Holiday rentals and lettings in Hastings

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Hastings?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Hastings: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Hastings: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Hastings?

• Choice of accommodation: From characterful cottages to seafront apartments and log cabins, Hastings suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In the atmospheric Old Town near the fishing quarter, along the seafront, or up towards the West Hill and country park.
• What guests love: A historic seaside town, the tall black net huts, a working fishing fleet and the dramatic sandstone cliffs.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beach and pier, spring and autumn for exploring the Old Town, and quiet, atmospheric winters.
• Things to do: Wander the Old Town, ride the cliff lifts, visit Hastings Castle and stroll the pier and the Stade.

Hastings' holiday lettings are full of character, from historic timber-framed cottages in Hastings in the Old Town to stylish holiday homes in Hastings and relaxed log cabins in Hastings in the surrounding countryside. Many enjoy period charm or sea views, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a fishermen's-quarter bolthole or a rural base near the cliffs, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• Period features and beamed characterful interiors
• A garden or balcony for warm evenings
• Parking or a central spot near the seafront
• B&Bs in Hastings for a relaxed, hosted stay

Wherever you base yourself, the Old Town, the pier or the beach is rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare cottages in the Cotswolds and apartments in London.

What are the best areas to stay in Hastings?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the Old Town is best for history and charm, while the seafront and hills suit the beach and clifftop walks. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Hastings through Holidu often highlight the atmospheric Old Town, the tall black net huts and the wealth of independent shops, galleries and pubs. Many mention the working fishing fleet on the Stade, the sweeping shingle beach and the town's rich 1066 history, and return for the rare mix of heritage, coast and countryside all close together.

Set on the East Sussex coast, Hastings is a historic seaside town forever linked to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, fought at nearby Battle a few miles inland. Its atmospheric Old Town is a warren of narrow lanes and timber-framed houses, home to the distinctive tall black net huts and a working fishing fleet on the Stade. With the ruins of Hastings Castle on the West Hill, two Victorian cliff lifts, the Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a lively pier and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Hastings Country Park, it makes a delightful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Hastings?

Most visitors arrive by car or by train from London and the Sussex coast. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• By car: Hastings is reached via the A21 from London and the A259 along the coast, within easy reach of Rye, Eastbourne and the Sussex and Kent coasts. A car is handy for exploring the beaches, villages and countryside, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Hastings has its own station with direct services to London and along the coast to Ashford and Brighton. The station is a short walk from the town centre and seafront, making it a relaxed, car-free way to arrive and explore the Old Town on foot.

🥗Where to eat in Hastings?

According to Google Maps reviews, Grand Pera Mediterranean Kitchen & Lounge is one of the best rated restaurants in Hastings. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers rate La Saporita Hastings: a warm, authentic Italian kitchen on the seafront at Pelham Crescent, perfect for handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza after a day exploring the Old Town.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather for the beach and pier, while spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the Old Town and country park. Winter is atmospheric and quiet, with cosy pubs and misty cliffs.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: The beach, the pier and the seafront
• Weather: Warm and often sunny
• Atmosphere: Lively along the Old Town lanes

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Clifftop walks, wildlife and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy pubs, galleries and atmospheric walks
• Weather: Cool and crisp, sometimes misty
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Hastings hosts recommend an early morning wander through the Old Town before the day-trippers arrive, then a ride up the West Hill cliff lift to the castle for sweeping views over the sea. Ask your host about the freshest catch on the Stade and their favourite hidden pub.

1. Wander the historic Old Town and the Stade
2. Explore Hastings Castle and the West Hill
3. Ride the East Hill and West Hill cliff lifts
4. Visit Hastings Contemporary and the pier
5. Walk the cliffs of Hastings Country Park

1. Wander the historic Old Town and the Stade

   The heart of Hastings is its atmospheric Old Town, a warren of narrow lanes and timber-framed houses full of independent shops, antique dealers and historic pubs. Down on the Stade, admire the town's iconic tall black net huts and watch the working fishing fleet hauled up the shingle. Wander without a plan, soak up centuries of seafaring history and pick up the freshest catch straight from the boats. It is one of the most characterful townscapes on the south coast.

2. Explore Hastings Castle and the West Hill

   Discover the town's history at the ruins of Hastings Castle, the first Norman castle built in England, perched dramatically on the West Hill with commanding views over the sea. Explore the remains, learn the story of the 1066 conquest at the visitor attraction and enjoy the grassy clifftop. With the battlefield and Battle Abbey a few miles inland, it is the perfect place to step back into one of the most famous chapters in English history.

3. Ride the East Hill and West Hill cliff lifts

   Two Victorian funicular railways, the East Hill and West Hill cliff lifts, carry visitors up the steep sandstone slopes that frame the town. The West Hill lift climbs to the castle and St Clement's Caves, while the East Hill lift, the steepest in the country, rises from the Old Town to the country park. Both offer a charming ride and reward you with panoramic views over the rooftops, the fishing fleet and the glittering sea beyond.

4. Visit Hastings Contemporary and the pier

   On the seafront beside the net huts, Hastings Contemporary is a striking modern art gallery showing bold exhibitions of British and international work. Nearby, the award-winning Hastings Pier stretches out over the waves, a wonderful spot for a stroll, a bite to eat and sweeping coastal views. Together they capture the town's creative spirit and seaside charm, and make an easy, enjoyable afternoon whatever the weather.

5. Walk the cliffs of Hastings Country Park

   Just east of the town, Hastings Country Park is a glorious stretch of dramatic sandstone cliffs, wooded glens and open heath teeming with wildlife. Follow the coastal trails for breathtaking views along the coast towards Fairlight and beyond, spot rare birds and plants, and breathe in the sea air. Wild, peaceful and ever-changing, it is a paradise for walkers and anyone who loves big skies and open coastal scenery.