Hastings Old Town

The jewel in Hastings’ crown and amazingly little known, our Old Town is a treasure trove of history and potential for exploring.

Nestled between the West and East Hills, the venerable settlement lies in the valley of the River Bourne. On the West Hill is Hastings Castle, re-built in local sandstone after the 1066 invasion led by William of Normandy. The presence of two major Churches of England, All Saints and St Clements, shows the division of the early community by the river (now underground).

Fine examples of Tudor architecture are found in the High Street and All Saints Street. Buildings representing an extraordinary range of ages and styles sit side by side throughout the Old Town. Twittens and cat-creeps are found in abundance.

Views from the East and West Hills over the Old Town and beyond are spectacular and both have working lifts to save your legs. Heading east, walks along the shore or over the hills are dramatically dominated by sandstone cliffs. These Cretaceous rocks contain a range of fossils such as iguanadon - a plant-eating dinosaur, sharks’ teeth, fish, and plant material.

We still have a working fishing fleet with boats on the beaches and these are set against a unique backdrop of tall black net-drying huts. Everywhere you wander there is something waiting to be discovered. For photographers, historians, specialist shoppers and anyone who enjoys places with real character, the Old Town is awaiting your discovery.

Families as well as couples and individuals are well catered for. A host of cafes, pubs and restaurants offer a broad range of tempting fare. Our many attractions include crazy golf, a boating lake, museums, caves and a sea life centre for day visitors and holiday makers alike.