The Brilliance of Hastings Old Town

Hastings Old Town is one of the most atmospheric and culturally rich neighbourhoods on the south coast of England.

Nestled between the cliffs of Hastings Country Park and the sweeping shingle beach of the Stade, it offers a rare blend of medieval streets, maritime heritage, independent shops, historic pubs and a creative spirit that continues to draw visitors year after year.

Whether you’re exploring its twittens, browsing its quirky boutiques or enjoying a pint in a centuries‑old ale house, the Old Town feels like a place where history and modern life sit side by side comfortably.

A Place Steeped in History

The Old Town’s roots stretch back many centuries, and its historic buildings tell the story of Hastings long before the famous events of 1066. Some of the oldest surviving houses can be found on All Saints Street, with timber‑framed properties dating from around 1450. Much of the medieval town would have looked similar, with narrow lanes, overhanging upper floors and intricately carved beams.

Two of the most important historic churches still stand today. All Saints Church, built in 1436, is known as the “upper church,” while St Clement’s Church, with its perpendicular Gothic architecture, is considered the “lower church.” Both were restored in the 1870s under the direction of architect William Butterfield.

The Old Town also has a long maritime history. The Fishermen’s Museum, housed in the former Church of St Nicholas, built in 1854, preserves the stories of Hastings’ fishing community. The building was saved from demolition in the 1950s and reopened as a museum in 1956.

The Famous Twittens

One of the most distinctive features of Hastings Old Town is its network of twittens—narrow passageways that weave between buildings and climb the steep hillsides. These hidden paths are a defining part of the town’s character and offer a glimpse into its medieval layout. Twittens such as Tamarisk Steps, Winding Street and St Clement’s Passage lead to unexpected viewpoints, tucked‑away cottages and quiet corners that feel untouched by time.

Twittens were originally designed to provide shortcuts between the main streets and the hillside homes above. Today, they’re a favourite for photographers, walkers and anyone who enjoys discovering the town’s secret routes. As Sussex Exclusive notes, the Old Town is full of “hidden twittens, quirky shops, shipwrecks and smugglers’ tales,” making it a place where every turn reveals something new.

Independent Shops and Creative Boutiques

Hastings Old Town is renowned for its independent spirit. The High Street and George Street are lined with unique shops that reflect the town’s artistic and eclectic personality. From antique stores and vintage clothing to artisan pottery and handmade homeware, the Old Town offers a shopping experience unlike anywhere else.

Highlights include:

• Old Hastings Pottery, a long‑established studio producing distinctive ceramics.
• Butler’s Famed Emporium, a beautifully curated lifestyle store filled with furniture, textiles and decorative pieces.
• Nelson House Antiques, a treasure trove of furniture, curiosities and vintage finds.
• Robert’s Rummage, a beloved second‑hand shop packed with character and unexpected gems.
• C. & S. Chamberlen, a traditional tobacconist and cigar merchant with memorabilia and old‑world charm.

These shops are part of what makes the Old Town so appealing: everything feels personal, curated and full of stories.

Historic Ale Houses and Old Inns

Hastings Old Town is home to some of the most atmospheric pubs in the region, many with centuries of history. The Anchor Inn, for example, was once used as a courthouse and is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a man who was hanged there. Its framework includes timbers dating back to the 1600s, which adds to its Grade II-listed status.

Other iconic pubs include:

• The Crown, a popular modern pub housed in a historic building, known for local ales and seasonal food.
• Ye Old Pumphouse is one of Hastings Old Town’s most iconic pubs, instantly recognisable for its timber‑framed façade and centuries‑old character. Set on George Street, it blends cosy interiors, low beams and a warm, traditional atmosphere that feels timeless. The pub is known for its real ales, hearty food, and lively atmosphere, often hosting live music and local events. With its rich history and unmistakable charm, it remains a favourite stop for visitors exploring the Old Town’s heritage.
• The Jolly Fisherman is a cosy spot offering real cider, local wines and craft beers.
• The Stag Inn, dating from 1577, one of the oldest pubs in the area and rich with folklore.

These ale houses are more than places to drink—they’re part of the Old Town’s living heritage, each with its own stories, characters and charm.

