The historic fishing town of Hastings has received a major tourism boost, being named the second best place to visit in the UK for 2026 by the influential culture and travel guide, Time Out.
A Seaside Gem Reborn
While childhood memories for many may be filled with the iconic caterpillar ride at the now-closed Flamingo Park, modern Hastings offers far more. The East Sussex town, home to around 90,000 people, is now better connected than ever. A new, speedier train service links Hastings to London in just one hour and 23 minutes, making it a viable destination for day-trippers and remote workers alike.
The heart of its appeal lies in its vibrant and independent spirit, which has allowed it to buck the national trend of declining high streets. The focal point for visitors is the charming Old Town, where the sloping, timber-framed buildings of High Street and George Street rival the famous Shambles of York.
Independent Treasures and Cultural Hotspots
Shoppers can lose themselves in a wealth of unique boutiques. Highlights include hunting for vintage typewriters at the Goods Depot, browsing unusual pottery at Butler and George, and exploring the vast Hastings Antiques Warehouse. A particular standout is Old Hastings Pottery, where items are handmade on-site.
The crown jewel for many is A.G. Hendy, the extraordinary three-floor emporium created by food writer Alistair Hendy. He spent over three years restoring a late-Georgian building to house a beautifully curated collection of household essentials behind a 1920s-style shopfront.
Beyond retail therapy, the town boasts a thriving cultural scene. Film buffs can enjoy the independent Electric Palace cinema, available for private hire, while art lovers should head to the seafront's Hastings Contemporary gallery, which in 2024 exhibited 100 portraits by renowned illustrator Quentin Blake.
Coastal Walks and a Secluded Nudist Beach
No trip to Hastings is complete without sampling fish and chips from a local institution like the Blue Mermaid, followed by a ride on the historic West Hill Lift funicular railway, which opened in 1891. For those seeking sun and sea, the town's main beach is inviting, but the true hidden gem lies a few miles east.
Fairlight nudist beach offers a secluded escape. Accessed via a mile-long, verdant path through woods that feel almost Jurassic, visitors emerge into a stunning bay flanked by 30-metre golden cliffs. The mix of sandstone and clay creates a Mediterranean-like glow in the evening sun, providing a perfect sense of seclusion.
With its unique blend of historic charm, independent commerce, cultural offerings, and stunning natural beauty, Hastings has firmly cemented its status as a must-visit UK destination for the year ahead.
