Hastings is a popular English seaside resort overlooking the English Channel, famous for the battle of 1066, the beauty of the historic center and the atmosphere of a British port town. Although its significance as a port of Hastings diminishes at the end of the 14th century, it is experiencing a new heyday in the 19th century, becoming a tourist destination for the upper strata of society, modeled on Brighton.
There are typical signs of a British seaside resort: vibrant attractions, fish and chips, beaches washed by the icy Atlantic. Not so long ago, two new attractions opened here: Source Park, a huge - actually the largest in the world - underground skate park, and a brand new pier. The new Hastings Pier opened in May 2016 after a $ 11.4 million renovation. It is a stylish structure with a minimalist design, small black wooden stalls that fit in with the fishing huts by the sea. In the center, an observation deck rises above the water, which offers the best view of the beach and pier. On the waterfront, there is a glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the coastline - the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
Hastings climate
Hastings is located 15 m above sea level and has a moderately warm climate. The amount of precipitation is significant, even in summer: the annual amount is 914 mm. The average annual temperature is 10.9 ° C. If you want dry weather, the best months are April, September, March, and the wettest November (84.4%). The windiest month is January, followed by December and February. The average wind speed in January is about 12.8 km / h, which is considered a "light breeze".
The busiest months for tourism are August, January, July.
Hastings landmarks
There is plenty to do here - the Shipwreck Museum, the Jerwood Gallery, the Smuggler Adventure Caves - but the real pleasure is the leisurely exploration of this ancient city filled with history and romance - from walks, shopping, local food.
Hastings Quay
One of the best ways to enjoy the sprawling waterfront is by renting a bike. There are wide bike paths along the waterfront, and regular or electric bicycles can be rented at Seaside Cycle Hire near the Old Town. Walk along the promenade past Saint Leonards to the old beach, where there is a cafe hut with sun loungers and magnificent views of the endless ocean. The ride along the promenade is pleasant, but can be long, so if you have children with you, a cycle rickshaw tour along the seashore from the pier will be useful.
Net Shops and Hastings Fishermen's Museum
Explore the tall barns or "attics" preserved on the shore where fishermen kept their nets. Confirming the city's long history as a fishing port, some 50 of these remarkable wooden structures still stand on the pebbled beach, with a black resin coating applied to protect them from rain and wind. This method of impregnating wood on the coast is common throughout East Sussex.
Visit the 19th century Fisherman's Chapel on Rock-a-Nor Road, home to the Hastings Fishermen Museum: exhibits tell the fisherman's side of the city's history.
The Shipwreck Museum exhibits various artifacts washed ashore after shipwrecks in the English Channel - some of which date back to the 1600s.
Hastings castle
The ruins of Hastings Castle, the first fortification built after the invasion of William the Conqueror, are located on West Hill. You can get to the castle by funicular. The 1000-year-old fortress withstood the rains, winds, the impact of sea waves on the walls (although most of the castle fell into the sea over the long history of its existence), attacks by besiegers and German bombers. Today, the castle is popular for its preserved "whispering dungeon", exhibitions telling about the incredible events of this historical period.
Old city
A quaint old quarter with a cozy medieval layout, remnants of a 14th-century wall erected during the 100 Years War, lies on the east side of Hastings. Half-timbered houses line the High Street and intersecting alleyways, and Georgian facades stretch to hide much older structures.
There are antique shops, quirky boutiques, historic hotels, galleries, cafes and seafood restaurants.
There is always something going on here in summer, like the Seafood and Wine Festival or the traditional Jack in the Green festival.
Battle of Hastings: Abbey and Battlefield
In fact, the Battle of Hastings in 1066 took place in the small trading town of Buttle, 9.6 km north of Hastings. After the victory, William the Conqueror built an abbey on this site. The Benedictine Abbey Church, consecrated in 1094, was demolished during the reign of Henry VIII, and the house, built on the ruins, became a school for girls (the grave of Sir Anthony Brown, the man responsible for its demolition, can be seen in the nearby Church of St. Mary). The gatehouse, built in 1339, and the ruins of the monks' dormitory (1120) are preserved today, and the visitor center talks about the battle and its aftermath.
Hastings Country Park
The Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve encompasses many attractions, from soft sandstone cliffs, moorlands, grasslands to ancient forests and ecologically clean farmland. This is one of the largest nature reserves in England, covering 3.4 km². There are many excellent walking trails here, overlooking some of the most picturesque landscapes of the south coast.
Take plenty of time to observe wildlife and the many migratory birds crossing the English Channel. Here you can see one of the largest British populations of nesting black redstart, among other famous birds - kestrels, peregrine falcons, buzzards. Also of interest is the small herd of free-roaming Exmoor ponies.
Hastings contemporary
The newly opened Hastings Contemporary Gallery, formerly known as Jerwood Gallery, houses a permanent collection of British art. The exhibition is located in the original building overlooking the Stade beach. Particular attention is paid to the works of regional artists, exhibitions, information related to local cultural history. Self-guided tours are available, many interactive exhibits suitable for children, a cafe with a beautiful view of the beach from the terrace, a shop.
