A recent trip to the East Sussex town of Hastings has left one visitor utterly charmed, despite less-than-ideal weather. Arriving on a wet Friday evening with friends, Laura Zilincanova was eager to explore this historic gem after a gruelling week.
A Cosy Start
Laura and her friends discovered a wonderfully cosy Airbnb, a mossy-roofed townhouse tucked away down a quiet alleyway. Inside, the décor was lovingly curated, with warm tones, soft lighting, and charming touches that gave it the feel of an authentic seaside retreat.
Exploring the Old Town
On her first full day, Laura headed straight to the bohemian Old Town, celebrated for its unique fusion of classic seaside charm and Tudor architecture. Nestled between two cliffs, this labyrinth of historic twittens weaving between independent shops is utterly enchanting, particularly for first-time visitors.
After a swift bite at the much-loved Judges Bakery, Laura meandered from one independent shop to the next, flicking through the rails at Dandy Vintage, marvelling at handcrafted jewellery at Roccabella, and peering through the windows of the eclectic AG Hendy kitchenware shop, housed within a stunning Tudor building.
500 Independent Shops
Hastings is estimated to boast no fewer than 500 independent shops. Laura also visited the Boulevard Bookshop & Thai Café, a one-of-a-kind Thai restaurant situated inside a bookshop.
Dramatic Coastline
But what Laura anticipated most was the sea. Arriving in autumn, the coastline was turbulent. Enormous waves pounded forcefully against the pier and its rocks, conjuring a dramatic yet calming ambience. Laura also stopped by the Fishermen's Museum, a modest independent attraction devoted to the fishing trade and maritime heritage.
Along the beach, numerous fishermen dotted the shoreline, motionless against the churning sea, silently concentrating on their lines. Laura stood with them briefly and gazed out across the water towards France, evoking memories of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror crossed the English Channel from Normandy with his forces to invade England.
This year marks the 960th anniversary of the infamous battle, making it an especially thrilling time to explore.
Rooftop Vistas
Laura then climbed towards the grassy slopes that tower over the town. Within moments, she had discovered breathtaking rooftop vistas and an expansive sweep of coastline. One of Hastings' greatest assets is how swiftly it transitions from shore to countryside, providing countless distinctive walking routes.
The group followed the East Hill path for a while before winding their way back down into town for lunch at a wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant. Now sadly closed, it is one of numerous businesses in the area hit hard by rising rates. Even so, Hastings' food scene remains impressively varied, boasting a broad range of international cuisines alongside traditional fish and chip shops. On George Street, independent restaurants, pubs, and cafés sit side by side comfortably.
Perfect Send-off
Laura and her mates departed on Saturday evening, taking in a stunning sunset casting a rosy glow across the sea and the pier. It felt like the perfect send-off.
Hastings isn't without its flaws. It's frequently overcast and shaped by the raw elements. But that's precisely where its character lies. Between the independent shops, the dramatic scenery, the snug interiors, and the unhurried pace, it offers something truly special and increasingly hard to come by.
Laura only spent a single night there, yet it was enough to know that she would return. With the town's strong sense of community and a wealth of cultural events on offer, Laura would quite happily even consider living there for a spell.
