Hastings Hotels

The event

There is no question that this charismatic seaside resort, one of the most handsome on the South Coast, will always have a very special place in English history. It was, after all, the first settlement to be claimed by the notorious Norman leader William the Conqueror, who was responsible for the creation of many of Britain's most treasured medieval landmarks. The revolutionary battle, which occurred on October 14th, probably took place several miles from the town in a place called Battle. It proved to be a decisive victory for William's army, who managed to defeat King Harold's troops thanks to the Normans' markedly superior military techniques.

The castle

Certainly, no visit to Hastings would be complete without visiting the town's fascinating castle. Although now in ruins, this landmark is the oldest Norman castle in the country and commands fine views over the town and the coastline. However, the French besieged the building during the Hundred Years' War and the Second World War, although it has since been preserved and is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in East Sussex.

The Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

This popular venue organises several temporary exhibitions each year and showcases the works of one of Britain's most distinguished late-Georgian architects, James Burton. He founded St Leonards-on-Sea, adjacent to Hastings, and designed many buildings in London's historic writers' district of Bloomsbury.

The Hastings Country Park

Overlooking dramatic sandstone cliffs, Hastings Country Park was founded in the 1970s and is part of the magnificent High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park, which is still open every day, has been an area of human habitation since the prehistoric era and is maintained by the Friends of Hastings Country Park Association.

The Hastings Fishermen's Museum

Based in the Victorian Gothic-Revival style Fishermen's Church, this museum opened to the public in 1956 and examines the area's important fishing and maritime heritage. The building, which is now Grade II-Listed, was due to be demolished in the 1950s but was protected thanks to a campaign led by the Old Hastings Preservation Society.

Where to eat

If you're looking for some delicious fresh pizzas, head to Pizzarelli, or enjoy delightful Turkish flavours at Nazar. For mouthwatering Thai food, dine at the Boulevard Bookshop and Thai Café, or head to the Two Bulls Steakhouse for some fabulous steaks.

Best places to stay in Hastings

The seafront is the heart of the action in any seaside town. Hastings Old Town is a charming area, home to the Hastings Contemporary gallery, the aquarium and two funicular railways. It’s a short distance from Smugglers Adventure for kids and a classic seaside pastime – minigolf. The nearby suburb of Belmont is similarly charming, friendly and peaceful, with sea views and park access. The centre of town is handy for those travelling by train, with great beach access, shops and restaurants. You’re also close to the pier, the castle and Alexandra Park, which hosts outdoor events and festivals in summer. Enjoy the popular True Crime Museum, Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, the theatre and dozens of cafes and restaurants in the area. St Leonard’s is technically another town, but it joins seamlessly with Hastings and is a great option for more budget accommodation while boasting a fantastic beach stretch.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Hastings

Hastings Old Town and the centre of town, in front of the station, are the best areas for the seafront attractions and the beach – which is glorious in every season. You won’t want to be far from the shore if you're here for a seaside holiday. The old town also has charming cobbled streets, quaint cafes, traditional pubs and shops. The seafront is the prime place to stay for views and a bustling atmosphere, with sea-view properties being the most sought-after.

Where to stay with your family in Hastings

Families will want to be in the old town or main town area, close to the seafront, for maximum beach time and with handy access to shops and amenities. The Belmont area is a peaceful, residential alternative where parking should be a bit easier (the centre can be crowded) and the noise levels will be lower as there are fewer tourists, bars and pubs. Nonetheless, you’re still close to some key attractions and parks.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

The area between Warrior Street Gardens and St Leonard’s Gardens has a cool, up-and-coming vibe with more independent shops and quirky eateries and bars, as well as a smattering of budget-friendly accommodations. The architecture here is classic British seaside; grand white buildings with large bay windows offer up a sea view. For a no-frills BnB right on the beach, you can’t beat [The Lindum]((https://www.lastminute.com/hotels/united-kingdom/hastings/the-lindum_hid-231540). Rooms are often less than £100 a night (single rooms if you prefer), and it’s quiet with direct beach access. The Lansdowne Hotel, close by, is a chic four-star establishment offering single sea-view rooms for less than £100.

Where to find cheap hotels in Hastings

Luckily for beachgoers, the hotel prices in Hastings haven’t yet rocketed with the influx of former London residents. This means there are plenty of budget accommodation options. Castle and pier Town House Rooms are perennially popular on South Terrace, close to the station and a less-than-ten-minute walk from the beach. It receives fantastic reviews rating it on its value for money – with rooms between £50 and £100 per night – and location. It’s simple, cosy and private. Hastings House is a five-star BnB right on the seafront – you can't beat it for a quintessential seaside break with a dash of luxury. The bedrooms and bathrooms are fully refurbished and modern, with thoughtful touches throughout, and you’ll get a home-cooked breakfast, too, all for around £100–150 a night. Trendy, colourful and with a sea view – the Bank Hotel & Bistro is another great, more luxurious option for your Hastings getaway. The cool BnB hotel has cosy rooms with modern decor for less than £100 per night and a no-nonsense approach to good, hearty food if you eat in.

Spa hotels

You’ll find The Old Rectory in the peaceful part of Hastings Old Town, in an 18th Century former rectory. The charming interior is elegant and Georgian-inspired, with each bedroom decorated uniquely to add personality. The hotel also has treatment rooms where you can indulge in a facial, massage or beauty treatment. The Bannatyne Spa is a renowned four-star spa hotel about four miles (or a ten-minute drive) from Hastings centre. The country hotel hosts a large spa, pool, health centre, sauna, and steam room. There is an extensive menu of massage and treatments to choose from to make your break utterly relaxing.

Luxury hotels

The Laindon is an elegant BnB option in Belmont with ultra-modern facilities and pretty decor. It has a quietly luxurious air to it, aided by the peaceful surrounding streets and homely atmosphere, and feels like the perfect place to cocoon. The breakfast is delicious too. Set back from the beach, in the area behind the station, Anne’s House is a five-star BnB without the five-star price tag (rooms for less than £200 per night). The interior is charming and old-fashioned, with a nod to the Edwardian architecture of the building. The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms luxurious, and you’ll have access to a private garden. Old meets new in Black Rock Guesthouse, a sophisticated townhouse BnB (rated five stars) with quirky antique decor but sleek, modern facilities. The rooms are bright and spacious, and the breakfast is always a big hit.