From fantastic galleries and vintage shopping to good old-fashioned beachside fish and chips, Hastings has it all
Hastings spent an alarmingly long time getting overshadowed by some of the biggest names in the seaside town industry – but enough is enough. Luckily for Hastings (but unluckily for those of us who wanted to keep it a secret), people have now caught on to why this hilly old place is so worth visiting, and a cultural explosion (partly due to an exodus from London’s art scene) has followed.
Despite its newfound trendiness, Hastings’ heart remains very much the same. Famed for the Norman Conquest of 1066 (and the subsequent Hastings Direct advert), the seaside town is full of history. Here you’ll find vintage shops dotted throughout the city centre, an old pirate town, and the rather brilliant Hastings Contemporary gallery, as well as some of the finest Art Deco architecture around.
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Just along the coast, Hastings' little sister, St Leonards has emerged as a creative hub in its own right, with galleries, independent coffee shops and grand Regency buildings aplenty. It is the perfect place for a laid-back wander, a pint in a pub full of local artists, or a browse through antique treasure troves.
Here are the best things to do in Hastings and St Leonards right now.
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What is it?
The beautiful ruins of a Norman castle overlooking all of Hastings.
Why go?
The castle may not be at its former glory, but its historic significance is undeniable. Built during the Norman Conquest of Britain, it’s important enough to be depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Address:
Castle Hill Rd, Hastings TN34 3RD
Opening hours:
Daily, 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm)
What is it?
An impressive collection of contemporary art housed in one of southern England's finest buildings.
Why go?
Formerly the Jerwood Collection, Hastings Contemporary hosts rolling exhibitions from some of the world's leading contemporary artists, including the likes of Jake and Dinos Chapman and Sarah Lucas. The building itself is also a sight to behold — its shiny tiled exterior reflects the nearby craggy cliffs and waves from Hastings Beach.
Address:
Rock-A-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm
What is it?
A beachside hole in the wall serving local beers, natural wines, and a mind-blowing fish finger sandwich.
Why go?
The location alone makes Goat Ledge worth a visit — this colourful seafood shack has seating literally on the beach (and if it’s full, you can just grab a takeaway and perch on the shingles). The food and drink are genuinely delicious too: alongside the tangy fish finger sando, there are pillowy baps stuffed with halloumi, fresh fish or bacon, seasonal specials like crispy Cajun prawn flatbreads, and homemade sweet bakes.
Address:
Warrior Square, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6FA
Opening hours:
Daily, 9am–6pm (open later in summer)
What is it?
A fascinating museum housed in one of Hastings’ iconic black-walled, weatherboarded old sheds, offering a glimpse into the town’s gritty seafaring past.
Why go?
Long before the artsy types in immaculate workwear arrived, Hastings was the domain of rough-handed fishermen braving dangerous seas. This museum brings those briny days to life. Its centrepiece is The Enterprise – a hulking great fishing boat and the last surviving example of her kind (despite crashing into Hastings’ harbour wall on her maiden voyage in 1912). Around it, you’ll find magnificently-bosomed ships' figureheads, paintings, photos of fishing crews from decades gone by, and treasures from shipwrecks. Grab a bag of pickled herring from the stall outside and get a taste of the marine delicacies men once risked their lives for.
Address:
Hastings Fishermen’s Museum, Stade, Hastings TN34 3DW
Opening hours:
Monday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (seasonal hours may apply)
What is it?
A charming second-hand bookshop by day and an authentic Thai restaurant by night.
Why go?
Located on George Street, the quirky heart of Hastings’ Old Town, this is the only bookshop serving the best slow-cooked massaman curry you’ve ever tasted. In the evenings, tables are pushed against shelves lined with old hardbacks. The £25.50 set menu for two courses plus rice is excellent value for lovingly prepared, authentic Thai dishes. You can choose from mild to ‘Thai hot’ spice levels, with standout dishes like the impossibly rich massaman curry and the sweet-sour som tum ma mung (Thai mango salad). You can even bring your own drinks for just £2, which is perfect to cool down the heat with a cold beer.
Address:
10 George St, Hastings TN34 3ES
Opening hours:
Bookshop: Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Restaurant: Wednesday–Saturday, 6pm–9pm (reservation recommended)
What is it?
A newer addition to Hastings’ vintage scene, Courthouse Cooperative is a collective of traders offering lovingly curated collections inside a former courthouse.
Why go?
While Hastings has plenty of vintage shops—from the retro togs at The Goose Finds and Bobby & Dandy to flamboyant camp at Teddy Tinker’s and the jam-packed Hastings Antique Warehouse—Courthouse Cooperative stands out as one of the loveliest spots to browse. Expect rainbow-hued 1950s toys, daring retro hats, and grungy 1990s Ghost tea dresses. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Address:
16 George St, Hastings TN34 3ES
Opening hours:
Thursday–Sunday, 11am–5pm
What is it?
Hidden away in underground caverns, this museum explores the rise and fall of smuggling.
Why go?
It’s a full Indiana Jones experience. You walk through underground corridors once used by smugglers, guided only by a torch. Along the way, you learn about the people who risked everything to make a profit on the black market. The chapel here is said to be the most haunted spot in town.
