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When asked about my favourite UK seaside town visits, there is one that keeps returning to my mind, perhaps not for perfect weather or polished beaches, but for the way it made me feel. I arrived in the East Sussex town of Hastings on a rainy Friday evening with my friends, ready to discover the historic place after a long week. We found a very cosy Airbnb, a mossy-roofed townhouse tucked away in a quiet alleyway, which was an excellent start to the trip. The interior was beautifully put together, with warm tones, soft lighting and thoughtful details that made it an authentic seaside holiday cottage.

We started our day by heading straight to the bohemian Old Town, known for its blend of old-school seaside vibe and Tudor architecture. Tucked between two cliffs, this maze of historic twittens winding between independent shops offers so much charm, especially for those visiting for the first time, which was our case. After a quick bite at the popular Judges Bakery, we drifted from one independent shop to the next, browsing the rails at Dandy Vintage, admiring the handmade jewellery at Roccabella and window shopping at the eclectic AG Hendy kitchenware shop set within a Tudor house. According to estimates, Hastings has no less than 500 independent shops. We also stopped by the Boulevard Bookshop & Thai Café, which is a unique Thai restaurant inside a bookshop.

But what we looked forward to the most was the sea. Visiting in autumn, the shoreline was rough. The massive waves crashed hard against the pier and its rocks, creating a dramatic but meditative atmosphere. We also passed by the Fishermen's Museum, a small independent venue dedicated to the fishing industry and maritime history.

Along the beach, we saw many fishermen scattered across the shoreline, standing still against the movement of the sea, quietly focused on their lines. We joined them for a while and looked out towards the horizon toward France. It lies just across the sea, reminding us of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror crossed the English Channel from Normandy with his army to invade England and defeat King Harold II. This year marks the 960th anniversary of the infamous battle, making it an even more exciting time to visit.

We then headed up towards the grassy hills that rise above the town. Within minutes, we saw stunning rooftop views and a wide stretch of coastline. One of Hastings' strengths is how quickly it moves from sea to open landscape, offering dozens of unique trails.

We followed the East Hill path for a while before looping back down into town for lunch at a lovely Middle Eastern restaurant. Now sadly closed, it is one of many businesses in the area affected by rising rates. Even so, Hastings' food scene remains impressively diverse, offering a wide range of international flavours alongside classic fish and chip shops. On George Street, you can find independent restaurants, pubs, and cafés sitting side by side.

We left on Saturday evening, admiring a sunset casting pink light across the sea and the pier. It felt like a fitting end.

Hastings isn't perfect. It's often grey and shaped by wild elements. But that's exactly where its charm lies. Between the independent shops, the dramatic nature, the cosy interiors and the slower pace, it offers something magical and increasingly rare. I only spent one night there, but it was enough to know I'd go back. With the town's strong community and a wide choice of cultural events, I'd happily even move there for some time.