Food, Flavours and Local Produce

The Old Town is a haven for food lovers. Its restaurants, cafés and delis celebrate local produce, fresh seafood and creative cooking. The fishing quarter at Rock‑a‑Nore is still home to the UK’s largest beach‑launched fishing fleet, and the daily catch often finds its way onto menus just hours after landing.

Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional fish and chips to modern British cuisine, seafood platters, artisan breads and locally roasted coffee. Judges Bakery, for example, is a long‑established favourite known for organic breads and pastries.

The Old Town’s food scene reflects its character: independent, high‑quality and full of personality.

The Iconic Net Shops

No visit to Hastings Old Town is complete without seeing the Net Shops—tall, black wooden sheds unique to Hastings. These structures were originally built in the 19th century to store fishing gear, when space on the shingle beach was limited. Their unusual height stems from the need to store nets vertically while maintaining a small footprint. Today, they are protected structures and a symbol of the town’s maritime identity.

A Place Where Past and Present Meet

What makes Hastings Old Town truly special is the way its history blends seamlessly with modern life. Medieval houses sit beside contemporary galleries. Twittens lead to vibrant cafés. Fishing boats rest on the beach just steps from boutique shops. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of centuries while enjoying the creativity and warmth of a thriving coastal community.

We are lucky that the Rocklands self-catering apartments are just a 10-minute walk from Hastings Old Town, making it a perfect location for our guests to enjoy the best of Hastings.

Hastings Castle

Originally built in 1066, Hastings Castle offers breathtaking views of the sea. The castle was the first Norman motte-and-bailey to be built in the UK. Revived during Victorian times after a turbulent past that saw it destroyed and buried, Hastings Castle is a portrait of Britain’s past.

A visit to the castle will give tourists a lesson in the Battle of Hastings as they venture around the ruins of the old fortification.

 

Hastings Fishermen’s Museum

Long known for its maritime and fishing history, Hastings Fishermen’s Museum is dedicated to all those who worked in the region’s seagoing industries. Housed in an old church, the Fishermen’s Museum is open 364 days a year and tells fantastic seafaring stories from years gone by.

The museum also shows historians how fishermen worked centuries ago to bring in their catch. Whether getting out of the sun or rain, or learning about one of the UK’s most historic industries, the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum is a must-see.

 

 

The Stade

The Stade is one of the most well-known areas in Hastings. The shingle beach has been used for beaching boats for over a thousand years. In modern times, it is the home to the largest fleet of beach-launched fishing boats in Europe.

Throughout the year, a variety of events take place at the Stade from small concerts to markets, drawing crowds to the area. The Stade also has numerous restaurants and a kiosk selling fresh fish from boats just returned from trips out to sea.

There is a very nice seaside cafe at the Stade, popular with families.  It serves a range of great beers, wines, ciders, breakfasts, meals and homemade cakes.

 

 

Hastings Miniature Railway

Another fun pastime for all the family is a trip on the famous Hastings miniature railway, which runs from the Stade along the beachfront.

Hastings Miniature Railway is a 10.25" gauge miniature railway located on the seafront which opened on 5th June 1948 and still remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.

For further information and opening times, please check out the Hastings Miniature Railway Facebook page.

Hastings Old Town Restaurants

Here are a few recommended restaurants located along George Street.

Two Bulls Steakhouse

For meat lovers, this is the place to enjoy some of the best steaks in the area. Delicious charcoal-grilled steaks, Cajun chicken and salmon are all available.

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Webbe's Rock-a-Nore

The Restaurant Webbe's Rock-a-Nore boasts a privileged location in front of the Stade and right by Hastings Old Town.  Webbe's offers a wide variety of meat, fish and seafood dishes. Signature dishes include Seared Scallops with Caramelised Onions, Pork and Black Pudding Presse and Oyster Mushroom and Butternut Squash Risotto.

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As you would imagine from a seaside resort with its very own beach-based fishing fleet, there are numerous fish and chip shops located around Hastings Old Town, including the famous Cod Father, the Dolphin Fish Bar and the Old Town Fryer, to name but a few.