There’s a wide range of quaint and quirky beachside towns not too far from London but a “brilliant” pair of sister towns have been ranked among the very best the UK has to offer
A pair of sister towns have been ranked among the very best in the UK – and it’s not the usual suspects like Kent favourite Whitstable or Yorkshire legend, Whitby.
There’s no shortage of scenic spots to enjoy across the nation, with a wide range of seaside towns high on many people’s radars as summer comes back around.
Those craving golden sands and sparkling, blue waters are spoilt for choice, as are those who seek a more dramatic, moody coastline. In fact, the soon-to-be completed King Charles III England Coast Path will make Britain’s beach towns feel more accessible than ever.
According to National Trails UK, once it’s complete, “the King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail will be the longest managed coastal path in the world”.
The route will “go all the way around the coast of England and will be around 2,700 miles long.”
Until then, Time Out has issued its latest “guide to the greatest coastal towns in Britain right now” to help people decide where to go for a summer staycation – and two sister towns less than a two hour drive from London have come in second place.
It is, of course, Hastings and St Leonards in East Sussex. Time Out branded them “arty” and praised the “boatload of culture and brilliant eateries” on offer in both.
Just a 20 minute walk from one another, these sister towns are famous and beloved for their history, charm, art and character.
In Hastings, there’s a “brilliant” independent art gallery in the Old Town, Hastings Contemporary, which is popular for its exhibitions and events. There are even adult art classes like clay portraiture, as well as after school art clubs for children. Hastings Contemporary also boasts a cafe and a restaurant.
Time Out added a tip for any art lovers considering visiting: “From June until September, Hastings Contemporary is showing the first ever exhibition exploring the parallels between two of the 20th century’s leading artists: Lucian Freud and Henry Moore.”
The quaint town is also home to a 200-year old bakery, Judges Bakery, which is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, as well as the quirky and instantly-recognisable Piece of Cheese Cottage, former self-catered accommodation which is housed in a small building that’s shaped like a chunk of cheese. Though it’s now permanently closed, the distinctive building is a top choice for photos.
George Street is also an ideal spot for vintage lovers, with a litany of shops selling anything and everything from retro clothes to antique furniture.
The town is flanked by vast rolling hills and buff-coloured sandstone cliffs, which are part of the Hastings Cliffs Special Area of Conservation (SAC) within the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.
There are the historic ruins of the famed Hastings Castle, which overlooks the English Channel, and the historic funicular railway which takes visitors on original Victorian carriages up to the very top of West Hill, where expansive views can be enjoyed.
In neighbouring St Leonards, the charm continues. Time Out drew attention to Kings Road, describing it as “packed full of art galleries, antiques, vintage, record and homeware stores that would send any east London-dweller into a frenzy”.
Indoor street food market Heist is popular among food fanatics, while Warrior Square Gardens offers a peaceful oasis to stop off and rest at. There’s also no shortage of coffee shops and fresh seafood spots to enjoy during your visit.
