Hastings, Sussex (sea, smugglers and funicular railways)
Hastings is an East Sussex town, not far from the border of Kent. Sitting on the south east coast, this is a town rich with history. It’s named of course after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 (which actually happened in nearby Battle). But calling it ‘the battle of Battle’ would sound a big daft!
With a rich history of smugglers, there sometimes were violent endings, and the small alleys in the old town still hold a rich history of contraband items.
Today it’s quite a bohemian place, where many artists choose to live. There’s a pebbly beach, a seaside pier (rescued after it was almost destroyed by arson) and a wonderful old town, with buildings dating back hundreds of years.
A nice little story is that of the local independent bakery. When the owner retired, local people were concerned it would be turned into a Costa Coffee shop or something. So the founders of Green & Black chocolate bought it. And it remains a thriving little place to buy bread each morning.
Hastings is of course best known for being home to two of England’s funicular railways. These steep ‘cliff lifts’ take people to the East or West cliff in seconds, so you don’t have to do the climb!
The East Hill lift is England’s steepest, the West Hill lift reaches the ruins of Hastings Castle (alas large parts of it have already fallen into the English channel).
If at the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
