasure trove of things to do from the Brighton Wheel and Pier to a visit to the Brighton seaside, the city offers something for everyone. The pier itself has a collection of shops along its length. A walk to the pier’s end will reward you with fantastic views over the beach. A trip down memory lane for many who have visited when they were children.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. The museum brings together a wide range of collections with exhibits depicting the story of Brighton and the wider world.

The Royal Pavilion is extraordinary don’t miss if you are planning on visiting Brighton while in East Sussex. Something you would not expect to find in a city centre its atmospheric and stunning interiors, coupled with beautiful gardens to enjoy a picnic in if the weather permits, are unbelievable.

Seven Sisters Country Park is a fabulous area to walk around and soak up the countryside. With an array of walking routes to choose between, including the more flat trails to the beach and more challenging across the South Downs, you’re sure to see plenty of local wildlife and wild flowers a truly refreshing experience.

Beachy Head near Eastbourne will let you get as close to the English Channel as you can be without touching it. It’s is indeed a lovely, tranquil place to visit.

Guestling Hall Hotel
Guestling Hall Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Guestling Hall, Rye Road, Hastings, England
The price is £75 per night from 2 May to 3 May
£75
per night
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (273 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

Guestling Hall Hotel
Lansdowne Hotel
Lansdowne Hotel
3 out of 5
1 & 2 Robertson Terrace, Hastings, England
The price is £77 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£77
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (281 reviews)
"Not my first rodeo here, the double rooms are spacious and clean. Well equipped and with a sea view to."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Lansdowne Hotel
Vive Hotel
Vive Hotel
5 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
The price is £112 per night from 21 May to 22 May
£112
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Priory Meadow Shopping Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
"Always a great place to stay."

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2024

Vive Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vive Hotel
Vive Hotel
5 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Priory Meadow Shopping Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
"Always a great place to stay."

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2024

Vive Hotel
Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
Pett, England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Hastings. Enjoy WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Mallydams Woods and Pett Level Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
Another lovely stay!
"We love going back to The Stable. It is very comfortable & relaxing . Guestling Woods is beautiful with the bluebells at this time of the year.The great spotted woodpecker was back on the feeder regularly & we also saw the green woodpecker this time! Jan & Nick are always very welcoming. Thank ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
Hollyoak Sanctuary, boutique woodland lodge set in the heart of East Sussex
Hollyoak Sanctuary, boutique woodland lodge set in the heart of East Sussex
Fairlight, ENG
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna and on-site parking. Popular attractions Mallydams Woods and Hastings Country Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
Lovely break in a wonderful location
"We had a great stay and really enjoyed the tennis court and the main living space at Hollyoak Sanctuary. The weather didnt cooperate so we didnt use the outside space as much as we wanted to but it was fabulous and would be great in better weather. The property manager was very receptive in answering ..."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

Hollyoak Sanctuary, boutique woodland lodge set in the heart of East Sussex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hastings

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
" "5 - Excellent 29.23076923076923%
4 - Good
29
" "4 - Good 44.61538461538461%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 23.076923076923077%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 3.076923076923077%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Nov 2019

We will move Hastings soon.Old town and St Leonard’s is favourite places.Lots of fish shop around its amazing .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Oct 2019

Great beach and lovely old town. Teenagers enjoyed amusements.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Oct 2019

I used to live in the Old Town many years ago and we often dream of moving back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Sep 2019

Fishermen’s Museum and Aquarium near the old Town both excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Sep 2019

Absolutely love the old town at Hastings. A great venue with lots to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Sep 2019

We walked to the beach lovely food and the views stunning

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