Nice beach,especially on a hot sunny day. Very busy on the Bank Holiday.

Expansive shingle beach known for its large beach launched fishing fleet and traditional black net shops, a living piece of local fishing heritage. Hastings Beach has much to offer, from views along the coast to Beachy Head and Hastings' own dramatic sandstone cliffs, to a popular little amusement park of old school seaside attractions. There are plenty of places to get food, from ice cream to fish and chips, whether you are looking to sit outside or dine in. Local attractions include the East Hill Lift up to Hastings Country Park, a gallery, museum and theatre, so there's no shortage of entertainment. Plenty of paid parking very close to the beach, and free roadside parking available elsewhere if you're prepared for a bit of a walk. Like most large British seaside towns, Hastings can be rough around the edges, but the old town has real charm and is characterised by narrow streets of picturesque buildings, lined with independent shops and pubs. Personally I find the surroundings of this area a lot more appealing than St Leonard's for its historic character and density of attractions. For an enjoyable day out by the coast in this region, you've got to go a fair way to beat a walk around the old town, country park and beach.

Hastings Beach is a beautiful place to visit, with stunning scenery and a lovely coastline that makes it worth the trip. There are also plenty of restaurants around, so finding good food is easy, and the play areas for children are quite decent. That said, there are some downsides especially if you’re visiting with kids. Activities for children are quite limited. Aside from go-karting and bungee jumping, there isn’t much else to keep them engaged, which can get frustrating if you’re planning a full day out. It was also disappointing to see that the pier still appears to be out of action, with no clear sign of reopening anytime soon. On the positive side, the shipwreck museums are interesting and worth exploring if you enjoy a bit of history. One thing that stood out compared to my previous visit (around 2012–2013) is the cost of the cliff railway. It used to be free, but now it’s £5.50 for adults (with under-5s free). It’s not a huge amount, but it does feel like another added expense for what used to be included. Overall, Hastings Beach is still a nice place with great views and food options, but it could really benefit from more kid-friendly activities and better, safer beach access so families can enjoy it more comfortably.

This is one of the best seaside towns, featuring a extensive long beach promenade lined with smooth pebble stones, ideal for leisurely walks. There are numerous options for children to enjoy, including mini golf, go-kart racing, amusement rides, and dedicated play areas. Adjacent to the beach, a high cliff offers stunning views and is accessible via a funicular railway that transports visitors up and down the steep terrain. Atop Castle Hill, the ruins of a medieval castle crown a sandstone precipice overlooking the old fishing settlement and bustling port at the mouth of a steep valley. This location provides plenty of opportunities for day trips, perfect for entertaining kids and friends alike. It’s a must-visit destination on a bright, sunny day for a memorable outing.

Despite what you might think from our pictures, we had a very pleasant walk along the promenade. The fishing huts at the east end are definitely worth a look - they are unique. Even at this time of year there are cafes & eateries to provide sustenance as you wander along (Eat on the Stade is a good one). However if you are wanting sea views etc. take good notice of the weather forecast. We assumed the fog would lift - this day it did not.