Hastings & St Leonards –

Things to Do on the East Sussex Coast

Planning a coastal break in Hastings or St Leonards-on-Sea? This characterful stretch of the East Sussex coast combines historic streets, independent cafés, dramatic cliff-top walks and clean beaches — all within easy reach of London.

Hastings House is perfectly positioned between the creative heart of St Leonards and the historic Old Town of Hastings, making it an ideal base for exploring the area’s seafront, galleries, restaurants and coastal countryside.

If you’re considering a stay, you can return to the Hastings House homepage here.

Beaches, Promenades & Coastal Walks

The Hastings and St Leonards seafront is one of the area’s biggest draws. Long promenades stretch in both directions, offering clean beaches, open sea views and easy access for families and groups.

Walk west towards Bexhill-on-Sea and you’ll pass independent cafés such as Café By The Beach before reaching the beautifully restored De La Warr Pavilion — an iconic Art Deco landmark known for exhibitions and panoramic coastal views.

Head east instead and you’ll reach Hastings Country Park, 270 hectares of dramatic sandstone cliffs, ancient woodland and wildlife trails. This protected landscape forms part of the wider 1066 Country coastline and offers some of the most striking scenery in East Sussex.

After a day exploring, many guests enjoy returning to the comfort of Hastings House for a relaxed evening by the sea.

The Historic Old Town of Hastings

The Old Town is one of the most distinctive areas on the south coast. A maze of cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings, it’s

home to independent shops, antique arcades, vintage boutiques and traditional pubs.

You’ll find record stores, seafood restaurants, art galleries and wonderfully named local institutions such as The Vinyl Countdown and Cobblers to the Old Town. For a truly local experience, visit The Stag Inn on a Tuesday evening for its well-known folk and sea-shanty session —

a longstanding Hastings tradition.

Creative St Leonards-on-Sea

St Leonards has developed a reputation as one of the most creative corners of the Sussex coast. Stylish cafés, craft beer bars and contemporary galleries sit alongside Regency architecture and sea views. The neighbourhood has grown steadily in recent years, attracting artists, designers and independent businesses, while still retaining its relaxed seaside feel. Staying at Hastings House in St Leonards means everything is within walking distance — from morning coffee spots to evening restaurants.

Annual Events in Hastings & St Leonards

Hastings is known for its lively calendar of annual events and festivals, attracting visitors from across East Sussex and beyond. If you’re searching for what’s on in Hastings during your stay, there is something happening in almost every season.

Each May, the famous Jack in the Green festival fills the Old Town with traditional music, dancing and costumed processions. The Mayday Bikers Run sees thousands of motorcyclists gathering along the seafront on the same day, while Hastings Pirate Day transforms the town into a swashbuckling spectacle — often claiming a world record for the largest gathering of pirates.

Autumn brings the dramatic Hastings Bonfire Night, one of the largest and most atmospheric bonfire celebrations in the UK, alongside the much-loved Old Town Carnival Week. Music lovers look forward to Fat Tuesday Hastings, the town’s independent music festival, while the prestigious Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition attracts world-class performers and audiences.

History is central to the area. The nearby Battle of Hastings re-enactment in Battle draws visitors each October, and the wonderfully eccentric Crazy Golf World Championships add a playful edge to the town’s reputation.

Staying at Hastings House in St Leonards places you within walking distance of many of these Hastings events, allowing you to experience the atmosphere before returning to calm, spacious comfort by the sea.

Restaurants, Cafés & Local Favourites in Hastings & St Leonards

Staying in St Leonards and Hastings means you’re surrounded by independent restaurants, wine bars and beachside cafés — all within walking distance of Hastings House.

Restaurants

Looking for the best restaurants in Hastings and St Leonards? Here are our local recommendations.

Colombo 16 for Sri Lankan fusion and creative small plates
La Bella Vista for Italian cooking and seafront views
The Crown (Old Town) for seasonal menus and local produce
The Royal (St Leonards) for excellent food and Sunday roasts
St Clement’s Restaurant for modern British dishes and fresh seafood
Half Man! Half Burger! for relaxed dining and takeaway
Heist Market for street food and a lively atmosphere
Gurkha Chef for authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine

(You can always search these directly or we’re happy to share links when you stay.)

Coffee & Brunch

Morning options are just as strong.

Goat Ledge has such an amazing vibe, is right on the seafront, and is a favourite with locals and guests alike
Botanica offers speciality coffee and gorgeous food in Marine Court
Starsky & Hatch is our favourite place for coffee and breakfast with sea views

Everything is a short stroll from the house.

Wine Bars & Evening Drinks

For relaxed evenings out, you’ll find:

40 Norman Road for natural wines
Ritual Bar for craft beers and cocktails
Graze on Grand for food, wine and art by the sea

Independent Shops

Hastings Old Town is full of characterful independent shops, including:

Maker & Baker UK, an artisan bakery
Beak & Tail Butchers, known for quality British meat
At Sea, curating coastal-inspired pieces
Warp & Weft, a boutique specialising in textiles and design

After dinner or drinks, it’s an easy walk back to Hastings House by the sea