Charming Hastings
View from the pier onlooking towards the old town and castle ruins far beyond.
I'll explain why I was charmed by Hastings, truthfully I didn't have high hopes of being amazed by the town apart from seeing some ruins and a channel view. Maybe because my expectations were low I was won over by the town, but that doesn't matter now. I probably sound like a broken record, but I would love to come again.
Briefly looking at what there was to see at the historic town we came upon the ruins of a castle, however ironically there was no time to see them in the end, for we again visited for a single day. I take this as a reason to come back.
It was a bright and sunny day, but the wind had its own ideas, especially out on the pier, it threw havoc to the hair. At some points the wind was rather menacing when you faced it. It would make my breathing difficult as if I had opened a car window at high speed and tried to breathe. Why is it that you can't draw breath when the wind blows in your face?
The pier is relatively new as we see it today, due to a fire in 2010. The original dates back to 1872. the pier nowadays is broad and specious, perhaps not as long as some other Victorian piers that still stand today, but impressive in its own way. While walking on the pier I saw number plates appearing here and there. I didn't quite understand at first what they were for but then eventually realised that they mark spots for certain events or past locations. For example where the fire has started in 2010, unfortunately it was due to arson, that most the pier was lost. However thanks to the campaign to restore the pier it was reconstructed to continue its vital role in the local community.
Another mark lead to some footsteps on the pier. It taught you a little dance with your partner. This was to show of how many dances were held out during and after the Second World War.
Follow my lead
The modern pier pavillion
The wind was a little too much in the end so we moved on with our exploring onto the mainland.
Anyone who is interested in the history of Britain, apart from those who went to school here, will know that Hastings is the location where William of Normandy has landed on his way to conquer England in 1066. To mark this historic event a beautiful sculpture commemorates the occasion, right on the beach.
"the landing" Leigh Dyer and the british artist blacksmith association. 2016
We headed towards the old town as our intention was to reach the old castle ruins. We never reached them as you know. We got so engrossed in exploring the old town and wondering about down below that we lost track of time. We're just going to have to come back again. Don't I always say, if there is a place you like leave a reason to come back. I guess this is it.
There is a lot to do and see whether you're alone or with family. Part of the shoreline is dedicated to an amusement park. Colourful rides that thrill you with speed or daring heights, further along there is a quirky crazy golf, or mini golf as I am more used to calling it. It actually looks like a lot of fun, and if I remember correctly it also said that it was voted best in Europe, could that be a thing? Gosh I haven't played mini golf in ages, perhaps next time an opportunity comes along I should give it a go.
Whenever you're by the sea, fresh fish would be in abundance. Local fishes are flat fish, on our day of the visit the catch of the day was plaice. There were so many! And the prices too! Five plaices for five pounds! Where else are you going to find such a bargain? Now that we know, on our next visit we're come better prepared, with a portable cooler box. Since all fish stores close at 4pm but you still want to explore the town, you're going to have to plan it out. Stock the cooler then go back to exploring the town.
A little display outside the new fishmongers buildings
As we walked into the fishmonger market area we didn't quite realise that we had. We saw tall narrow black buildings without any windows, odd structures standing aside from the rest. Thankfully there was an explanation on one of the building where it mentioned that each one belongs to a fishmonger, that they are newly built and that on certain days when here has been a catch you may come in in the morning and purchase the freshest fish you can possibly have directly from the one who caught it.
By this point we were getting rather hungry, so looking through Google's suggestions on what was near-by and open (for it turned out that many restaurants opened their doors after 6pm) we settled on a lovely place called Undercliffe House. A delightful little restaurant where naturally all ingredients were fresh. I had battered plaice, of course. Presented beautifully on an elongated modern black plate, which made the fish stand out with its fluffy coating of batter. Inside the fish was so wonderfully flaky it melted like butter in your mouth. Really no sauce was necessary although tartar was provided on the side. By the time we had finished our meal the fishmongers had already closed their shops, so we were unable to purchase some fish to take home with us. The Old Town it is then.
I honestly didn't expect to see what I encountered. Old houses built incredibly close to each other. Neither large but growing several floors up. Randomly placed as if the owners built them where they saw space and made their house fit the narrow location. A bit haphazard, but this is its charm. Walking the streets was such a delight, you never knew what might be hiding behind the next corner. All the excitement of new discovery. In some places feeling like a giant where the door to a house was at your forehead level, and I'm 5ft 1 so I was rather pleasantly surprised, had a good giggle too.
just one of few doors that i encountered amongst the houses
Winding down now as the end of our walk ended up being along the main street, which was only different by being partially wider, was full of busy shops. Antiques, artisan bakery and souvenirs just to name a few. Of course we bought some goodies to take home from the bakery. Yet again time was nearing for us to leave, but not before taking a few snaps for memory as to where we can stay should we return. Will it be an Inn or a rented house for the summer. Only time will tell.
Until next time my fellow travellers. Don't forget that there is much to see right in the country where you live. Why don't you share your snaps of where you've ventured this summer. What is the furthest you're ever been? I would love to hear from you.
