Deep below the new Priory Meadow shopping centre, at the heart of the modern town, lies the original port of Hastings; possibly the premier port of the whole Confederation, until the eastward drift of shingle and a series of catastrophic storms, during the 13^th century, caused the original harbour to silt-up.

Hastings Castle from Wellington Place

The town then moved eastward, between the shelter of the East and West Hills, and today the resulting Old Town still possesses real charm, filled with half-timbered houses, narrow streets and passageways (known locally as twittens). No wonder the town was such a haunt of Smugglers! The town retains a strong maritime tradition, with the largest beach-based fishing fleet in Europe, Shipwreck Heritage Centre, Fishermen's Museum, and Underwater World, always popular with children.

Visit the superbly restored church of St. Mary In The Castle (now a major Arts Centre); the Smugglers Adventure and remains of the Norman Castle on the West Hill; the recently restored pier and the elegant splendour of Burton’s St. Leonards - the first planned seaside resort in England; the Victorian Alexandra Park and Hastings Country Park. Enjoy a trip on the West Hill or East Hill lift:- the East Hill lift is the steepest funicular railway in the country!

Hastings Stade with East Hill and Funicular Railway