Places
Three uniquely charming seaside towns are waiting for you. Explore the tangle of twittens* and winding streets in the Old Town of Hastings, where the independent spirit is as strong as the sea breeze. Just along the coast is Hastings’ cool little sister, St Leonards for vintage shopping and artisan eateries. Travel east from Wren Cottage and you’ll find Rye and its cobbled lanes and characterful houses leading down to the harbour.
(* Old Sussex slang for alleyway)
Beaches
Whether you’re a deckchair and sandcastles family or a scrambling-across-pebbles kind of person, there’s an incredible stretch of coastline to savour here in Great Britain. Lovers of traditional British seaside delights can stroll along Hastings Pier, however there’s plenty of alternatives for those in search of something a little different. Along the coast, Camber Sands is famous for its dunes and wide open stretch of golden sands, where you can sit and marvel at the kite surfers and endless views. Closer to home is Pett Level, a fascinating beach that’s best explored when the tide reveals rock pools, an ancient sunken forest and dinosaur footprints left millions of years ago.
Culture
Visit Dungeness and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to another planet. One of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe, experience a unique atmosphere as you walk past abandoned boats, brutalist cabins and, in the middle of it all, the wonder that is Prospect Cottage (the former home and garden of film director Derek Jarman). Hastings is home to dozens of art venues including the brilliant Hastings Contemporary. Meanwhile, for music lovers (and fans of art deco architecture), a visit to De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill On Sea is essential.