Hastings International Piano

VISIT HASTINGS AND 1066 COUNTRY

Images: Hastings East Hill view, Hastings Beach, Rye Mermaid Street.

Set between hills that reach to the sea, Hastings is an oyster that comes with its own grit, where the smooth bustle of modern life rubs along with the rough edges of tradition. Look up and you’ll see the ruins of the castle watching over the town, as they have in one guise or another for nearly 1,000 years. The three-mile seafront stretches from the fishing fleet at the eastern end through the hustle and bustle of the arcades and funfair rides, to the pier and unique double-decker promenade Bottle Alley, arriving finally at peaceful Grosvenor Gardens.

The town of Rye is a 20 minute drive or train journey from Hastings and is reputed to be the best preserved medieval town in the UK. The cobbled streets of Rye citadel is a photographer or artist’s dream and the Rye town model and story of Rye is a great introduction to your visit to the town.

Images: Charles Palmer Vineyards

Winchelsea is a precious gem of a town, built on a hill just five minutes journey outside Rye, and has the third largest network of medieval wine cellars in England, as well as the beautiful St Thomas the Martyr church and monastery ruins. In the other direction a five minute drive or bus journey takes you to the 7 mile stretch of dunes at Camber Sands, East Sussex’s biggest sandy beach and a dream for kite surfers, kite buggiers or sand castle builders.

Images: Bodiam Castle, De La Warr Pavilion, Herstmoneceux Observatory Centre

Bexhill is just a short cycle ride or bracing seafront stroll from Hastings as far as elegant Bexhill, the birthplace of British motor racing. Bexhill Museum offers something for everyone from local history and archaeology to fashion and Bexhill’s motor heritage. Also don’t miss a visit to the De La Warr Pavilion that sits just above the promenade on the seafront in Bexhill.

Visit the nearby town of Battle and see the site of the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey.

Sussex and Kent are the major players in English wine, with small producers focusing on quality wines. Head to the countryside to tour the vineyards, tasting creamy sparklers and flinty whites born of the very land you’re standing on.

In 1066 Country, you’re never far from a Vineyard. We’re home to Sedlescombe Organic, England’s oldest organic vineyard. Here, you’ll also find Tillingham Wines, a winery, restaurant and hotel run on organic and biodynamic principles, based in a former hop barn.

Near Appledore you’ll find the Gusbourne Estate, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for their world-famous wines. With a variety of tours from free self-guided walks to masterclasses, and gift vouchers available, it’s a perfect day out however wine-savvy you are.

In Winchelsea there’s Charles Palmer, a family-run vineyard producing a small and exciting collection of vintage wines.