Old Town Hastings

Travel Guide
Hastings
Experience the charm and history of this area as you take photos of fishermen’s huts, enjoy the catch of the day and walk along the shingle beach.

As the name suggests, the Old Town of Hastings is the most historic area of the seaside town of Hastings. It dates back to before the 19th century.

For many years, the Old Town of Hastings had just two main streets: High Street and All Saints’ Street. There was also a defensive wall to protect the town from enemies and harsh sea waters.

Notice the many fishing boats and marine-related decorations around the town. Over the years, its excellent location on the coast helped it grow as a center for fishing.

Begin your explorations with a stop at the Stade, which is a Saxon term meaning “landing place.” Head down to the shingle beach to see Britain’s biggest fleet of beach-launched shipping boats. Some of the town’s most famous landmarks are the net shops. These black wooden sheds stick out along the shoreline and were built to store the fishing nets.

Meet the locals and perhaps attend a festival happening by visiting Winkle Island. This is not a real island, but rather a traffic island in the center of the town that acts as a gathering place. The name Winkle Island comes from the name for a species of small sea snails, and you can find a statue of one nearby.

For even more history, head to one of the area’s two medieval churches and visit the church of St. Mary the Virgin Lowgate to learn about the town’s Roman Catholic history. Finish with an educational visit to the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum.

There are good connections to the Old Town of Hastings running from London and Brighton. Make the most of your stay by renting a car, as you’ll be able to sightsee much more efficiently.

The Old Town of Hastings is also known for its annual events, including the Seafood and Wine Festival and Hastings Old Town Week.

The Burlington Hotel
The Burlington Hotel
3 out of 5
Grand Parade, Eastbourne, England
The price is CA $52 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $52
CA $62 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Perfect place for a break away. Never heard of this hotel but absolutely loved it! Such a gentleman that works at the front desk (wished I got his name) but he helped me with my bags to and from the car as I am pregnant and they was heavy bags. Thank you for much for the lovely stay and I will definitely ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024

The Burlington Hotel
The View Hotel
The View Hotel
3 out of 5
Grand Parade, East Sussex, Eastbourne, England
The price is CA $125 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $125
CA $149 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"One of the many good things about The View in Eastbourne is that it has a number of single rooms, and they represent particularly good value for money. Also, great sea views, friendly and helpful staff, nice food, good value, and very clean. My only negative experience is only a minor one. It's just ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 6, 2024

The View Hotel
Cosy 3-bed Caravan,combe Haven st Leonards on sea
Cosy 3-bed Caravan,combe Haven st Leonards on sea
3 out of 5
St Leonards-On-Sea
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in St Leonards-On-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve and ...
Cosy 3-bed Caravan,combe Haven st Leonards on sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town
Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town
Hastings
Stay at this apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Electric Palace and Old Town Hall Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (109 reviews)
Perfect stay
"Wanted to visit the shops/art gallery/museums in the area. This location could not have been better. Needs some up-dating but the cost of our stay (very reasonable) reflects this. Reluctant to complain but the apartment is listed as 2 bathrooms whereas in fact it was a shower/bathroom and a separate ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town
DUKE OF WELLINGTON HQ - Historical High Street 3 floor Townhouse Apartment
DUKE OF WELLINGTON HQ - Historical High Street 3 floor Townhouse Apartment
Hastings
Stay at this apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Old Town Hall Museum and Flower Makers' Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Duke of Wellington
"Fantastic location, we was their for Jack & the Green, and the weather was awful, we watched it from the window, had a great stay."

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

DUKE OF WELLINGTON HQ - Historical High Street 3 floor Townhouse Apartment
Vive Hotel
Vive Hotel
4 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (64 reviews)
"Good convenient location. Clean well appointed rooms. Staff welcoming and very helpful. Only issue is the room on the 2nd floor was unbearably warm and there was no way to manually control it. The staff provided a floor fan on our second night and moved us to an upper floor day 3 and 4. I would stay ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2024

Vive Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Old Town Hastings