UK RAIL logo

Seaside Resorts of Hastings, Bexhill, and Rye: A Comprehensive Guide

Hastings, Bexhill, and Rye are charming seaside resorts on the UK coast, each with their own unique character and historic significance. These towns not only offer beautiful beaches and delightful attractions but also carry a rich history that continues to shape their present.

Hastings: A Historic Seaside Resort

Hastings, a flourishing seaside resort, is popular with French tourists due to its historical connection to France. The town's popularity originated in 1066 when William the Conqueror landed nearby, marking a key event in English history.

Today, Hastings is a popular holiday resort with a traditional English flavour. It has good beaches, a promenade with various attractions and cafes, and a large fishing fleet that launches from the beach. Above the town are the ruins of the first castle built by William the Conqueror after his successful invasion. Nearby, in the town of Battle, you can find Battle Abbey, built by William as atonement for the casualties at the battle.

Bexhill: A Seaside Resort with Edwardian Charm

Bexhill is a small seaside resort located between Brighton and Hastings. It's characterized by its long promenade, sandy beach, and the architecture from the Edwardian era, giving the town an atmosphere of faded grandeur. Despite this, there are plenty of attractions, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.

Rye: A Historic Gem

The ancient town of Rye is a tourist gem brimming with history and charm. Half-timbered Tudor houses line the twisting cobbled streets, offering a warm welcome to travelers. In the 14th century, Rye became a Cinque Port, and today it survives as a unique historic snapshot of 'Olde Englande'.

Attractions in and around Hastings

View the map of Hastings area for easy navigation during your visit.