Life in London offers endless attractions, from world-class museums to historic sites. But sometimes, a day trip beyond the capital is refreshing. One travel influencer recommends Hastings, a tranquil seaside town in East Sussex, reachable in under two hours by train.
Why Hastings?
London travel writer Emma Cooke shared a video highlighting Hastings' cliff railway, colorful beach huts, hilltop views, and cherry blossoms. She wrote: 'POV: You got on a £15 train out of London and less than two hours later found a crowd-free seaside town full of cherry blossom. There's an old town packed with bookshops and bakeries, £1.70 clifftop tea, seafront brunch with no queues, perfect beach sunsets, and almost every sight is free or under £5.'
Historic Charm
Tourism website 1066 Country describes Hastings' Old Town with winding streets and 'twittens'—narrow alleys lined with Tudor houses and cottages. The fishing quarter features towering net huts and ramshackle beach huts. Heading west, St Leonards offers art galleries, antique shops, and cafes in a 19th-century architectural setting.
Funicular Railways
Hastings has two funicular railways. The East Hill Lift takes visitors from the fishing beach to Hastings Country Park, offering views from Beachy Head to Dungeness and even France on clear days. The West Hill Lift ascends from George Street through a rock tunnel to Smugglers Adventures, a cavern network with tales of smugglers and gangs.
Visitor Praise
Comments praised Hastings: 'I live here and it's amazing,' one said. Another called it 'wonderful.' A third wrote: 'Gorgeous place and lovely people. I recommend Hastings.' One user asked about the £1.70 tea, and Emma replied it's from a kiosk at the top of West Hill Lift.
Getting to Hastings from London
By Train
Trains run regularly from Charing Cross, Victoria, and St Pancras International. Travel time ranges from 90 minutes to just over two hours, with varying fares.
By Road
The fastest route is via the M25 to junction 5 (Chevening Interchange), then south on the A21 for about 40 miles. Travel time depends on your starting point.
By Bus
No direct buses from London to Hastings are available.
