Hastings Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hastings which includes street scenes
Hastings featuring general coastal views and a small town or village
Great Dixter House and Gardens showing a house and a garden
Blue Reef Aquarium which includes marine life as well as an individual male
Hastings Castle showing heritage elements and building ruins

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.

Lansdowne Hotel
Lansdowne Hotel
3 out of 5
1 & 2 Robertson Terrace, Hastings, England
The price is £89 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
£89
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (378 reviews)
"Fabulous friendly and clean. Able to check In early and had a lovely clean fresh room with a balcony overlooking the sea. Was amazing to wake up to that view and sit there and watch the storm!! Staff are friendly and helpful. Excellent value for money."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Lansdowne Hotel
Guestling Hall Hotel
Guestling Hall Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Guestling Hall, Rye Road, Hastings, England
The price is £85 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£85
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (415 reviews)
"Good value boutique hotel. Simple, but pleasant"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Guestling Hall Hotel
Vive Hotel
Vive Hotel
4 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (84 reviews)
"Clean spacious room center of town"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

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
4 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (84 reviews)
"Clean spacious room center of town"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

Vive Hotel
Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.
Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.
Hastings, England
Stay at this apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Old Town Hall Museum and Flower Makers' Museum are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Beautiful apartment
"I had a great stay with my wife, kid and dog. Beautifully furnished in antique furniture, modern kitchen and excellent balcony to enjoy a morning coffee in. Right in the middle of Old Town, you are a quick walk away from everything, really.We loved our stay."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.
Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
Pett, England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Hastings. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Mallydams Woods and Pett Level Beach are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
Peaceful Holiday
"Excellent accommodation in tranquil surroundings."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Converted stable in secluded rural setting.
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

Things to do

Reviews of Hastings

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 23%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great beach and lovely old town. Teenagers enjoyed amusements.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We walked to the beach lovely food and the views stunning

Cities near Hastings