What's going on in Hastings?
Like Brighton in its day, this seaside town in the south of England is where many Londoners are moving to live, to the point that some British national newspapers have echoed. And what's going on in Hastings, then?
Located at a distance from London that some still consider suitable for commuting to the capital daily (100 kilometers and in time, between an hour and a half and two and a half hours, depending on how much you want to pay for transport), Hastings is a small town with a certain bohemian air.
Also has an interesting cultural scene, independent shops, and, above all, Victorian houses at reasonable prices. The latter is possibly the main reason why some Londoners are moving there without a second thought.
Hastings, the most charming seaside town in England
The charming pier is a good place to start your visit to Hastings and enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the aroma of the sea. Although the original dates back to 1872, the design of the current structure is modern, having been rebuilt after a fire in 2010.
And it was precisely thanks to the recent reconstruction carried out by the Rijke Marsh Morgan architects' studio that this pier obtained the Stirling Award for the best building in the United Kingdom in 2017.
Perhaps because of its maritime nature, Hastings was one of the favorite points of smugglers to sneak merchandise without paying the corresponding taxes, even during the 18th century, when the authority's efforts to prevent fraud intensified.
Hastings pier received the award for the best building in the United Kingdom in 2017
And there you can visit the St. Clement's Caves , ancient natural caves that served as a “warehouse” for smugglers and in which you can find out more, and at times even relive, the details of the nature and extent of eighteenth-century smuggling in Hastings.
Likewise, in mid-July the ' pirate's day This year is the 10th anniversary and the event will take place on July 14, when it is expected that hundreds of thousands of people fill the streets of Hastings dressed as pirates. The town has held the Guinness World Record for 'pirate capital of the world' since 2013.
Another must see is Hastings Castle, or what's left of it. This Norman castle has tremendous historical significance. It was just after the sound battle of hastings (1066) , after which William the Conqueror was crowned King of England and this, the first castle that the Normans planted on British soil.
Of course, what remains today are the ruins. From there you can also enjoy one of the best views of the old town and the coast.
Hastings Castle Ruins
Continuing east we find the East Hill Lift , which boasts of being the steepest Victorian funicular on the island, and which allows access to the Hastings Country Park with wonderful views of the sandstone cliffs so characteristic of the south of the island.
The jerwood-gallery (which will be renamed Hastings Contemporary from this summer) is the place to find British and international modern and contemporary art. There is currently a retrospective exhibition of John Carter , which covers the last 50 years of his career, mainly sculpture and painting.
The inaugural exhibition, which will open on July 6, includes works by Tal R, Roy Oxlade and David Bomberg. Also, the terrace of the cafeteria has wonderful views of the beach, Where are the fishing boats?
To top off the day, browse the charming independent shops that Hastings abounds with, such as ** Butler's Emporium , Warp & Weft or Reste .** And feel the pulse of the music scene in one of the many pubs that offer concerts several times a week, such as the Albion.
WHERE TO EAT
Farm Yard Wine is a great choice for dining in Hastings, especially as they serve local fish. Their menu includes meat, and all the wines are natural or biodynamic, mainly Europeans. Their pro-environment credentials mean they don't sell bottled water, nor do they have paper napkins.
Another good option for a pub lunch is **The Crown , where they also serve local fish** (look for the 'Hastings Fish' symbol, which guarantees that the fish comes from the village fleet, and that the fishing gear is traditional) .
options like Cake Room or ** Fika ** are good to give you the pleasure of drinking a good piece of cake, or just a salad.
But it would be a sin to leave an English seaside town without eat a good fish & chips, and in Hastings there is no shortage of options for it. The ideal, if the day is good, is to improvise in one of the stalls on the promenade –and watch out for the seagulls, who also like fish & chips and are very clever–.
For example in Goat's Ledge they have turned the concept around, putting the fish in a bun with pickles and lemon mayonnaise. In this colorful beach bar they also have vegan options and of course, chips. And for dessert, Italian ice cream.
Maggie's fish and chips It is the classic of all life, with great views, and it's practically next door to the cable car and the Jerwood gallery.
Maggie's, a classic
And if you prefer a picnic on the beach or in the park, goes through penbuckles , a delicatessen that has no waste.
HOW TO GET
From London you can easily get there by public transport, both by bus and by train.
Penbuckle, ideal for a picnic