From Winchelsea the next large seaside resort is Hastings, which together with St Leonards-on-Sea, forms a municipal area with some 75,000 inhabitants. A popular seaside resort, the town is famed for sporting and cultural events as well as the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which in fact took place at Battle 6mi/10km away. Its importance as one of the Cinque Ports ended with a series of destructive floods and repeated arson attacks by the French at the end of the 14th century. The town experienced another heyday in the 19th century when it became a seaside resort, taking Brighton as its model.
A row of typical "net lofts" have been retained in the old town of Hastings. These traditional tall sheds were used by fishermen to store and dry their nets. A coat of black tar helped the horizontally positioned wooden boards to remain weatherproof; known as weatherboarding, this building style is typical of East Sussex and Kent.
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, lived in 17th century Bateman's House, 11mi/17km northwest of Hastings, near Burwash, from 1902 until his death.
At Bateman's visitors can see Kipling's 1928 Rolls Royce and the gardens as they were kept during his lifetime.
Address: Bateman's, Burwash, Etchingham TN19 7DS, England
Hours:
March 15 to November 2: 11am-5pm; Closed: Thu, Fri
Always opened on: Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Last admission 4:30 pm. Free entry to garden in Nov & Dec.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Fisherman's Chapel in Rock-a-Nore Street was built in the 19th century and now houses a museum which describes very clearly the development of the local fishing industry. Exhibits include the "Enterprise", the last fishing cutter to be built in Hastings (1909).
The remains of the Norman castle, constructed to protect the harbor, are situated on West Hill above Hastings and can be reached by a funicular railroad from George Street.
Address: Hastings Tourist Office, Queen Square, Hastings TN34 1TL, England
Hastings Country Park is situated on an unspoilt stretch of coastline on England's south coast. There are several walks to enjoy that will lead you through the 640 acres of woodland, grassland and coastal scenery. Watch for unusual migrating birds that cross the English Channel.
Address: Hastings Country Park and Visitor Centre, Hastings , England
Hours:
April 12 to September 30: 2:30pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Always opened on: Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Tips: Hours reflect Visitor Centre openings.
Phone for information regarding the park.
Great Dixter is a 15th century manor house with fascinating furniture and needlework displays. It is set in a garden designed by Lutyens featuring a wide variety of plants. The garden, which is worth a visit at any time of the year, includes a sunken garden, a walled garden and a lily pond as well as fascinating topiary.
The present owner, Christopher Lloyd, is a world-renowned garden author and broadcaster.
Address: Great Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam TN31 6PH, England
Hours:
March 21 to October 26: 2pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always opened on: Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Attractive half-timbered houses stand in the narrow High Street and in All Saints Street, with its church of the same name. Pelham Crescent, below the castle, was constructed by Joseph Kay between 1824 and 1828. Hastings seafront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants and places of entertainment. Next to the pier, completed in 1872, is the Conqueror's Stone at which William the Conqueror is said to have eaten for the first time in England.
At the Hastings Sea Life Centre visitors can view sharks, stingrays and many other fish through an ocean tunnel display. Daily talks are offered at the Sea Lab and Touch Pool.
Address: Sea Life Centre, Rock-A-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW, England
Hours:
10am-5pm
Always opened on: Good Friday - Christian
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Smugglers Adventure is set in the St Clements Caves in Hastings. As you explore the labrynth of caves you will discover the secrets and dangers facing smugglers over 200 years ago.
Address: Smugglers Adventure, St Clements Caves West Hill, Hastings TN34 3HY, England
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Bodiam Castle, Battle
Old Town, Hastings
Bodiam Castle, Battle
Old Town, Hastings
Bodiam Castle, Battle
Bodiam Castle, Battle
Bodiam Castle, Battle
