Hastings
Hastings is a lively town with about 84,000 inhabitants, only a good hour driving away from Dover situated at the English Channel. Language students and tourists from all over the world create the town’s agile atmosphere. Besides the Victorian sea front especially the Old Town captivates the visitor with its beauty and charm.
The most important thing about Hastings is the biggest milestone in English history. In 1066, William the Conqueror landed near this place and won the famous Battle of Hastings to become King of England.
But even not as far in the past Hastings was spoken about: It was here that in 1924 John Logie Baird invented the TV.
Old Town
The historic heart of Hastings’ Old Town lies between West Hill and East Hill. At the bottom of East Hill there is the old fishermen’s district with its high black huts. These are the so-called Net Shops. They have been used for drying the fishnets since the Middle Ages and are still used by fishermen. Not far away from there you can find Europe’s largest natural harbour. To learn more about all that, a visit to the Fishermen’s Museum is highly recommended.
The Town Hall Museum gives a review of the battle in 1066. Hastings Castle was built at that time and is the oldest Norman castle in England. It houses another interesting exhibition about those days and is situated on the West Hill, where one has a spectacular view over the channel and the town. Also on the hill, the Smugglers Caves explain why and how goods were smuggled across the Channel, using life-size wax dolls and interactive exhibits.
New Town
Hastings’ Town Centre offers all the shops you need and don’t need for a successful shopping expedition. Afterwards, lots of cosy cafés invite you for a rest. Beneath the shopping centre “Priory Meadows“ you can find the town hall and the Tourist Information Centre.
At night, the streets don’t become much quieter. Bars, clubs, pubs and the cinema give variety to everyone’s taste.
