Living in Hastings
Looking to move to Hastings? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in Hastings
Why Hastings is a great place to live
Hastings is a renowned coastal town on the south coast of East Sussex, perhaps best known for its historic connection to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Overlooking the English Channel, Hastings blends striking natural landscapes with Victorian and Georgian architecture along its promenades and winding Old Town lanes. The fishing port is one of the oldest in Britain, and maritime traditions shape the town's unique identity.
The population in Hastings is a lively mix, including families drawn by primary and secondary school options, creatives and artists inspired by the seafront and cultural events, and retirees enjoying the temperate climate and relaxed pace. Commuters value its rail links to London, while students and young professionals are increasingly attracted by its expanding cultural and food scenes. The town hosts a series of festivals throughout the year—from traditional Jack-in-the-Green to the international chess congress—reflecting a community proud of its heritage and eager for new influences.
Local life in Hastings is enhanced by landmarks such as the remains of Hastings Castle, the historic fishing quarter, and the bustling seafront. The area’s blend of history and creativity, along with easy access to countryside and coastline, continues to shape day-to-day living and gives Hastings a distinct charm among South Coast towns.
Community & Local Life
Community life in Hastings is colourful and strongly rooted in local traditions. The town is especially noted for festivals such as Jack-in-the-Green, Hastings Bonfire, and the Seafood & Wine Festival, which bring together residents of all ages for shared celebration. Regular farmers’ markets take place in the Old Town, offering local produce, crafts and a meeting place for neighbours.
The seafront is a social hub, with promenades, parks, and informal gatherings during the warmer months. Community centres and local societies play an active role in supporting the town’s diversity, nurturing creative projects and providing resources for families and the elderly alike.
Outdoor activities are a key aspect of local life, with easy access to Hastings Country Park for walks and wildlife spotting, as well as coastal paths and beaches for exercise and relaxation. The blend of historic streets, creative energy, and active community engagement distinguishes Hastings as a place with a very distinct and inclusive local character.
Safety & Crime Rates in Hastings
Safety and crime rates in Hastings have seen improvements in recent years as regeneration and community initiatives have taken root. Like many towns, specific neighbourhoods can experience varying rates of low-level crime, with central urban areas generally busier and more closely monitored by the local police.
Recent community safety drives, CCTV upgrades and local police presence have all contributed to residents generally feeling secure, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and the Old Town. Local groups and the Hastings Community Safety Partnership work closely with schools and youth initiatives to promote positive behaviour and reduce antisocial incidents.
Parks and seafront areas are commonly patrolled, particularly during events and busy summer months. Ongoing regeneration continues to improve public spaces and lighting, which further boosts perceptions of safety in Hastings.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in Hastings is a mix of pay-and-display, resident permit schemes, and limited free on-street parking. The town centre can experience congestion during weekends and major events, especially near popular seafront and Old Town destinations.
The main roads, A21 and A259, connect Hastings effectively to London, the South Coast, and other East Sussex towns. Cycling infrastructure and park-and-ride facilities also help alleviate peak-time congestion. Parking for residents often requires a permit, particularly in the Old Town and central districts, while public car parks provide additional options along the seafront and major shopping areas.
- Eastbourne – approx. 30 minutes via A259 (20 miles)
- Rye – approx. 20 minutes via A259 (12 miles)
- Tunbridge Wells – approx. 45 minutes via A21 (30 miles)
- Brighton – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A259/A27 (38 miles)
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
Hastings is celebrated for its diverse food and drink scene, reflecting both its coastal heritage and creative spirit. Seafood restaurants, such as those dotted along Rock-a-Nore, offer the freshest catches, while Hastings Old Town boasts independent cafés known for artisan coffee, homemade cakes, and locally sourced specials.
Pubs in the area range from centuries-old taverns to modern gastropubs, with The Crown and The Albion being favourites for both locals and visitors. Beer lovers appreciate the presence of microbreweries and ale houses. For those seeking international cuisine, options span Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, and Caribbean influences.
