Old Town Hastings

Travel Guide

Hastings
East Hill Lift showing signage
Hastings showing cafe lifestyle, outdoor eating and street scenes
Hastings showing a city
Hastings which includes signage

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 Laindons

The Laindons

5 out of 5
23 High Street, Old Town, Hastings, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury B&B in Hastings. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Electric Palace and Old Town Hall Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Absolutely fantastic stay - we loved everything about our experience and hope to be back! Breakfast was incredible, and we appreciated lots of little thoughtful touches at the property. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2025

The Laindons
The Burlington Hotel

The Burlington Hotel

3 out of 5
Grand Parade, Eastbourne, England
The price is ¥8,085 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥8,085
¥9,702 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,351 reviews)
Amazing food and views
"I spent a week at this hotel with the breakfast and dinner package with a seaview room. Its a stunning hotel that does need a few touch ups here and there which they will be doing now under new ownership. The staff are outstanding and a real credit to the hotel no request was to big or small. My ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

The Burlington Hotel
The Majestic Hotel

The Majestic Hotel

3.5 out of 5
26-34 ROYAL PARADE, Eastbourne, England
The price is ¥7,776 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
¥7,776
¥9,331 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy a beach locale, a free beach shuttle, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Redoubt Fortress and ...
7/10 Good! (129 reviews)
"I was here for the weekend and have to say great hotel. The hotel was bright and welcoming the staff were friendly happy to help. I had a single room with a seaview which both was lovely. The room was clean and a good size room. I will be going there again for my next stay. Great job majestic 👏"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

The Majestic 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.
Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.

Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.

Hastings
Stay at this apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Old Town Hall Museum and Flower Makers' Museum are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Lovely property and more spacious than the pictures appear. Check-in was easy - just some keys in a couple of lock boxes, the front door is down an alley next to the antique store. Location was fantastic, and we had no problems during our four night stay. We parked at Rock A Nore car park the first ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Waterloo Terrace -Historical luxury apartment in heart of Old Town with balcony.
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, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Electric Palace and Old Town Hall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (131 reviews)
"Great location very spacious all amenities. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment In The Heart Of Historic Hastings Old Town
Osborne Apartments

Osborne Apartments

2.5 out of 5
31 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Towner Art Gallery ...
9/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
Great Apart hotel in Eastbourne
"We stayed two nights at the Osbourne aparthotel Eastbourne Check in was super easy and the front desk staff extremely friendly and helpful, not only at check in but throughout our stay. The first floor apartment itself with its high ceilings was well designed and equipped with everything we needed ..."

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2025

Osborne Apartments
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.

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