Hastings
Because of the snow that hit us this week, my original weekend plans to go to Edinburgh had to be binned. Saturday morning, after triple checking trains to Scotland still weren’t running, and after having a bit of a pity party, I consulted a map, and within half an hour of deciding on my location, I was on a train on my way.
There’s something so unsettling but exciting about getting off the train in a place where you have no idea where you are, where you don’t even know whether to turn left or right at the station exit. This was me, a mere 2 hours after leaving London.
I made my way to the beach which in my opinion is always a good place to start. It was such a grey day, but the snow had finally melted, and the whole world was out and about enjoying the milder weather! As I walked East, I came to Hastings Old Town, and along the beach, Hastings’ fishing heritage really became apparent – so many boats moored up on the beach, and loads of cute little huts selling shellfish, or if you’re not a huge fish fan like myself, that meant plenty of opportunities for a good old fashioned portion of chips. (As a side note, the place I chose to go to had ‘help yourself’ salt and vinegar – consequent note to self, go easy on the salt next time.)
Sitting proudly above the Old Town and the directly above the beach is East Hill, which has its very own Funicular Railway, or if you’re feeling fit there are steps which run up the side. From the top you get a great view of Hastings Old Town and of the sea, plus its a really nice open space to get blown around by the sea air (which in my opinion is what you go to the beach for! The wilder the hair, the better the day, I say!).
From here a nice mooch around the old town was due, with so many cute alleyways and hidden passages this town really is one to lose yourself in! Along High Street you’ll find a load of old vintage shops and then moving down George Street, you’ll find more artisan individual shops which are a real pleasure to look around. Would recommend a pause in The Fig, on 43 George Street.
Another spot I then wandered to was The Cake Room on Robertson Street, with its warm inviting light shining through its steamed up windows. I stopped in here for the most delightful hot chocolate, surrounded by plants, and an adorable daschund who was unobtrusively pottering around people’s feet. As I sipped my hot chocolate, regulars came and went always being greeted by their first name, which was so nice and made me feel so at home – I could have stayed snug in here for a good while!
As I left my little haven, I headed for the pier, naively hoping for a romantic sunset… instead, I got caught in a torrential downpour, and got absolutely soaked! I quickly retreated to the station (via Hi-Fest, which is a super cool shop on 4 Trinity Street, full of cute cards and fully stocked up on work from local artist, Nina Cosford, who I LOVE), and made my soggy way back to London.
I’ll see you here next week after another adventure! Until then, have a great week!
Every Weekend Away 