Hastings & 1066 Country - Away From the Everyday
There's a spiritual, cultural and geographic symmetry between the timeless narrow twittens of Hastings Old Town and the cobbled maritime mysteries of its close neighbour Rye. Both are steeped in centuries of story and myth, both have inspired some of the world's finest cultural figures, from JMW Turner to Henry James and both boast some of the UK's finest restaurants, independent shops and events programmes.
A Class Apart
A short-break stay in Hastings & 1066 Country rewards the soul and refreshes the senses without robbing the pocket. Few towns can boast accommodation as luxurious as Rye's The George which has been recently renovated to become a four star boutique in the very heart of the town. Equally there can be few guest houses on the South Coast as enchanting as Hastings Old Town's Swan House or as unique as its Piece of Cheese. A self-catering cottage, The Piece of Cheese defies convention and definition, much like the eccentric follies that litter the surrounding countryside.
A Cut Above
Hastings Old Town's Seafood and Wine Festival brings together the area's best local producers. It promotes only the highest quality Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish and the wine on display rivals anything the South of France can offer for flavour, character and aroma. A Taste of Rye serves a similar purpose in Hastings' neighbouring town with locally sourced foods (including the unrivalled Rye Bay Scallops) prepared in creative ways and married to some of the region's most scintillating wines. For a different type of culinary treat, the Sussex Breakfast is guarantee of quality, served at several of the area's accommodation provides the ingredients are sourced directly from local producers and farm shops. There is also Judge's Bakery in Hastings Old Town which has been providing organically produced bread since 1826. If ever you needed an assurance of quality, the fact that the bakery is now owned by the founders of Green & Blacks Chocolate must be a good hint!
The Rye Arts Festival is a fortnight of rich and varied delights. It includes everything from readings, film screenings and musical performances to walks through Winchelsea's Medieval Cellars and tours of the little-known Romney Marsh Churches. Meanwhile, Hastings Old Town Festival and Carnival offers up a frenzy of bizarre events and idiosyncratic celebrations with everything from a farcical but fun seaboot race to a thrilling fishing boat race.
A Step Beyond
The countryside beyond the two towns offers hundreds of miles of historic rural splendour. Whether you are looking for a casual country wander or more serious lose-yourselves-ramble it isn't hard to locate a route.
Stepping outside of the two towns also reveals a wealth of hidden delights. Etchingham's King John's Lodge is a listed Jacobean wonder where the Black Prince is said to have held King John II of France hostage. Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion is a bold architectural statement of pure modernity and now one of the South Coast's most vital cultural centres. Then there are the wildly expressive gardens of Northiam's Great Dixter. A living testament to their creator Christopher Lloyd, acclaimed gardening writer and celebrated local personality.
Fact Box
For more information visit the website