The Most Beautiful Holiday Place – Hastings
Posted by tasha | Hastings, Seaside Accommodation | Posted on September 15th, 2011
The historical town on the coast of the English Channel with the castle being slowly taken away by the North Sea.
For many years Hastings has been a number one destination for Britons bored with hustle and bustle of the city life. Every week the charming corners of the old town, as well as picturesque beaches at the bottom of the cliffs, were buzzing with tourists craving the sea breeze and sun.
Present Hastings is, however, very different. No sign of mega crowds, but the scenic bay, the old castle and the town are still here. The change happened because more and more often Britons spend weekends abroad, with the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. But the residents of Hastings are unfazed.
Hastings, there is no doubt about that, is the right place for the fans of traditional English countryside, picturesque cliffs and small, winding streets.
The town’s biggest attraction are indisputably the ruins of the oldest British castle, built by William the Conqueror. It dates back to 1066, when the king has also decided to built castles in Dover and Pevensey. The castle in Hastings is being slowly washed away by the waters of the North Sea. Exceptionally powerful storms lasting over six months brought erosion of sandy cliffs and collapse of a part of the castle into the sea as early as in 1287. This proccess still continues today, so don’t hesitate and visit the ruins now, as it could be a one of a kind opportunity.
For the lovers of English traditional architecture, Hastings has its pretty old town with narrow, winding streets, traditional English timber framing buildings and romantic alleyways, called ‘twittens’ by the locals. It is here where the beautiful Norman Road is located, also known as Portobello Road of the South.
Hastings is one of the oldest places in the UK with fishing tradition. There are two museums devoted to it: Fishermen’s Museum and Shipwreck Heritage Centre. To see them, you need to prearrange your visit. Not far from the museum you will find a traditional fish market. Here you can try freshly caught fish and see the biggest fishing net in Great Britain, spread out on the beach.
Hastings has also something to offer for the fans of nature. The town is located in a bay, surrounded by scenic cliffs, which you can admire from long, sandy beaches stretching along the coast. Hastings Country Park, which covers the cliffs, offers a network of beautiful footpaths and picnic areas.
For more information on Hastings visit the town’s official website: www.hastings.gov.uk