LONDON TO HASTINGS 1066

Sounds like the title of a sex pistol’s song but in fact it was a recent trip I took.

Day one.

I had the pleasure of spending a few days indulging in a classic London experience. Our day began at the Tower bridge where we took the Thames clipper to the Tate Britain museum. From the river we could fully appreciate many of London’s ancient and modern architectural wonders including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and The Shard London. Once at the Tate we visited the Van Gogh exhibition and was very happy to see The Starry Night in person, as well as his other beautiful works..After our art filled morning we had a scrumptious afternoon tea in their casual Djanogly cafe. Then journeyed home on the iconic London double decker bus.

Day two.

The next day we ventured to Selfridges for delicious salt-beef sandwiches, savory pickles and piping hot potato latkas. After lunch we took a stroll cross-town through Grosvenor and Berkeley Square’s admiring the 18th-century architecture by William Kent. Stopping at the Phillips Auction House to view the lasted exhibit which had some amazing Warhol’s and Keith Herring’s, sadly none of them were in my budget. Empty handed we continued our walk eventually finding ourselves in Fortnum and Mason where we indulged in some calorie-free sweet treats (NOT). Later it was off to see a fab West-end show (Tina the musical), finishing our evening with a nightcap in the vibrant Covent garden.

Day Three.

Once we had our fill of lovely London Tow, it was off to the English seaside. I know what you’re thinking, the beach in England? Are you nuts? Even though England lived up to its reputation of being cold and drizzly, Hastings was a delight. It’s Brighton’s charming neighbor and most famous for the battle of Hastings in 1066, and for once harboring smugglers and pirates. Nowadays, it’s a quaint fishing town with loads of charm.

Our third-day adventure began in St. Leonards on sea, where we had a quick bite to eat at the Goat Ledge Cafe, they serve classic British fair with a focus on fresh local fish. It was simply yummy, plus the location was great, right on the sea front.

Then it was off to take in the sights with a free-guided walking tour. Our guide Lynn, who was a bright and breezy local pensioner who was well-versed in the history of the area and full of lots of helpful tidbits about what to see and where to go. The guided tours are organized by the Hastings Fisherman’s museum and run from May-October. Then after a quick respite at the hotel, it was out for dinner at Whites Seafood & steak bar located on a charming cobblestone alleyway in the heart of the old town. The food was absolutely delicious, being at the British seaside I couldn’t resist the classic beer battered fish and chips. Some of the highlights were the fish pie, one pot fish stew and the fresh oysters, all of which I highly recommend.

Day four.

The next day we went back to the old town to explore the many bespoke shops from local artisans to home wares and everything in-between. Some of my favorites were A.G Hendy & CO, Made in Hastings, Flibbertigibbet, Respire living. For morning tea we stopped at Judges bakery, it’s a local favorite, and it was easy to see why. The pastries were enormous and delicious and most definitely worth the calories. Especially, the iced buns and fruit scones.

Afterwards, we strolled along the seafront exploring the tall black fishing huts where they’ve been selling the days catch since the 10th century. Dotted between them you’ll find a variety of local museums and galleries. After our fishy forage we ventured up the steepest Funicular (east hill) in the U.K. to take in the sweeping views of the seafront and Hastings old town.

Hastings was an unexpected treat, authentic, quirky, fascinating, a little frayed around the edges with warm hearted residents who are still excited to show off their town which only added to its charm. If you’re considering a seaside adventure in England, Hastings is definitely the place to go.

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Buon viaggio a tutti.