If you’re heading to the coast for the weekend, exploring some of the best local shops in Hastings is a must. Even though the town is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches and vintage pier, Hastings also boasts a lively commercial centre.
Whether you prefer shopping for designer clothes or finding handmade artisan goods in quaint, tucked-away stores, you’ll find something to adore in Hastings. Read on to find out more about the town and our top tips for shopping in Hastings.
Hastings Town Centre shops
Head straight to Hastings Town Centre if you’re looking to go shopping for clothes or a special souvenir. You can enjoy all the necessary amenities right next to Hastings station, from premium jewellers to clothing giants and health stores.
Closer to the seafront you’ll find the America Ground, a quarter with an intriguing history. Now bordered by Carlisle Parade, this little piece of Hastings once existed as almost an entirely self-sufficient district in the nineteenth century. Today, you’ll find an array of quirky shops and cafés there – including The Hastings Bookshop.
If you’re a music fan, be sure to head to Wow and Flutter, an independent store buying and selling records, comics, art, and books. This gem also serves fresh coffee, tea, and cold drinks, and you can head there to buy tickets for upcoming local gigs.
Hastings Old Town shops
Just a short stroll along the seafront from the town centre, Hastings Old Town offers an eclectic mix of clothing shops, craft stores and food retailers. Amongst the charming, cobbled streets you’ll find sweet shops, a tattooist, a barber shop, and a cigar merchant – all just steps apart.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice in Only Coco Chocolates. This independent artisan chocolatier offers a delectable selection of handmade chocolates, from luxurious caramel truffles to decadent brownies. You’ll soon find that the Old Town also leads to some of the best shops on Hastings High Street.
Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings
With over 50 shops and a wide variety of catering outlets, Priory Meadow Shopping Centre is the perfect spot in Hastings to spend an afternoon – or longer – getting your fix of clothes shopping. Priory Meadow also offers ShopMobility from Tuesday to Saturday, making this retail hotspot accessible for everyone.
From H&M to HMV, there’s something for everyone in this purpose-built facility. Plus, with most of Priory Meadow being indoors, it’s a great place to go if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Shopping in Hastings with children
We know that shopping in a new place can feel daunting when you’ve got a young family in tow. However, Hastings is a proven family-friendly destination, with a variety of indoor and outdoor options to keep everyone entertained.
If you find that you and your family need a break, take a stroll along the seafront or find the base station of Hasting’s West Hill Lift, offering a spectacular view from the top and highly rated as a crowd-pleasing activity.
Getting to the best Hastings shops
All of the fantastic Hastings shops mentioned in this guide are easy to reach on foot. Why not leave the car at home and enjoy your time away without the traffic?
It’s never been easier to find and buy train tickets to Hastings online, so book your journey today – and fill those shopping bags!