Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea, on the East Sussex coast, offer an inviting mix of maritime heritage and contemporary culture. From the cobbled streets of Hastings Old Town and shingled, working fishing beach to independent shops and destination restaurants in St Leonardsand a growing arts scene, the neighboring seaside towns are an excellent coastal getawa

tall black net-huts and the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.

What to See and Do

The best reason to visit the Hastings area now is to see three exhibitions that have just opened at Hastings Contemporary. The gallery headed by former Royal Academy director of exhibitions Kathleen Soriano, sits directly on the seafront in Hastings, overlooking the English Channel. Two “sea” themed exhibitions are striking on the main floor galleries.

Brazilian artist Janaina Tschäpe’s “Conversations with the Sea” explores fluid, dreamlike interpretations of coastal environments, drawing on abstraction and organic forms to reflect shifting relationships between body, water and landscape.shifts into more fluid territory, with semi-abstract paintings and works on paper inspired by water, movement and coastal landscapes. The works are loose, gestural and atmospheric, often evoking the sea as a shifting physical and emotional force rather than a fixed image. A visit to Blackpool on England’s north western coast is documented in a video work produced

Her large scale paintings created specially for Hastings Contemporary draw the viewer in alongside a series of smaller

Miguel Rothschild’s “Undercurrents, ”which turns attention to hidden forces beneath the surface, both literal and metaphorical, using installation and sculptural works that reference the movement, tension and instability of the sea. photography and large-scale installation are used to explore what lies beneath the surface of the ocean.

In the upper galleries, “Moore / Freud,” places works by Henry Moore and Lucian Freud in dialogue through their shared interest in family, intimacy and human connection.

Hastings has a notably active music culture showcasing everything from jazz, folk and blues to indie, punk and electronic music, with venues ranging from pubs and small clubs to larger arts spaces. The scene is largely independent and community-driven, which gives it a more eclectic and grassroots feel than larger coastal destinations such as Brighton. For a town of its size, Hastings has a notably active music culture.

For live music, the Jenny Lind on the High Street Rob Corcoran & the Necessary Evils, or Dr Savage and The Hot Sauce are favorites at the Jenny Lind on the High Street

Where to Eat and Drink

In Hastings, beside the art gallery Maggie’s serves some of the best fish and chips. Or, across from the gallery, Rock a Nore Modern British cooking. locally sourced produce.Daily catch from Hastings fishing fleet.

Head down the boardwalk to St Leonard’s where you’ll find a great selection of independent restaurants and bars.

Bayte Modern European an emphasis on local sourcing and quality produce in the seaside town of St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings. The seasonal menu blends influences from across the globe, with particular reference to Italian recipes, hand-rolled pastas & wood fired dishes.

The Royal

gastropub, occupying an historic corner site right opposite Warrior Square station. dates back to the 1860s, when it opened as a hotel Sea bream, lentil dahl, spinach and onion salad £19

Confit duck leg, puy lentils, black pudding and apple £19

Pork belly, cannellini beans, chorizo and saffron aioli £19

Guinea fowl

Dora’s

ice cream, wood oven pizza and cocktails on buzzy outdoor terrace or in cosy, laid back interior

Goat Ledge

breakfast and coffee on the beachfront,

Starsky and Hatch

Beachside cafe situated on the Lower Promenade within the iconic Bottle Alley. Smack bang halfway in the middle of St Leonards and Hastings serving Artisan coffee, and wholesome food. Outdoor seating for up to sixty overlooking the waves.

St Clement’s Restaurant

seafood restaurant ever-changing menu is dependent upon the daily catch from these small, sustainable day boats.

La Bella Vista modern Italian restaurant located on the St Leonards seafront, overlooking the English Channel.

Where to Stay

In Hastings, The Old Rectory is an excellent choice with six individually designed rooms named after local streets and areas of Hastings

St Benedict’s BnB is a quirky guesthouse in nearby St Leonard’s that’s filled with Victorian memorabilia. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a museum. A nice touch is the delicious cake and tea offered on arrival.