Hastings City Guide

Seafood is fresh, with fish and chips a town favorite. There are many international restaurants (Italian, Indian, Thai, Turkish) and plenty of vegan or vegetarian meals. Late-night food is mostly takeaways or pubs.

Nightlife centers on Old Town and the seafront with traditional pubs, live music, and some bars. Options are varied but more relaxed than major cities.

Independent coffee shops are big in Hastings, with a focus on good coffee and a relaxed vibe. Many are laptop-friendly.

Tipping in restaurants is usually 10% if not already included. Rounding up for taxis is common. Other services may get a small tip but it’s never required.

You can get a SIM card at phone shops (Vodafone, O2, EE, Three) or in supermarkets. eSIMs are offered by major providers. No ID is needed for a prepaid SIM.

Hastings keeps streets tidy, with regular trash and recycling pickups. Tourist areas are especially well kept.

Hastings has very few 24/7 services. Some supermarkets stay open late, but 24-hour food or pharmacy is rare. Plan ahead for late-night needs.

Big supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Lidl have most daily items and many international foods. Local grocers and a weekly farmers market offer fresh produce. Shops open early and close late, but hours are shorter on Sundays and closed on major holidays.

Most places take cards or contactless payments. Some small shops or market stalls may still prefer cash, so keep a small amount handy just in case.

ATMs from major banks are easy to find, especially in the centre and near supermarkets. Fees are rare if using your own bank’s card or a card with no international fees.

There are many local primary and secondary schools. International school options are limited in Hastings, but some are found nearby in East Sussex. All schools teach in English. Admission for state schools normally runs in autumn for the following September.

The nomad community is small but slowly growing. Most meetups happen in local coworking spots or coffee shops, and online groups help newcomers connect.

Alexandra Park, the seafront, and Hastings Country Park offer lots of green space for walks or runs.

The seafront, Alexandra Park, and country park are safe places to run. Local running groups welcome new faces.

There are several gyms and leisure centers with pools and fitness classes.

Public and club tennis courts are available at parks and clubs. Bookings are usually online or by phone.

Padel is not common in Hastings but may be found in bigger cities.

Several yoga studios offer a mix of styles and drop-in sessions.

Local clubs teach Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and boxing. English-speaking instructors are normal. Policies on drop-ins depend on the club.

There is no skiing near Hastings. The UK’s main ski areas are in Scotland.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible from Hastings beach when the sea is calm. Rentals are seasonal. Sailing is popular from nearby marinas.

Surfing is not common due to the shingle beach and calm sea. Some nearby spots have small waves but require a drive.

Few local dive sites due to poor visibility and shingle seabed. For better diving, head to larger Sussex towns.

Conquest Hospital is the main hospital. There are many local GP clinics and pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug. The NHS provides public care; private options exist too. English is widely spoken in all healthcare settings.

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Hastings.

Hastings has seafront playgrounds, parks like Alexandra Park, and family-friendly spots in Old Town. Baby supplies and family cafes are easy to find.

The Old Town has a relaxed, inclusive feel. LGBTQ+ residents and visitors generally feel safe, and UK law has strong protections.

Hastings is dog-friendly, especially in parks and some pubs. Pet stores and vets are easy to find.