24 THINGS TO DO IN HASTINGS FOR A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.
For over a decade now, Hastings has been my go-to coastal escape – the kind of place I retreat to when I need a day of sea air or a weekend of wandering. There’s something comforting in the routine: hop on a train, roll into town, and suddenly everything slows down.
What I love most about this ritual is the reactions I get when I mention Hastings. They’re always polarised. It’s either: “Really? Isn’t it a bit of a dump?” Or: “Oh I love Hastings!” There’s no middle ground. And, without exception, the people who love it? They’re the ones who’ve actually spent time there.
Because Hastings is a little bit of a secret. Its slightly scruffy reputation means it tends to fly under the radar. But behind that faded facade is a town that’s full of surprises.
A charming Old Town crammed with antique shops and curiosity cabinets. Coastal walks that feel wild and remote. Fish and chips on the shingle, with bold seagulls circling. And just the right number of coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and cosy pubs to fill a lazy weekend.
It’s a town that’s proudly “not too fancy”, slightly bohemian, and wonderfully eccentric. A place where history meets creativity, and you’re never far from a view, a story, or a strong flat white.
You don’t need to be a history buff or a beach bum to enjoy Hastings – though if you are, you’ll be in heaven. And while it still carries the faded glamour of the British seaside, it’s also got a buzz that makes it feel very much alive.
Whether you’re after bracing coastal walks, vintage treasure hunting, or just a good old-fashioned mooch, Hastings delivers.
Here are 23 of the best things to do in Hastings for a wonderful weekend.
Is Hastings worth visiting?
If you’ve heard mixed things about Hastings, you’re not alone. It’s the kind of town that sparks strong opinions – people either get it or they don’t. But those who do get it? They’ve been. They’ve wandered the Old Town lanes, bought smoked mackerel from the fishing huts, watched the tide roll in with a pint in hand. And they’ve fallen a little bit in love.
Hastings isn’t glossy or polished. That’s part of the appeal. It’s got grit and character, with layers of history and just enough quirk to keep things interesting. For those looking for a weekend that blends coastal air, creativity, and a sense of place that’s hard to pin down – Hastings is absolutely worth visiting.
There are also loads of things to do. It’s not all shopping and eating. Instead, there are many activities that I would call “good clean fun.” Arcades, trampolines, an aquarium and crazy golf. Plus a few quirky wellness bits, like yoga at the harbour or a sauna on the pier.
It’s a great destination for a weekend away. A girls weekend, a boys weekend, a romantic seaside break. And, Hastings is very family friendly – with lots to keep kids occupied.
23 things to do in Hastings for a wonderful weekend
Here are the best 23 things to do in Hastings for a wonderful weekend.
1/ Antique Shopping
Hastings Old Town is an absolute treasure trove for antique lovers. George Street and the surrounding lanes are crammed with little shops where you can lose hours rummaging. Expect everything from Victorian silverware to vintage postcards, costume jewellery to old typewriters.
2/ Find your favourite unique store
Aside from the Antique stores, Hastings has so many wonderful little boutiques catering to all tastes.
For as a long as I can remember, I’ve been a bit obsessed with AG Hendy & Co Home Store and I love to visit every time I’m in Hastings. It’s a hardware and homeware store, but feels like being in a National Trust kitchen. Beautifully curated.
Whether it’s clothing, homeware or jewellery, there’s a boutique store for you to find and call your favourite.
3/ Explore Hastings Country Park
Hastings Country Park is absolutely glorious. Found just up the steps (or lift) from Rock A Nore Beach, is a sprawling green paradise. Stop to take in views from the park, or continue through to Farl light Glen or the Firehills for a walk. We completed a seven mile circular walk, an ideal way to take in the main bits in a few hours.
4/ Visit Fairlight Glen
Hidden below the cliffs in the country park is Fairlight Glen – a secluded beach reached via a slightly tricky path (and a few landslips). It’s pebbly, peaceful, and clothing-optional – but don’t let that put you off. It’s the perfect wild swim spot if you’re feeling bold, and even just clambering down for the view is worth it.
5/ Walk the promenade
Hastings’ long promenade stretches from Rock-a-Nore to St Leonards, and it’s the best way to get a feel for the town. You’ll pass beach huts, vintage shops, amusements, and plenty of spots to stop for an ice cream or pint. At sunset, the whole place glows.
6/ Fish and chips on the beach
A seaside rite of passage. Maggie’s Fish & Chips is the classic spot, perched above the beach near the fishing huts. Or grab a takeaway from Lifeboat Restaurant and eat with your toes in the shingle. There are lots of other choices- you can’t go far wrong, as long as you can avoid the greedy seagulls!
7/ Family fun
Hastings is heaven for kids. There’s and Aquarium, crazy golf on the seafront (complete with pirate theming), trampolines on the beach, and the pirate playground at Pelham Place. There’s even a miniature railway in the summer. It’s very much old-school seaside fun – the kind that gets sand in your shoes and a grin on your face.
8/ Visit the Fisherman’s Museum
A lovely, quirky little museum housed in a former church on Rock-a-Nore Road. Entry is free (donations welcome), and it’s full of stories from the town’s maritime past.
9/ Buy seafood
Hastings is one of the UK’s oldest fishing ports and today fishing is still alive and well. Be sure to take advantage and grab some seafood for a picnic or to take home. Try potted shrimp, smoked mackerel or crab rolls. Rock-a-Nore Fisheries is a good bet but there are lots of others along the seafront.
