If ever there was a year for the great British seaside, this is it, right?! Last year we went to Deal and Whitstable and loved it (so much so that we’re doing a caravan trip to Whitstable next month!), and have been wanting to add a few different places to venture with the kids. This month, we tried Hastings. Just a few hours from London, it was the perfect day out for a family (although for us, most of it was spent on the pier rides!). And if you manage to squeeze in time to browse the antique stores? Even better.
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As we only spent a day there, I asked a few locals (and Instagram faves) for their tips on where best to head in the town…
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@No2hastings is a brilliant interiors account based in Hastings and kindly sent us some recommendations for their hometown:
OLD TOWN, HASTINGS
Sea Whistle for beautiful childrenās clothes
The Clockwork Crow
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Roberts Rummage
Antiques warehouse
A.G Hendy Homestore
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WHERE TO EAT
The Pelican (for brunch and lunch)
The Royal
Farmyard
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AREAS
St Leonards is the creative area, full of creative independent shops and coffee shops.
Rock a nore for a more quiet side of the beach, you can also get the miniature railway from there which kids will love
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The East hill lift which gives you beautiful views of the sea and all overĀ Hastings.
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Dyke & Dean is a shop I discovered online and is one of my go-tos for interiors shopping – and their beautiful store is in Hastings.
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The store is obviously a must visit (they sell my favourite splatterware!), but they have also offered some great tips, too:
FOOD AND DRINK
Stooge Coffee
Jolly Fisherman pub
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TO DO
Crazy golf on the sea front
Warp & Weft clothing store
Little Mashers creative kids store and workshops
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Even though Hastings is a long trip for me here, it looks delightful. What better time to support independent shops too. This is what always attracts to a place and makes me want to return. We all need to support local at this time wherever we may holiday or live. Looking forward to more of these guides Alex.