Address:
Claremont, Hastings TN34 3JH
Opening hours:
Daily, 10am–5pm
What is it?
A wooded enclosure complete with its own waterfalls.
Why go?
This nature reserve is home to a host of rare flowers and birds. Look out for spotted flycatchers, grey wagtails and kingfisher, as well as bluebells and wood anenome in the spring. Old Roar Gill is also a paradise for insects, with some of the rarest in the UK making this oasis of calm their home.
Address:
Old Roar Gill Nature Reserve, Hastings TN34 3DW
Opening hours:
Open daily, dawn to dusk
What is it?
A museum detailing the shocking real-life tales of crimes and their punishment.
Why go?
Don’t try to deny it; we all love a touch of the macabre. Tapping into the neverending obsession with true crime, this ace museum explores the grisly truth behind some of the strangest and most twisted crimes committed. From the notorious Krays to tales of murder and gore, this bizarre collection will engage and enthral your strangest curiosities.
Address:
45 George St, Hastings TN34 3ES
Opening hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
What is it?
The landmark Hastings is famous for.
Why go?
A huge, classic seaside pier that is strikingly beautiful and offers some seriously nice sunsets. Restored from its original Victorian era, Hastings Pier won the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017 for its fantastic wide promenade. The perfect spot for an ice cream, we say.
Address:
Hastings Pier, Hastings TN34 3DW
Opening hours:
Open daily, dawn to dusk
What is it? A delightful little vintage cave of treasures.
Why go? Selling absolutely anything you can imagine, and even a few things you can’t, Teddy Tinker’s in the St Leonard’s area of Hastings is the place to lose an hour or two browsing. For something that’s really one of kind make sure to check out their selection of vintage fabrics and handmade costume jewellery.
Address:
21 Warrior Square, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6AN
Opening hours:
Thursday–Sunday, 11am–5pm
What is it? Hastings’ best-loved chip shop with an incredible view.
Why go? Maggie’s is reputed as not only the top fish and chip shop in Hastings but is also known as the spot serving the largest portions too. Found on Rock-a-Nore Road, their fish is locally sourced and they have vegetarian options for non-pescatarians. Grab a portion of chips with lashings of vinegar and enjoy looking out over the boats. Word of warning: it gets busy so try to book ahead.
Address:
54 Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Sunday, 12pm–8pm
What is it? Hastings' premier bakery, open for almost 200 years.
Why go? As well as offering the traditional takes on bread, Judges also serves a huge selection of pastries and cakes. Ingredients are mostly sourced from the local area, with plentiful options for those with specific dietary requirements. Try the Mack-a-Roll, like a sausage roll but filled with smoked mackerel.
Address:
51 High Street, Hastings TN34 3EN
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 7:45am–5:30pm
Saturday: 7:45am–6:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am–5:00pm
What is it? An independent pub serving up local craft ales and awesome artwork.
Why go? Head to The Crown to be treated to a delicious pub lunch, complete with homemade bread and a local craft brew. On the walls you’ll be able to spot artwork from Hastings creatives, all part of the pub'srotating gallery. Its cosy surroundings make it the ideal place to forget about the outside world.
Address:
46 High St, Hastings TN34 3EE
Opening hours:
Monday–Saturday, 12pm–11pm
Sunday, 12pm–10pm
What is it? An ice-cream parlour selling some of the best gelato in the south.
Why go? Don't be tempted by a 99 on the pier. When in Hastings make sure you head to Di Pola’s. Serving every conceivable flavour imaginable (liquorice anybody?), there’s a reason there is always a queue outside this place. Grab a double scoop of whatever you fancy and visit the arcades opposite.
Address:
67 George St, Hastings TN34 3ES
Opening hours:
Monday–Sunday, 12pm–6pm
Why go? Hastings has a burgeoning music scene, one that for our money rivals that of Brighton just along the coast. The Crypt is the place to be if you like catching new talent and enjoy the up-close nature of an indie venue in full flow.
Address:
8 Cambridge Rd, Hastings TN34 1DT
Opening hours:
Varies by event — check website for listings
What is it? A very fun, way to get to the top of Hastings Cliffs.
Why go? As the steepest funicular railway left in the UK it’s a half-nail-biting-half-relaxing way to travel and provides an unbeatable view of Hastings’ Old Town, Stade and Rock-a-Nore. Once at the top you’ll be treated to the beautiful Hastings Country Park filled with wildlife and historical landmarks. The railway is sometimes closed for maintenance work, so make sure to check the website before you arrive.
Address:
East Hill Cliff Railway, Hastings TN34 3AD
Opening hours:
Daily, 10am–4pm (check website for updates)
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What is it? A chilled-out coffee shop that's also a ramen restaurant.
Why go? During the peak summer season, Hastings can get super busy. Head to Stooge Coffee to kick back with an iced latte and some of the finest cake on the south coast, or opt for a steaming bowl of ramen when it's cooler (every Friday and Saturday). The coffee comes from Pharmacie, a roasters based in Hove, and the ramen restaurant is BYOB.
Address:
18 Cambridge Rd, Hastings TN34 1DT
Opening hours:
Coffee shop: Monday–Sunday, 8am–5pm
Ramen restaurant: Friday & Saturday evenings, 6pm–9pm
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