You may have read all about my recent travels to Tunbridge Wells, and if you haven’t head over here now.
And my exploration of England’s South East cities with Southeastern Railway continues with a very sunny day trip down to the seaside town of Hastings. It was one of those rare autumn days where the sunshine is out for the entire day and the locals leave their desks early in favour of cheery pubs. The kind of pubs where the sunshine streams through dusty windows and outdoor terraces are frequented in abundance.
We genuinely couldn’t have asked for better weather to wander around this beautiful seaside town.
When our train pulled into the platform, I was surprised at how modern Hastings station is. It looks brand spanking new! Ironically, today we weren’t in search of the shiny and new… we were in search of the older gems of the city, the everlasting local pubs, the local independent eateries and the breathtaking scenery overlooking the town.
How to do a day trip to the East Sussex seaside town, Hastings
Find the local fish and chip spot you can’t help coming back to
Maggie’s Fish and Chips
We grabbed our things and tumbled off the train in search of what we really, desperately needed: food.
I’m usually a very good traveller but on this occasion, I was getting hungry. Luckily I’d researched one of the best Mom + Pop type fisheries in the city: Maggie’s Fish and Chips.
Now to get to Maggie’s it’s a bit of a long haul from the station. You wander through what is called the “New Town” and into the “Old Town”. My recommendation for those visiting Hastings is to beeline immediately towards the hidden Old Town. It’s filled with character. An eclectic part of the town with roads reminiscent of Portobello Road. In fact, it’s like the Portobello Road of the seaside. It’s about a 20 minute walk if you head immediately to the food, which I was all about.
Here’s the deal. Make reservations for Maggie’s. I should have done it. It’s one of those great local spots where it’s fully booked up all the time – even for lunch on a Thursday. But the waitress kindly said she could squeeze us in if we popped back in an hour. It was a win with us! So we decided to double back on ourselves and explore one of the local pubs we spotted on the way, The Blue Dolphin (more on that under drinks).
Back at Maggie’s we were seated at one of their best tables – right by the window with great views of the sea and the East Cliff incline. We knew we had to get the fish and chips, so we ordered two of those alongside fishcakes, pickles and bread and butter. It’s a no fuss menu that they do incredibly well.
And while we waited for our food, we made friends with an older couple on the table next to ours, who said they’ve been coming to Maggie’s for years! The staff knew them so well and it made me feel like this is one of those places where they really get to know you. Ironically, the couple live near Tunbridge Wells but always make sure to head to Maggie’s every few weeks. Considering Maggie’s has been open for over thirty years, it makes sense to me. And honestly? Next time we’re in Hastings, I’m calling for a reservation. Oh and be sure to bring cash because they don’t take cards.
For your sugar fix
Judge’s Bakery
I was hoping to nab some desserts to take on the train back to London, but Judge’s Bakery is only open until 5:30pm during the week.
Still, I wanted to mention them because I’ve found out that they are known for their out of this world brownies. Flavours like Lime & sea-salt, Blackcurrant & Cassis Cheesecake, Raspberry & White Chocolate, Peanut Butter or what I was after: the original brownie all made with English Butter and 70% Belgian Chocolate. Sounds so good.
So I’d recommend going early to get your sugar fix ASAP in Hastings.
Know where to drop in for a pint (or two)
The Dolphin Inn
While waiting to head into Maggie’s for food, we stumbled across a pub called The Dolphin Inn. I had ironically said to Joe, let’s drop in here after to sit in the sunshine and grab a drink. So switching our timetables slightly, we did!
The inside is decorated as if you’re in smack dab in a fisherman’s boat. The walls, tables and chairs are adorned with boating memorabilia. And a variety of beer coasters from around the globe line the ceiling. It’s a fun sort of place and again, a super friendly staff who helped me in choosing a beer for Joe while he’d gone to the cashpoint around the corner.
I can already see it being a perfectly warm and inviting place when the weather gets cooler, the windows fogging up slightly while everyone keeps toasty with a pint.
First In, Last Out
This my friends, is a proper little pub. The kind that has that sort of ale smell immediately upon walking in. Once you get past that (you adjust, I promise), you’re going to love it here.
The decor is old and a little forgotten, but it’s absolutely part of the charm. And there happens to be a fireplace in the centre of the room – on a cold winter’s night, I can’t imagine anything more inviting. More importantly, they have Bruges Zot on draft! As someone who isn’t a major beer drinker, I actually love this Belgian beer.
So First In, Last Out won us over immediately. We arrived at the pub early, but as it neared 5pm, the place started to fill up drastically.
