Things to do in Hastings District

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A popular rainy day attraction, the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery holds a diverse range of displays relating to local history, as well as a selection of artifacts from other parts of the world. Local wildlife, famous figures and Native Americans are among the varied topics covered in the displays. Examine fossils and animal dioramas, learn about local personalities and view a replica log cabin and tepee at the Native American display.

Smugglers Adventure is a popular interactive attraction that reveals tales from the smuggling trade’s heyday, when swashbuckling gangs transported contraband goods into Britain through the isolated bays of the Sussex coast. Explore atmospheric underground caves and discover more about the shady goings-on that took place here in the 17th and 18th centuries.