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
The museum contains about 100,000 artifacts related to art, culture, history of the area: dioramas of local flora, fauna, dinosaur remains, a fascinating exhibition associated with the famous Gray Owl - a native of Hastings, an Englishman who became famous for his research into the culture of Native Americans.
Bateman's
Rudyard Kipling - one of the most famous writers in England, Nobel Prize for Literature, author of The Jungle Book and The Man Who Would Like to Be King - lived from 1902 until his death in 1936 on the 17th century Bateman estate. The elegant building is located northwest of Hastings and houses a variety of exhibits, including a 1928 Rolls Royce by Kipling and original furniture. The highlight of the tour is the writer's study, where he created most of his works. Interesting are the beautiful gardens designed by Kipling, preserved the same as they were during his lifetime, numerous hiking trails through the estate and surrounding villages.
Ascent by funiculars
One of the most intriguing sights is the rickety old cable cars that climb the towering cliffs that surround the city. Climb the East Cliff Railroad for great views of the city and beaches, and then walk the network of trails that traverse the wasteland and woodland of Hastings Country.
Where to eat in Hastings
The largest British fishing town offers a wide variety of restaurants, seafood cafes, but not only.
- For a rustic lunch, head to the end of the Old Town in the Rock-A-Nore area , which sells fresh seafood, fish (e.g. pints of shrimp, mussels, cocktails, lobster tails for £ 1).
- Don't miss The Crown on All Saints Street - a lively independent pub with a contemporary ambiance serving great food.
- The Stag is a 16th century tavern. with exposed beams and a rustic atmosphere. They also serve good food and live music.
- Maggie's Fish & Chips has been operating for over thirty years: they serve hearty portions here, and a friendly atmosphere reigns.
- Buy chips from merchants on the seashore, walk along the huge fishing boats on the beach, eat while listening to the sound of the sea, the screams of seagulls.
- Rock a Nore Kitchen is a very special little place. With just three employees for 24 seats, they write the menu and wine list on boards that are passed between tables. A huge dish of fish caught by local fishermen costs £ 30. Book at least a week in advance!
- Old Custom House - On the main street along the waterfront, spicy Spanish stews and fresh fish are served, along with a wide selection of refreshing cocktails. Outdoor seating is the best spot for summer evening oysters.
- La Bella Vista is one of the best restaurants in town. It serves Italian cuisine under the guidance of Chef Gianluca Tozzi. The à la carte menu includes snacks such as fried rice balls, stewed king prawns, deep-fried gambas; main dishes include Hastings monk fish, veal escalope, salmon fillets, a variety of pasta dishes.
- Taylor's Seafood and Burger Restaurant offers seafood and burgers, as the name suggests. Seafood dishes include clam chowder, crab paste, fish pie, smoked haddock, hot seafood dishes.
- Head to Di Pola for delicious amaretto pear-flavored ice cream and sea salt caramel.
Transportation in Hastings
Completely rebuilt in 2004, the station is located 800 meters from the center of the historic seaside town. It was thanks to the construction of the railway, the original station (1851) that Hastings reached its peak as a fashionable resort, for a long time it was known for the healing properties of sea water. Not far from the station there is a beach, a promenade, the Old Town with its narrow streets, characteristic shops and pubs.
Two funiculars operate on the cliffs, West Hill and East Hill , which allow passengers to climb up to enjoy the views. There are four platforms in total: all are accessed through the main lobby, and there is a small cafe, WHSmith. Platforms 3 and 4 can be reached via a footbridge, stairs or an elevator. Outside there is a paid parking lot, a taxi rank, bus stops from where you can get to anywhere in the city, bicycle parking.
Hastings stores
- High Street in Hastings is a shopping street with dozens of independent stores selling everything from art and antiques to luxury home goods, flowers, and craft bread. Walking up and down the High Street past a variety of shops will take 1 to 2 hours.
- Stop by AG Hendy , one of the most unusual in Hastings. Once inside a 1920s store, you will be transported to a bygone era where ostrich feather dust brooms, antique kitchen utensils, and household items from your grandmother's youth were used. One of the floors houses a collection of Hendi's old curiosities.
- Made in Hastings offers a wide variety of fine homemade gifts, tableware from the talented artisans of Hastings and the surrounding area.
- Reste is a store of beautiful handicrafts, a source of handmade products, accessories brought from all over the world. Here, craft workshops are held for everyone.
- The Old Town , especially the George Street area , has a fine selection of antique shops and boutiques that will keep any shopper busy for at least half a day.
Communication in Hastings
Representatives of the "Big Four" demonstrate equally "average" indicators on the quality of the network in the Old City: the level of EE, O2, Three is slightly better in the area of George / High Street.
The cost of a prepaid SIM card of a local operator is from £ 25.
