Things to Do in Hastings

A restored Victorian pier, rebuilt after a fire in 2010. Now a concrete-and-timber deck with benches, a café, and event space. Free to walk the full length.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Walk to the far end on a weekday morning when it's quiet. The viewing panels let you see the wooden piles and shingle beach below. Free Wi-Fi near the café.

A public water fountain built in 1862, supplied by a natural chalybeate spring. Iron-rich water flows from a cast-iron spout under a Victorian stone arch. Locals fill bottles here.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring a reusable bottle. The water tastes metallic due to iron content -- it's an acquired taste but free and safe. Best visited after a walk along the East Hill.

Part of the Smugglers Adventure attraction, these sandstone caves have a 5EUR charge. They were used by smugglers in the 18th century. The Old Town streets around are free to wander with 14th-century buildings and antique shops.

🕐 10:00-16:30 (closed Nov-Feb)

💡 Skip the guided tour fee if you're on a strict budget -- the outside of the caves and the Old Town's alleyways (like the Twittens) are more atmospheric for free.

A 660-acre nature reserve with sandstone cliffs, ancient woodland, and heathland. Paths run along the clifftops with views over the English Channel.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Enter from the Firehills car park for the shortest walk to the best sea views. The North's Seat viewpoint is worth the climb.

A modern gallery on the seafront with a permanent collection of 20th-century British art, including works by Stanley Spencer and Walter Sickert. Entry is 5EUR (free for under-18s).

🕐 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays)

💡 The café has big windows overlooking the sea -- free to enter even without a ticket. Pop in for a coffee (3EUR) and watch the fishing boats.