Underrated but 'unloved' UK seaside town named among the best in Britain

A town in the UK "that doesn't get the love it deserves" has been named among the best places in the country.

Hastings in Sussex is a beautiful seaside town on the south coast of England. It has a population of 91,000 people and a convenient one hour 23 minute train ride to the capital. It is also a good holiday destination for those who don’t want to hop on a plane and travel hundreds of miles from home.

For a bit of context and history, the town’s name comes from the Battle of Hastings, which took place in 1066. The battle resulted in a Norman victory, which marked a turning point in English history and the start of the Norman Conquest.

Despite being a great spot for those seeking a coastal holiday, it seems to be quite underrated despite the many good things it has to offer, such as its extensive history and beaches.

Travel company Rough Guides has included Hastings in the list of 30 best seaside towns in the UK. The site said: “Whether you want nice beaches in England, pebble bays in Wales or coastal artists’ retreats in Scotland, the UK certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to seaside towns.”

The site also claimed that despite its rank on the list, the town “doesn’t get the love it deserves”.

One thing about Hastings is that you’ll never get bored of it. There are so many activities, both for children and adults, to suit all different preferences. The main attractions are the Hastings Castle, the Hasting Piers and, of course, a visit to the Old Town.

For those who like history, there are plenty of museums where visitors can learn about the town’s history and the shipwrecks in the English Channel. Some of the key places are the Shipwreck Museum, Hastings Fishermen’s Museum Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.

However, if you’re looking to relax in the sounds of the beach waves, the beach stretches from the Old Town to Bulverhythe and has a mixture of sand and pebbles. For example, Pelham Beach is a popular spot for those travelling with small children. Alternatively, Stade Beach and St Leonards On Sea Beach are great for sunbathing and other water activities.

Hastings also has the UK’s largest beach-based fishing fleet, and the town praised for its “ultra-fresh seafood”. Many restaurants specialise in fresh, locally sourced seafood, offering the best fish and chips to other delicious platters, ensuring that locals and visitors have a wide variety of things to eat.

Despite being ‘underrated’, Hastings welcomes around 63,000 visitors a year with around 3.8 million tourism day trips, as the Hastings Town Deal reported. So, if you’re thinking of visiting a new place that doesn’t involve taking a plane and has a lot of things to do, Hastings is the place for you.