A Hastings Weekend: Old Town, Coast and Country Park

Destination: Hastings, United KingdomCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 28th September 202628 Sept 2026

A relaxed Hastings weekend around the Old Town lanes, the Stade's fishing boats and a seafront walk. Small museums and galleries give you options between outdoor stops. Add the Country Park for a separate, hillier outing, or stay with the promenade and town parks for an easier pace.

Weekend TripUKSeasideHastings

Old Town & West Hill

Old Town

Historic, District

Wander the lanes before heading to West Hill or the fishing quarter. Some routes are steep; choose the seafront for a flatter walk.

West Hill Cliff Railway

Transport, Viewpoint

Ride from George Street to West Hill for the castle and Smugglers Adventure. Check the day's service before relying on it; the walking alternative involves a climb.

Hastings Castle

Castle, Historic Site

Pair the ruins and coastal views with West Hill and the Old Town. Check opening and access before climbing; the site is exposed to the weather.

Smugglers Adventure

Cave, Museum, Attraction

This is the attraction inside St Clement’s Caves, not a second visit. Follow West Hill signs or the operator’s entrance point, swim.feeds.study. Check seasonal opening and accessibility; the cave route is not necessarily step-free.

St. Clement's Caves

Historic, Museum, Caves

Ancient man-made caves, now a museum

The Stade & East Hill

The Stade

Beach, Fishing, Historic

Explore the net huts before the nearby maritime museums, keeping clear of working boats and equipment. Buy food from local shops or stalls rather than expecting every boat to sell its catch.

Hastings Fishermen's Museum

Museum, History

Pair this small fishing-history museum with the Stade and net huts. Check opening arrangements; the Shipwreck Museum is nearby if you want a longer maritime visit.

Shipwreck Museum

Museum, Maritime

An indoor maritime-history stop beside the Stade and Fishermen’s Museum. Check opening arrangements before visiting.

Hastings Contemporary

Art Gallery, Museum

An optional art stop in the fishing quarter. Check the changing exhibition programme and opening days before booking.

East Hill Cliff Railway

Transport, Viewpoint

Ride from the Stade to East Hill for fishing-beach views and Country Park access. Check service status; paths beyond the lift are hilly and uneven.

Seafront, parks & museums

Pelham Beach

Beach

Pause between the Old Town and pier; the promenade is easier underfoot than the shingle. For swimming, follow local signs and conditions, and do not assume lifeguard cover.

Hastings Pier

Pier, Landmark

Pair the sea views with a promenade walk towards St Leonards. Check opening and event access, and bring a windproof layer.

Warrior Square Garden

Garden

An optional garden stop west of the pier in St Leonards. Return along the promenade or continue your journey from St Leonards Warrior Square station.

Source Park

Skatepark, Sports

An optional BMX or skate session near the pier. Check the timetable, equipment and ability requirements before booking; sightseeing does not include a riding session.

Alexandra Park

Park, Garden

Choose a short lower-park stroll or a longer inland walk to suit your time and mobility. The lake is part of this stop; do not assume boat hire is available.

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery

Museum, Art Gallery

Allow an inland detour from the promenade for this optional museum. Check exhibitions, opening days and access before setting out.

Country Park (optional)

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

Park, Nature Reserve, Viewpoint

Choose a marked route suited to your fitness and wear footwear for uneven ground. Stay back from cliff edges, follow closures and turn back if conditions worsen; some paths are demanding.

Ecclesbourne Glen

Beach, Nature, Valley

Follow open signed paths and check access notices: landslips affect this area. Treat it as a countryside walk, not guaranteed beach access; avoid improvised descents or a shoreline return.