Hastings
Set between hills that reach to the sea, Hastings is an oyster that comes with its own grit, where the smooth bustle of modern life rubs along with the rough edges of tradition.
Look up and you’ll see the ruins of the castle watching over the town, as they have in one guise or another for nearly 1,000 years. The three-mile seafront stretches from the fishing fleet at the eastern end through the hustle and bustle of the arcades and funfair rides, to the pier and unique double-decker promenade Bottle Alley, arriving finally at peaceful Grosvenor Gardens.
Find out more below about the history of Hastings, things to do in Hastings, what's on in Hastings, and where to eat in Hastings.
Rye
A medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea, Rye reveals its history gently.
Today it’s home to a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs, as well as modern boutique hotels and contemporary restaurants serving the best Sussex has to offer, from land and sea. Built on smuggled secrets and timeless tales, Rye has nooks and crannies to explore and distant views across Romney Marsh to ponder.
Find out more below about the history of Rye, things to do in Rye, what's on in Rye, and where to eat in Rye.
BODIUM CASTLE
Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
01580 830196
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.
RYE WATERSPORTS
Camber Road, Camber, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7QS
01797 225238
All the family can participate in watersports at our beautiful lake situated between Rye and Camber Sands. Windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and paddleboard lessons are run for children and adults, and kayak and paddleboard hire is available by the hour without a previous lesson. We run our kitesurfing lessons at Camber Sands.
HASTINGS COUNTRY PARK NATURE RESERVE
148 Martineau Ln, Hastings TN35 5DR
Hastings Country Park was formed in 1974 and covers 345 hectares east of Hastings in England. Sandstone cliffs, glens covered with gorse and trees, footpaths, nature trails, picnic areas and ample car parking are some of the features at the country park.
FAIRLIGHT HALL ESTATE
Martineau Ln, Fairlight, Hastings TN35 5DR
Check website for details www.fairlighthall.co.uk
Fairlight Hall Estate is a privately owned House and Garden on the East Sussex coast, offering a number of events throughout the year ranging from music recitals to gardening classes.
ALEXANDRA PARK
St Helen's Rd, Hastings TN34 2LG
Alexandra Park is a public park located in Hastings, East Sussex in England. Originally named St Andrews Gardens at its opening in 1864, it was then redesigned by Robert Marnock during 1877. The park grew in a series of increments and now occupies approximately 109 acres of the town.
HASTINGS AQUARIUM
Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW
01424 718776
Journey through naturally themed habitats, including an underwater tunnel with sharks and reef fish.
THE WEST HILL LIFT
43 George St, Hastings TN34 3EA
01424 446104
The West Hill Cliff Railway, or West Hill Lift, is a funicular railway located in the English seaside town of Hastings. It runs largely in tunnel, and provides access to Hastings Castle and St Clement's Caves from George Street, on the town's sea front.
SMUGGLERS ADVENTURES
St Clement’s Caves, Hastings TN34 3JJ
01424 422964
St Clements Caves are show caves located on the West Hill in Hastings, East Sussex. The caves were named after a nearby parish church and since 1989 are home to the "Smugglers Adventure" tourist attraction which tells the story of smuggling on the South Coast of England 200 years ago.
HASTINGS MINIATURE GOLF
Pelham Pl, Hastings TN34 3AJ.
01424 437227
RYE HARBOUR NATURE RESERVE
Rye Harbour, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7TX
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an important wildlife site that is the size of 600 football pitches and is set in an exceptional coastal and wetland landscape. It is home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals including 300 that are rare or endangered.
LAMB HOUSE
West Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7ES.
Lamb House is a portal into a world of literary connections, a doorway that so many writers and artists have walked through. Intriguing rooms draw you into the sanctuary of the peaceful garden, a true hidden gem tucked away in the cobbled streets of Rye.
KINO CINEMA
Lion Street, Rye East Sussex, TN31 7LB
The venue occupies a former Victorian library and won a RIBA Award for its design and renovation. There are two a stylish state-of-the-art cinemas, a private function space that is also used as a third screen, a large café-bar with a mezzanine lounge and a delightful sunny terrace.
FULL THROTTLE BOAT CHARTERS
Rye Harbour, East Sussex, TN31 7TU
07876 13591
Join our boat trips departing from Rye Harbour then we head out to sea for an exhilarating experience. Our 9 seater RIB speedboat is the best way to see the Sussex and Kent coast line. We have been running these trips since 2007 and prove very popular with all age groups. Life jackets are provided for all. Join a boat tour of Rye Harbour, or charter a whole boat and take up to nine people further afield towards Hastings or Dungeness.
RYE WATERSPORTS
Camber Road, Camber, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7QS
01797 225238
All the family can participate in watersports at our beautiful lake situated between Rye and Camber Sands. Windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and paddleboard lessons are run for children and adults, and kayak and paddleboard hire is available by the hour without a previous lesson. We run our kitesurfing lessons at Camber Sands.