- Hastings is home to the last remaining beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, as the town lacks a sheltered harbor.
- The town's unique 'Net Shops'—tall, thin wooden buildings on the beach—were specifically designed to maximize storage space for nets in a narrow area.
- St Clement's Caves, featured in Smugglers Adventure, were expanded by hand in the early 19th century and served as an air-raid shelter during World War II.
- Hastings is widely considered the birthplace of the modern television industry, as John Logie Baird lived there while developing his first mechanical prototypes.
- The town hosts the oldest chess congress in the United Kingdom, which has been held annually since 1920.
About Hastings
Hastings is a historic seaside town in East Sussex defined by its ancient role as a Cinque Port and its association with the 1066 Norman Conquest. The town retains a distinctive contrast between its traditional fishing fleet, which remains the largest beach-launched fleet in Europe, and its modern cultural scene at Hastings Contemporary. Visitors can explore deep-rooted maritime history at the Shipwreck Museum or ascend the cliffs via the East Hill Cliff Railway for panoramic coastal views. The ruins of Hastings Castle provide a strategic vantage point overlooking the English Channel, grounding the town firmly in its medieval past.
Highlights of Hastings
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the Norman-era ruins that provide a tactical overview of the landing site of William the Conqueror.
Historical places
Ride the steepest funicular railway in the United Kingdom to access the scenic clifftop trails of Country Park.
Museums
Discover the heritage of the local fishing industry housed within a repurposed Victorian church on the beach.
Museums
View cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in a distinct building perched directly on the edge of the Stade.
Places of interest
Venture into subterranean passages once utilized by local gangs to hide illicit goods from customs officers.
Museums
Examine maritime artifacts and relics recovered from the seabed along this treacherous stretch of the English Channel.
Parks
Wander through a expansive, award-winning Victorian park featuring ornamental gardens and serene boating lakes.
Beaches and ponds
Walk along the pebble shoreline to observe the iconic black timber net shops used by the local fishing fleet.
Top things to do in Hastings
The 120 highest-rated places in Hastings, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated fortress located in the Rother Valley, East Sussex, built in 1385 by Sir Edward D...
2
Historical places
Battle Abbey occupies the site where the 1066 Battle of Hastings took place, marking the decisive Norman victory over th...
3
Museums
4
Parks
5
Zoos
6
Historical places
7
Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
11
Historical places
12
Places of interest
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Temples
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Amusement parks
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Museums
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Parks
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
30
Venues
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Hastings on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Hastings
Late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, to enjoy outdoor coastal activities and beach weather.
2-3 days to explore the historic Old Town, maritime museums, and cliffside parks.
The town is largely walkable, especially in the Old Town, with local bus services and iconic funicular cliff railways for steep inclines.
The Old Town is best for historic character and proximity to the beach, while the area near Alexandra Park offers quieter, Victorian-era residential streets.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options vary, with plenty of affordable local seafood and free outdoor attractions.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 120 curated attractions in and around Hastings, ranked by traveller ratings.
Bodiam Castle is the highest-rated place to visit in Hastings right now.
The largest category is temples, with 48 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