Nightlife in Hastings has a relaxed vibe, focused on live music venues, acoustic bars, and the famous Hastings Pier, which occasionally hosts larger events. The town is not particularly known for large-scale nightclubs, but its theatres—such as the White Rock Theatre—offer regular entertainment, and local events create a lively evening calendar.
Is Hastings Family Friendly
School quality: Hastings provides a diverse mix of primary and secondary schools, including several rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in recent years.
Parks and green space: Family life is enhanced by access to Alexandra Park, Hastings Country Park, seafront playgrounds, and numerous recreation grounds spread across the town.
Childcare: A variety of nurseries and after-school clubs are available, and local children’s centres support early years development.
Safety: Regeneration and community policing have improved overall perceptions of safety, with most family neighbourhoods regarded as peaceful and welcoming.
Family activities: Families enjoy attractions such as the Blue Reef Aquarium, Smugglers Adventure, and seafront amusements, as well as year-round festivals with dedicated children’s programmes.
Pet Friendly Living
Hastings is a rewarding location for pet owners, with extensive coastal and countryside spaces providing ample walking and recreation opportunities. Hastings Country Park is favoured for dog walking, offering miles of trails with scenic sea views. Alexandra Park and other town green spaces are also welcoming to pets, with dedicated off-lead areas and dog waste facilities.
Local businesses, including many Old Town cafés and some pubs, are dog-friendly, allowing pets inside or providing water bowls and treats. The town centre and seafront are generally accommodating, though some beaches may have seasonal restrictions for dogs during peak summer months.
Pet care in Hastings is supported by several vets, grooming parlours, and independent pet shops. Most residential areas and rental properties expect responsible pet ownership and are open to families with well-behaved animals.
Transport & Accessibility
Transport connections in Hastings support both local journeys and longer commutes. The principal railway station, Hastings, sits on the Hastings Line linking the town directly to London Charing Cross, London Victoria, and Ashford International, making the town accessible for commuters and visitors alike.
For local travel, a network of buses connects neighbourhoods and outlying villages, while the town’s roads link efficiently to national routes like the A21 and A259. Parking options vary by location, with town centre and seafront parking complemented by park-and-ride services in high demand periods.
- London Charing Cross: Approx. 1 hour 35 min by train
- Brighton: Approx. 1 hour 20 min by car via A27/A259
- Gatwick Airport: Approx. 1 hour 15 min by car
- Ashford International (Eurostar): Approx. 45 min by train
Proximity to the coast allows for scenic travel along the South East, while local taxi and cycle hire options provide flexibility in and around the town.
Schools & Education in Hastings
Education in Hastings is served by a mix of local authority and academy schools, independent schools, and further education colleges. Families can choose from a range of primary and secondary options throughout the town and surrounding areas.
Primary Schools:
- St Paul's Church of England Academy (Ofsted “Good”, 2022) offers a nurturing environment with a strong community focus.
- Silverdale Primary Academy (Ofsted “Outstanding”, 2014) consistently praised for teaching quality and student outcomes.
- West St Leonards Primary Academy (Ofsted “Good”, 2023) is another popular choice with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Ark Castledown Primary Academy (Ofsted “Good”, 2022) benefits from modern facilities and a broad curriculum.
Secondary Schools:
- Ark Alexandra Academy (Ofsted “Requires Improvement”, 2021) is the principal secondary institution, spread across two campuses with a large student body.
- Hastings Academy (Ofsted “Good”, 2019) is known for progress in academic standards and inclusive ethos.
- St Leonards Academy (Ofsted “Good”, 2022) serves the western part of Hastings and St Leonards, offering diverse extracurricular opportunities.
Independent and Special Schools:
- Buckswood School, located a short drive from Hastings, welcomes both day and boarding students and has a strong international focus.
- Filsham Valley School (Ofsted “Good”, 2023) specialises in support for students with individual educational needs.
Colleges & Universities:
- East Sussex College Hastings is the main provider of further education, offering A levels, vocational courses, and adult learning.
- There is no university campus in Hastings but the town is within reasonable commute to University of Brighton’s Eastbourne campus and University of Sussex in Falmer, broadening options for higher education.