Express reporter Jennifer Pinto visited Hastings, a seaside town in East Sussex that was crowned the UK's most underrated town by Betway last year. The betting company analysed more than 50 towns across the UK, ranking them on factors including the number of independent shops, cultural landmarks, highly rated restaurants, music events, TikTok posts and average summer temperatures.
First Impressions vs. Reality
When Pinto first arrived, she wasn't convinced. Stepping out of the train station, the first thing she noticed was a huge abandoned building overlooking the road. Parts of the high street feature empty shopfronts, some independent retailers have disappeared over the years, and there are ongoing concerns about deprivation.
However, a short walk towards the Old Town reveals a completely different side of Hastings. The atmosphere changes entirely as centuries-old timber-framed buildings lean over narrow streets lined with independent cafés, vintage boutiques, antique dealers and quirky curiosity shops. It feels like stepping back in time.
Hastings Old Town and Independent Shops
Hastings Old Town combines a traditional seaside atmosphere with Tudor architecture, winding twittens (narrow alleys) and a thriving creative community. The Express previously reported that Hastings is home to around 500 independent shops, giving visitors plenty of reasons to wander beyond the seafront.
According to Betway's analysis, Hastings came out on top thanks to its impressive 115 upcoming music events, alongside its wealth of highly rated cultural attractions and restaurants. Often overshadowed by more famous neighbours such as Brighton, Hastings has much to offer.
The Stade and Historic Fishing Fleet
Another Hastings highlight is The Stade, Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet. The iconic black net shops — tall wooden buildings originally built to store fishing gear — dominate the shingle shoreline. Some date back to the 1830s and are now Grade II-listed.
East Hill Lift and Hastings Castle
One of Hastings' key attractions is the East Hill Lift, the steepest funicular railway in the UK. Opened in 1902, the historic cliff railway carries passengers from the seafront to East Hill Country Park, where sweeping views stretch across the English Channel, the Old Town and The Stade.
The town is also home to the ruins of Hastings Castle, which overlooks the coastline and the Old Town from the West Hill.
Conclusion
Hastings' array of independent shops, rich maritime heritage and remarkably well-preserved Old Town make it one of the South Coast's most rewarding and underrated places to explore, according to the Express reporter.