Plan out where to buy your Christmas gifts in Hastings
It’s almost comical to try and pinpoint which shops would be the best to go into. Hastings has such an array of independent stores, from vintage finds, to jeweler’s to candy shops and everything in between. But here’s a few must-haves stops and locations to dive straight into while you’re exploring Hastings.
A G Hendy Home Store
I had researched this store before our arrival and knew that I had to make a pilgrimage there. A G Hendy is filled with knick knacks and beautiful homeware, I could have spent the whole afternoon in here. In the end, I picked up a beautiful brown coffee mug and a wooden cooking spoon (ours in the kitchen is looking a bit worse for wear).
I’d also like to point out that while we were walking in, a woman was standing and chatting with the saleswoman inside. And she had not one, but THREE sausage dogs with her. So I got to cuddle with them while the friends chatted for a moment. I did happen to tell Joe after that this was the best day of my life – our wedding, a very close second. So while it’s not relevant to your shopping experience, it made me over the moon excited to see these pups.
20th Century Funking Junk
Just like A G Hendy I could have spent so long in this place. In fact, I kind of did. Hastings Old Town is definitely the sort of place where vintage shops rule the roost. The title may suggest it’s junk, but this emporium – I’m calling it an emporium because it’s HUGE – has some pretty cool finds. I spotted a Vintage Louis Vuitton bag – which I thought looked amazing and was this close to buying. Joe convinced me it couldn’t be real, so I put it back with severe regrets. A few weeks on and I still regret leaving it on the shelf. Someone please go buy it!
In the midst of 20th Century Funking Junk, there are plenty of knick knacks and interesting homeware finds, so I can guarantee we’ll be back. It’s the kind of place where you can find things for yourself or even super cute homeware pieces for friends as housewarming gifts, etc. I love the idea of kitschy type items scattered throughout our home, so if that’s your idea of a brilliant place… I’ve gone and found it for you.
The Old Town
Without a doubt, you have to get to the Old Town of Hastings. It has so many brilliant independent shops that I can’t possibly tell you all of the best ones. Because like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, it’s one of those hidden gems that you’ll love discovering when you get there.
Get the views your friends will envy..
East Hill Cliff Railway
Just a stone’s throw away from Maggie’s is the East Hill Cliff Railway. For £3 return for and adult ticket you get to head up the incline straight to the top where you’ll be arrive into Hastings Country Park.
I love using inclines like these. Where I went to university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the states, they have one of these and it’s such a fun novelty to enjoy whenever we go back.
So we were excited to see the East Hill Cliff lift in action! And the views over the top of Hastings certainly do not disappoint. There are gorgeous sights across the entirety of the city and you can spy the beaches and the cliffs in the distance. The views are one serious treat and it’s breathtakingly beautiful. And gives such a unique perspective of the town.
I would have loved to roam through Hastings Country Park as well, but it was getting dark. Those autumnal nights had just started to kick in.
And don’t forget to… visit the beach huts and dip your feet in the sand
Hastings Beach
Of course, it would be completely remiss to share all about our adventures to Hastings without a walk along the beach. Walk amongst the docked boats down near the cliffs or up nearer to the city centre, the coastline is vast and perfect for autumn and winter beach walks. Is it bad to say those are my favourite? I love wearing a pair of boots, a cosy jacket and taking in the sea air.
Before we knew it, our day trip to Hastings had come to an end. I’d love to go back again this winter to explore more. Days filled with hot chocolates and ducking into bustling pubs. And I can only imagine this town to look exceptional with a Christmas market.
It’s been such a fun experience getting to know the South East of England so much better on my recent train travels. With Southeastern, I can continue to plan on seeing more hidden gems of the South East of the country. Especially over the upcoming holiday period too.
There’s something wonderful about knowing that you can leave the city of London, hop on a Southeastern train and be near the South East sea in under 90 minutes. Because exploring England shouldn’t feel like an impossible reach from the city. And when you can grab an Advance ticket for £6.70, it couldn’t be easier.
Stay tuned to my Instagram where I’ll be sharing even more #SEhiddengems and my travels. And of course, remember to share yours on social too, tagging #SEhiddengems and @Se_Railway on Instagram and Twitter! I want to see where you guys have gone and your best hidden gem recommendations in the South East!
What’s your favourite thing to do when you visit England’s seaside towns?
Kelly xox
PS. This post is sponsored in collaboration with Southeastern Railway. As always, all thoughts, opinions, photos, research and exploring are my own. We had a truly brilliant time getting to explore a new area of the country. I can’t wait to go back already.You can get advance single fare train tickets for £12.20 from London to Hastings.