10/ Crazy Golf
Located right on the seafront, Hastings Adventure Golf actually has three separate courses – classic, pirate, and mini. It’s brilliantly kitsch, surprisingly competitive, and perfect for any age. In summer, there’s ice cream on tap and a great atmosphere.
11/ Slot Machines
No shame here – I love the arcades. There’s something soothing about feeding 2ps into a machine and watching them almost – almost – fall. The arcades near Pelham Place are a throwback to childhood holidays, with claw machines, racing games, and plenty of neon glow.
12/ A pint at First in Last Out
FILO (First In Last Out) is a proper Hastings institution – a pub that brews its own beer and feels like a cosy living room. The ale is excellent and the atmosphere relaxed. We love the settle seating, which creates a cocoon round your table. The type of pub you could spend hours in.
13/Indoor market and board games
If it’s raining, which sometimes it is in Hastings, head indoors for a few drinks or a bite and some board games. The Old Town Market Food Hall has some good seating and lots of games available.
Or, Ye Old Pump House is always a comfy spot to hide from weather. Speaking of, “ye” is a great two letter scrabble word.
14/ Go on a small plates crawl
Whenever I visit somewhere with loads of amazing restaurants and I only have a day or two to enjoy them, I always love to do a “small plates crawl.”
Start at Porters for some of their popular pork belly bites, head to La Delizia for proper Italian Antipasti, and Yaaze Meze Bar for a few more bites. Include a few glasses of wine and you have a perfect evening.
15/ Take a yoga class
If you want to get in something a little relaxing during your visit to Hastings, join a class run by Old Town Yoga. In summer, teacher Hannah offers classes on the Harbour Arm. Timetable here.
16/ Walk to St Leonards
It’s an easy 20–30-minute walk along the seafront, and you’ll be rewarded with independent shops, art galleries, and some of the best coffee in town. A bit quieter, a bit cooler – and home to some excellent architecture. For foodies, visit Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Royal. They often do lunch offers during the week.
17/ Take the English Coast Path
For serious walkers, the Coast Path is a dream. East toward Rye is rugged and wild; west toward Bexhill is gentler. Just pick a direction and go. Wear decent shoes and bring snacks.
18/ Stand Up Paddle Boarding
When the sea is calm, you’ll sometimes find seasonal paddleboard hire near the beach. Or bring your own and launch from the shore. Watch the forecast – the Channel can change quickly.
Epic Life are a great paddle board company who often host events at Hastings Beach. Check their website for the latest.
19/ Taste English Wine
Noah’s Goat is a lovely wine shop and bar on George Street which has a range of Kent and Sussex wines. Stop by for a glass, or grab a bottle to take back home.
For a vineyard visit, Charles Palmer is about 20 minutes’ drive away and well worth the trip. If you’d rather, you can book a tour from Hastings to visit a few great vineyards in the area.
20/ Try Hastings Rum & Gin
H&H are a small batch gin producer in Hastings. You can try their 1066 Dry Gin or Smugglers Gin at Noah’s Goat wine bar on George Street. If you’re more of a rum fan, consider taking home a bottle of Hasting’s very own – Rumbustian – found at various shops and bars in Hastings.
21/ Historic walking tour
Hastings of course has lots of history, and it’s worth taking the time to spot a few little nods to it around the town. Take in the Cliff Railway, which opened in 1891, Hastings Castle (or what’s left of it) on the West Hill and the various Blue Plaques around town.
22/ Take a Sauna on the pier
Right on Hastings Pier, Samphire Sauna is a Nordic-inspired, wood-fired sauna with communal and private options.
Communal sessions run around £15 per person; private bookings for up to 4 guests are typically £35–£60. After your session, you can step onto the pier or plunge into the sea for that invigorating contrast. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially on weekends
23/ Embrace Coffee Culture
Hastings takes its coffee seriously. Hanushka is a town favourite with excellent brews and lots of cosy corners. Settle in, order a flat white, and watch the town go by.
24/ Visit Hastings Contemporary
Right by the beach in the heart of the Old Town, Hastings Contemporary is the town’s major modern art gallery — a striking, charcoal-tiled building that stands out against the fishing huts. Inside, you’ll find a mix of contemporary and modern British art, often featuring big names alongside emerging artists. Discounts available for locals, normal adult price is £11.
Where to stay in Hastings
I would recommend staying as close as possible to the Old Town, especially if you are visiting for the weekend. Here are a few options:
BUDGET: For budget travellers, there are a few pubs with rooms in Hastings. Consider The Jenny Lind, a great pub in central old town.
MID-RANGE: Number 46 is a B&B close to the beach. Guests love the location and little touches in the rooms.
LUXURY: For a romantic weekend away, Moore House is ideal. Pretty bedrooms and an ideal location. The Laindons is also a great shout, found in the heart of the Old Town.
How to get to Hastings
- By train: Direct trains from London Charing Cross and London Bridge take just under two hours (probably closer to 90 minutes.)
- By car: Around 2.5 hours from London via the A21.
- By bus: Local buses run services from nearby towns like Brighton, Rye and Eastbourne.
Once you’re in Hastings, the town is compact and walkable – though you may want sturdy shoes for the hilly bits!
Where to next in Kent & Sussex?
- Vineyards in Kent & Sussex
- A weekend guide to Margate
- Walking from Ramsgate to Margate
- Best things to do in Kent for couples
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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