Things to do in Hastings

Activities, attractions and tours
Hastings showing street scenes

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Top places to visit

1. Hastings Castle

Though only fragments of it remain, Hastings Castle is still tremendously atmospheric. Its splendid clifftop setting means it can be seen from most parts of town. Visitors are drawn here for its interesting and tumultuous history and for the incredible views it offers of the cliffs and coastline. Watch a video explaining the significance of the Norman fortress and peruse the evocative ruins.
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Hastings Castle showing heritage elements and building ruins

2. Hastings Country Park

Hastings Country Park is spread across 660 acres (270 hectares) along the coast and encompasses a patchwork of terrain including ancient woodland, heathlands, grassland and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Walk coastal trails near the cliff edge and savor the incredible views. Look for rare birds flying overhead and insects crawling underfoot.
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Hastings Country Park showing a garden, a small town or village and general coastal views

3. East Hill Lift

One of the steepest funicular railways in the country, the East Hill Lift carries passengers up a steep and rocky cliff to Hastings Country Park at the top. Ascend the slope in the old-fashioned carriages and marvel at the views out to sea from the top.
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East Hill Lift

4. Alexandra Park

A well-kept and spacious recreational space, Alexander Park provides ample greenery as it runs through Hastings and St Leonards. The park has enough amenities to enthrall and entertain visitors for an entire day. Walk through immaculate formal gardens and past ancient trees, spot rare birds in the nature reserve, go boating on the lake and let the kids enjoy the play area.
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Alexandra Park featuring a park

5. Blue Reef Aquarium

Blue Reef Aquarium contains more than 30 themed habitats housing numerous remarkable aquatic creatures. Because of its convenient seaside location, this aquarium is a particularly popular rainy day activity for families, though the fascinating marine animals here make it a worthwhile visit even when the sun is shining. Learn about ocean habitats and the fish that inhabit them. Come face-to-face with creatures of the deep.
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Blue Reef Aquarium featuring marine life as well as an individual male

What to do in Hastings

Popular places to visit

Image for Hastings Pier

Hastings Pier

Explore the waterfront in Hastings with a trip to Hastings Pier. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Hastings Pier
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Hastings Castle

Stir your imagination at the ruins of this once mighty clifftop fortress, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.

Hastings Castle
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Hastings Country Park

Popular with dog walkers and exercisers, this expansive park provides a peaceful escape and coastal panoramas.

Hastings Country Park
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East Hill Lift

Step aboard this historic funicular railway and enjoy views of the fishing fleet and rows of net shops on the seafront.

East Hill Lift
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Blue Reef Aquarium

See tropical fish and sharks, encounter scaly-skinned reptiles and observe hungry rays being fed at this seaside aquarium.

Blue Reef Aquarium
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Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

This interesting museum covers an eclectic range of topics, including Native Americans and John Logie Baird, the inventor of the television.

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
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Smugglers Adventure

Venture inside a series of caves and caverns and learn about the exploits of the smugglers who once operated on the Sussex coast.

Smugglers Adventure
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Fishermen's Museum

Delve into the seafaring past of Hastings at this maritime museum, which pays tribute to the local fishing industry and community.

Fishermen's Museum
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White Rock Theatre

Get tickets for a show at White Rock Theatre, a storied theater in Hastings. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

White Rock Theatre
Great Dixter House and Gardens showing flowers

Rye

Hastings

Old Town Hastings