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Hastings is a mix of old and new, combining a medieval Old Town and fishing port and cosmopolitan town centre. One of the original Cinque Ports, Hastings still retains a strong maritime tradition with the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe operting from the shingle beach the Stade (old Saxon word for "landing place"). Nearby are the tall black Net Huts, which have been lovingly preserved (fishermen used to store their nets in the huts). Hastings Maritime HistoryThe fishermen's Museum is housed in the charming old fishermen's church. At its heart is the "Enterprise", the last sailing lugger to be built at Hastings over a century ago.
The Shipwreck Heritage Centre contains many artefacts recovered from local waters and wrecks including Hastings most famous shipwreck, the Amsterdam- this 18th century vessel sank into the sands after beaching during a bad storm, and can be seen today only at lowest tides.
Hastings Lifeboat Station is based at the Stade and is home to an allweather lifeboat, inshore lifeboat, launching tractors and a visitor centre complete with a viewing balcony.
Underwater World has vibrant and exciting displays, including an underwater tunnel and tidal rock pools, revealing all aspects of creatures in the marine environment, from seahorses to sharks. |
