Exploring Historic Hastings, Rye & Camber Sands

In September we headed south on two occasions. In early September we headed to historic Hastings and two weeks later we visited Rye and Camber Sands, which is in the same area. So here’s a look at what we got up to.

Hastings

Hastings is well known around the world for one thing, the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

I’d been to Hastings several times growing up as we used to stay at nearby Camber Sands, but I couldn’t remember it very well, so it was great to visit again. It was also my partner’s first time visiting.

The weather was summery and beautiful so we started with a walk along the beach and explored the Old Town area first.

The Old Town is one of my favourite parts of Hastings due to the small quirky museums and old buildings, it has a lot more character than the main town centre which has chain shops.

We walked further into town and took the funicular up to West Hill. I remember taking the funicular several times with my family as you get lovely views from the top of the hill, there’s also a castle and a cafe at the top.

My late grandad loved the cake the cafe sold, but sadly it was still closed due to covid.

View from West Hill.

After taking in the views, we headed to a museum that had been on my to-do list for quite some time and that was the True Crime Museum.

I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much as a lot of the UK crime museums have terrible reviews, but I can definitely recommend a visit!

It is a bit naff and cheesy in parts but there was lots of items in the exhibition releated to different crimes, criminals and murders, there was also a mini cinema and a forensics room.

As it headed towards dinner time we spent some more time on the beach near the pier.

Before wandering George Street, a quirky street full of unique shops, book stores and lots of cool restaurants.

We ate at The Old Market and had the most amazing cauliflower steak with lots of vegetables, onions, garlic and vegan cheese. We also added on a side of chips which were great too!

And that concluded our day in the very historic area of Hastings.

Rye and Camber Sands

Two weeks after Hastings we drove to Rye.

For me Rye is one of the most beautiful towns there is and I fell head over heels in love with it on this visit. The independent shops, Tudor houses, cobbled streets and beauty around every corner makes it a stunning place to visit.

On Rye’s most famous street, Mermaid Street.

The Mermaid Inn Pub. The cellars date from 1156 whilst the rest of the pub was rebuilt in the 1400s.

After the perfect day exploring Rye, we drove to Camber Sands.

With it’s famous dunes and long stretch of sand, it’s a well loved beach.

As we arrived in the early evening, the lighting was soft and beautiful and the beach looked absolutely stunning.

Let me know if you’ve been to Hastings, Rye or Camber Sands.