The Sussex sister towns that are officially the best seaside destination in England in 2026

You have probably heard by now that Hastings and St Leonards are the places to be along the Sussex coastline. 

Only 20 minutes apart on foot, the sister towns are home to art galleries showing exciting contemporary works, antique stores, trendy boutiques and up-and-coming restaurants. And that’s why Time Out has named Hastings and St Leonards as the second best seaside destination to visit in Britain in 2026, and the number one coastal spot to visit in England, in our new list of the UK’s top seaside towns.

Along the towns’ long stretch of shingle beach you will find a panoply of things to eat, drink, sea and do. If you’re craving culture, independent art gallery Hastings Contemporary is a must-see. While St Leonards is home to a number of commercial galleries, like Lucy Bell and Stella Dore. Kino-Teatr, an independent cinema, restaurant and art gallery, should also be on your radar. Retail therapy can be found at Shop, Stereo Retro and Sunless or the plethora of antiques shops in the Old Town. 

For food, try Coquina (inside Hastings Contemporary gallery) for small plates with a view, Sonny’s of Rock a Nore for fresh fish, or Selkie Seafood Bar for beachside oysters. For drinks, head to the Crown for indie beers, Fika@44 for a cup of Scandi-inspired coffee or Heist Market for your fill of cocktails and natty wines. 

The Hastings calendar is also packed full of local festivals and happenings. The town celebrates May Day every year with the pagan rooted Jack and the Green festival, then come autumn the Hastings Bonfire Society hosts a spectacular parade followed by a huge bonfire and amazing fireworks show. Other events to look out for include the UK’s largest mardi gras, Fat Tuesday, which takes place every February and Pirate Day, every July. 

Elsewhere in Time Out’s latest guide to the most unmissable seaside towns in Britain, Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire came out on top, which you can read all about here. You can find a map of all the featured destinations here.

The 16 best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026.

Sad! This beloved tram museum is shutting forever. 

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