Hastings UK, Day trip from London
As Londoners, we love any type of day trip that under two hours away and is accessible by train :) This past Bank Holiday we ventured out to Hastings and had a fabulous time exploring two coastal towns. This day trip was filled with great food, amazing vintage stores and time spent walking along the beach and pier. We definitely recommend it for a local Londoner or a tourist! Enjoy!
getting there
Start your journey from either King’s Cross St. Pancras or London Bridge. Hop on the train and begin the journey to this south coastal town.
We recommend to get off at St Leonard’s Warrior Square, which is the stop after Hastings. From here you’ll walk and finish the journey at Hastings to catch the train back. Or do it in reverse (finish the journey at St Leonard’s).
Getting out of the train station at St Leonard’s Warrior Square you are immediately presented with a street filled with shops, restaurants and vintage stores.
Our Itinerary
12:30pm - Arrive at St. Leonard’s Warrior Square
12:30pm - Stroll down Kings Road and Norman Road to shop
1:30pm - Have some lunch at Heist Market food hall
2:15pm - Grab a coffee or ice cream at Goat Ledge
3:00pm - Walk from St. Leonard’s Square to Hastings Old Town along the waterfront path
3:15pm - Stroll down the Hastings pier and climb up the stairs for an epic sea view
3:45pm - Walk over to George street and pop into all the town shops. Don’t forget to explore High street and the other smaller streets in the area
4:30pm - Have an non-alcoholic cocktail at The Nest
5:00pm - Enjoy an early dinner at Fagin’s
6:30pm - Walk Hastings station to catch the train back to London
food + Shops
Farmyard in St. Leonard’s Square is a favourite for lunch and dinner offering local produce and natural wines
Heist Market in St. Leonard’s Square is a small food court with sausage, tacos, Korean, wine bar and local brewer.
La Bella Vista in St. Leonard’s Square offers award winning Italian dishes
Cactus Hound Bar in St. Leonard’s Square
Milk & Hustle Coffee in St. Leonard’s Square
Goat Ledge on St. Leonard’s sea front for food, coffee, local ice cream. Book one of the cute colourful huts and enjoy the Seaview.
Hastings Pier. Bier Garden
Only Coco chocolate shop in Hasting’s old town
The Nest in Hasting’s old town for coffee and pastries, and a fully non-alcoholic bar.
The Pelican Diner in Hasting’s old town for lunch. It closes at 3pm.
The Blue Dolphin Fish Bar in Hasting’s old town
The Clockwork Crow in Hasting’s Old Town for unique decor items.
Calneva in St. Leonard’s Square has a range of mid century homeward and greeting cards
Wonderfill in St. Leonard’s Square is a plastic free shop
Other things to do
Elevator lift ride to the top of the West Hill
Hastings Castle
On your way to St. Leonards and Hasting you will pass through Rye. Very cute town that had a lot of tourist visiting. We have never been but interested in visiting!
You can continue on the train westward to Eastbourne. Eastbourne is a beautiful seaside town with amazing views. This is where you can start the seven sisters hike which a great day adventure.