A day in Hastings – what to eat and where to visit 

Let’s be clear, 2020 is still a fugly slut that can’t be trusted. But one fabulous thing that has come from this Handemic is the appreciation for local adventures. We recently spent the nicest day in Hastings which is somewhere I’d never been before Hurricane Rona hit – so here are my top recommendations for a day in Hastings.

This travel blogger actually went somewhere other than the garden. It’s a miracle! Did one glorious day on the beach warrant a full blog post, 3,035 photos, and more puns than you can shake a stick at? Beach please…

A day in Hastings – Secret Beach 

Ok, it’s not actually a secret. But we call it a secret beach because it’s not as well known as the central Hastings Beach, isn’t nearly as busy and just has the most chilled vibe going plus some sand. Which is everything I look for in a beach (I was socially distancing a long while before the Rona times). 

We spent a fair few hours lapping up Vitamin D and dipping in and out of the sea with very little in the way of company which was crazy as it was 30 degrees on a sunny Sunday afternoon- two very happy campers indeed! Do be careful where you set up camp though as we did have to move a few times as the tide came in. 

Directions to the secret beach are as follows:

… Well if I told you it wouldn’t be a secret would it.

Hastings – A dog friendly day trip

We didn’t actually have Bear with us when we visited (30-degree heat and angry Pomeranian shaped brioche loaves don’t really mix) but we saw plenty of pups on the beach and enjoying the sea which was nice. Plus when we were exploring The Old Town there were lots of pooches on laps and sat outside the local restaurants so next time we visit we’ll definitely be bringing Beezle to sniff out the best dog friendly eateries for my #DiningWithMyDog series.

Where to head for Lunch 

No day out is complete without a good feed let’s face it and you’ll be spoilt for choice in Hastings. On the main high street, you can’t move for fish and chips, cockles, jellied eels *shudders* candyfloss and everything you’d expect from a seaside town.

Which all looked great but we fancied something a little diff (and a cold glass of sav blanc). If you take a wander down George Street which runs adjacent to the high street you won’t regret it, as there is every type of cuisine imaginable. There’s almost too much choice… 

We couldn’t decide between the gorgeous Monelli’s Sourdough Pizza, a Turkish platter at Isabella, or a spot of Tapas at Seed. Due to the sweltering weather, we decided on tapas and we were not disappointed.

Perched up outside for optimum people watching purposes we tucked into an array of dishes from croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes) to patatas con chorizo (fried potatoes and chorizo) and the most delicious calamari.

Every dish was delish and the service was second to none – if you visit make sure you try the Padrón peppers with olive oil and sea salt as they have just the right amount of salt and spice.

Make sure you swing by Old Town Sweet Shop for dessert. They literally have every type of pick a mix imaginable and the tastiest ice-cream (strongly recommend the chocolate and salted caramel). 

A day in Hastings – Let’s go shopping 

Whilst we were wandering around looking for food in the Old Town of course I spied some shops that had to be explored post-lunch…

If you’re into antiques there are plenty of quirky shops to keep you busy. Hastings Antiques Warehouse and Nelson House Antiques are both on the highstreet and Coach House Antiques is on George Street alongside a fair few vintage clothing shops, sweet shops and souvenir shops.

Not to mention my personal favourite The Clockwork Crow which is floor to ceiling plant babies, artwork, pots, and pampas aka the dream.

I’d been searching for pampas grass (that didn’t cost £239484943) for weeks and was pleasantly surprised with how reasonable the pampas was here. I managed to pick up 7 stems mixed sizes and a vase for £38. Etsy sellers are charging around £50 for 5 stems (without postage) so I was super happy with that little bargs, and they make a great addition to our plant-filled home. I’m not sure Bear would agree though judging from her expression…

If we had more time…  

If we’d had slightly longer we would have liked to visit The West Hill Cliff Railway (the cable car takes you up a cliff to a beautiful nature reserve and caves) which is meant to be gorgeous but unfortunately, we didn’t have time. All too soon it was time to head back to the car and make a move home but if you’re looking for a new UK town to visit for a day trip or staycay, I would recommend checking out Hastings for fab eats, quirky shops and a gorgeous beach! 

Have you been to Hastings? What was your favourite spot? xo