Area Guides

Area Guides

 Get to know the best of the local areas and explore to your heart's content 

Country Parks 

The Reserve stretches 5 kilometres (3 miles) along the dramatic cliff top east from Hastings to Fairlight and includes three steep valleys – Ecclesbourne Glen, Fairlight Glen and Warren Glen.

Hastings Old Town

Set between two cliffs serviced by funicular railways, charming Hastings Old Town blends an old-school seaside vibe with Tudor styling and a lively arts scene. Tourists are drawn to Hastings Fishermen's Museum, the Bluereef Aquarium and a seafront funfair, plus a shingle beach featuring tall, wooden fishermen's huts. George Street is lined with quaint shops and lively pubs, while High Street is home to art galleries.

St Leonards-On-Sea

An original seaside Regency New Town, beautiful St Leonards-on-Sea just west of Hastings has a wonderfully vintage feel about it today with its Designers and Makers Fairs, and its mile long promenade affording magnificent coastal views. The town was a purpose built resort, one of the first, built by the famous Regency architect and planner James Burton who worked alongside the great John Nash on projects such as Regents Park.

Hastings Pier

The new, modern, RIBA-award-winning pier is a simple and sustainable platform that is loved by locals as well as being a popular visitor destination. As well as the Pavilion Restaurant and beach hut-style food and drinks kiosks, vintage fairs, exhibitions and family-friendly events to keep you entertained – the Pier itself is an attraction that is not to be missed. Uninterrupted expanses of elegant Ekki wood allow you to get out in the elements and enjoy being closer to nature.

For more information see - https://hastings-pier.com/

Rye

A medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea, Rye reveals its history gently. Today it’s home to a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs, as well as modern boutique hotels and contemporary restaurants serving the best Sussex has to offer, from land and sea. Built on smuggled secrets and timeless tales, Rye has nooks and crannies to explore and distant views across Romney Marsh to ponder.

Battle

Named after the Battle of Hastings, the most famous conflict on English soil, this compact market town grew up alongside the battleground, tranquil medieval abbey and surrounding ancient woodlands – largely unchanged to this day.
Celebratory bonfires and battle re-enactments, a year-round programme of lively, friendly events, plus an annual festival of contemporary arts, theatre and music, are all features of its enduring heritage. 

Camber Sands

Camber Sands is a little unusual for a Sussex beach and the reason is in the name. Yes, sands! Unlike most beaches along the Sussex coast which are lined with pebbles and shingle held in place by a series of groynes, Camber Sands is covered in fine, golden sand. Not only that but Camber is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex.

Surrounding Areas

In every direction you will be spoilt for choice. If castles are your thing then check out: Bodiam castle, Herstmonceux castle, Pevensey Castle. Or sweet country villages: Pett/Pett Level - Great for country pubs and fantastic beach, Northiam/Beckley - Wonderful eateries and interesting shops, Tenterden - Boutique shops and lovely walks, Dungeness - famed for its otherworldly landscape, this makes for an unforgettable day trip. Winchelsea - Beautiful views, quint Sussex Village

Share by: