Hastings Fishermen's Museum

About

Hastings Fishermen’s Museum is a small independent museum dedicated to recording and displaying the history of the Hastings fishing industry.

The museum is inside the former Fishermen’s Church of St. Nicholas, nestled next to the inconic Hastings net huts. This mission chapel was built in 1854 to provide ministry to the local fishing community. Regular and well-attended services were held until the outbreak of war in 1939. The building was requisitioned by the army and used for storage during and after the war.

In 1956 the church became a museum thanks to the Old Hastings Preservation Society.  The building was listed Grade ll by English Heritage for its architectural and historical importance in 2001.. At the centre of the museum is the last surviving sail only Hastings lugger RX278 ‘Enterprise’, which visitors are welcome to board. There is also a large display of photographs, paintings, models and other fascinating objects.

 An extensive external display outside the museum includes a large anchor, several fishing boats, an open net shop and a boat cut in half; demonstrating both the punishment for smuggling and how a boat could be used when no longer fishing.

The museum is open all year round, from April to October 11am-5pm and November to March 11am-4pm, last entry 15 minutes before closing. There is a well-stocked shop and Informative staff to welcome you.

Free entrance but donations are welcome.