Hastings Country Park
Vast 853-acre coastal reserve with dramatic cliffs, heathland, woodlands, and stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells and wildflowers bloom
Hastings Country Park
Best Time
Bluebells and wildflowers bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast 853-acre coastal reserve with dramatic cliffs, heathland, woodlands, and stunning sea views.
"A beautiful mix of dramatic cliffs, rolling heathland, and quiet woodland with stunning sea views. "
🎯 Ride the East Hill Lift
Take the funicular for epic views and an easy ascent to the park! :mountain_railway:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep & muddy. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East Hill Lift
Old Town, Hastings
Ride the UK's steepest funicular for breathtaking coastal panoramas before exploring the park.
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Dripping Well
Within Hastings Country Park
Discover this unique, ancient site with a mystical atmosphere, a peaceful spot for reflection.
Coastal Cliff Paths
Along the park's edge
Experience dramatic sea views and rugged beauty on these scenic walking routes.
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The Glens
Wooded areas within the park
Wander through peaceful woodlands, a stark contrast to the open heathland and cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Park
+1Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride the East Hill Lift
Take the funicular for epic views and an easy ascent to the park!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep & muddy. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Download Park Map
Signage can be sparse. A map helps navigate the extensive trails and avoid getting lost. :world_map:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities inside the park. Bring your own refreshments for longer hikes. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride the East Hill Lift
Take the funicular for epic views and an easy ascent to the park!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep & muddy. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Download Park Map
Signage can be sparse. A map helps navigate the extensive trails and avoid getting lost. :world_map:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities inside the park. Bring your own refreshments for longer hikes. :water_wave:
📸 Capture Coastal Views
The dramatic cliffs and sea vistas are incredibly photogenic, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture off the beaten track to find hidden gems like the Dripping Well. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hastings Country Park's stunning coastal scenery, diverse landscapes from cliffs to woodlands, and the peaceful atmosphere. The East Hill Lift is a popular and convenient access point. Some find the trails challenging with steep ups and downs, and note limited facilities within the park.
"Hastings Country Park is a beautiful mix of dramatic cliffs, rolling heathland, and quiet woodland. Walking along the cliff paths gives stunning sea views, while the wooded glens feel peaceful and tucked away. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and really take in the scenery.
The visitor centre is a nice touch, with info about the wildlife and a spot to grab refreshments before or after a walk. Some of the steeper paths can get muddy, but with good shoes it’s well worth it. Overall, it’s a perfect spot for a walk, fresh air, and a bit of calm by the coast.
Its a parking but not a park, mix of sea, cliffs and park."
Nicholas Martin
"Wonderful to be able to walk straight out into the countryside and onto the coastal path from East Hill, Old Hastings.
Peaceful & lush with intermittent sea views. Walk up the steps or get the funicular to the summit of E. Hill enter the park then follow the signs to The Glens. The trail starts at the far end of the park and goes all the way to Fire Hills. Varied paths take you through woods and open fields and across the river. Breathtaking sea views but be warned it's seriously up and downy in a few parts with steps down into the glen and up the other side. A great workout and more rewarding the further you go, around 8-10 miles there and back. Absolutely worth the effort though. Benches and good signage along the way. If you're craving a bit of green this is the place to go without having to get in the car."
Kate
"This was a beautiful coastal hike. The trail was covered in Bluebells and Wild Garlic. An enjoyable amount of incline too. Plenty of people on the trail / popular.
I was lucky with parking but it does get very busy."
Alex Train
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is via the East Hill Lift from Hastings Old Town, which costs around £5.50 return. You can also drive and park at designated car parks, though they can fill up quickly.
Yes, you can reach the park via the East Hill Lift from Hastings town centre. Buses also serve the area, with stops near the park entrances.
Parking is available at Rock-a-Nore car park (TN34 3DW) and other points around the park's perimeter. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak times.
Absolutely! You can walk up the steps to the East Hill Lift or directly into the park from the Old Town area for a more strenuous start.
While there are some signs, it's highly recommended to download or print a Hastings Country Park map beforehand, as the park is extensive and trails can be complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hastings Country Park is a nature reserve and is generally free to enter. There is a charge for using the East Hill Lift.
As a nature reserve, Hastings Country Park is typically open from dawn till dusk. The East Hill Lift has specific operating hours.
No, you do not need to book tickets to enter Hastings Country Park itself. Tickets are only required for the East Hill Lift.
Generally, the park is open to the public for walking and enjoying nature. Always check local advisories for any temporary closures or specific rules.
The East Hill Lift typically costs around £5.50 per person for a return journey, offering a quick and scenic way to reach the park.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Popular routes include the coastal path towards Fire Hills, a circular walk incorporating The Glens, and trails leading to the Dripping Well. Many combine the East Hill Lift with park exploration. +1
Yes, many trails involve significant inclines, steps, and varied terrain, offering a good workout. The coastal path can be particularly demanding with ups and downs.
Facilities are limited within the park itself. There's a visitor centre that may offer refreshments, but it's best to bring your own water and snacks. Toilets are more readily available in Hastings town.
The park is a nature reserve known for its diverse habitats, including woodlands and heathland, supporting various bird species, insects, and flora like bluebells and wild garlic. +1
Dogs are generally welcome in Hastings Country Park, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially around wildlife and cliff edges. Always check local signage for specific regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliff tops offer dramatic coastal vistas, the East Hill Lift provides a unique perspective, and the woodlands are beautiful, especially during bluebell season.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for coastal shots. Spring and autumn also provide stunning colours for landscape photography.
Look for dramatic cliff formations, sweeping sea views, the historic East Hill Lift, and the natural beauty of the woodlands and heathland.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drone usage is often restricted in nature reserves and national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The open spaces provide room to run, and the varied scenery keeps young explorers engaged. Consider shorter walking routes that focus on accessible paths or areas with interesting natural features like the Dripping Well. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+2 Capture the sweeping panoramas from the cliff tops, the architectural charm of the lift, and the natural beauty of the glens and heathland. +1 Golden hour offers particularly stunning light for landscape shots. Be prepared for varied weather conditions and bring appropriate gear to capture the park's diverse moods. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
+1Popular walking routes include the trek to Fire Hills, which offers expansive views, and the journey to the Dripping Well, a unique natural feature with a serene atmosphere.
The park is also a fantastic spot for hikes in Hastings Country Park that combine woodland, heathland, and coastal scenery, making for a diverse and rewarding outdoor adventure. Remember that walks in Hastings Country Park can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is crucial.
The park is a designated nature reserve, so stick to marked paths to protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife. The East Hill Lift Experience
+1 The journey itself provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline, the historic Old Town, and the Stade. +2For just a few pounds return, the lift saves you a significant climb and deposits you directly at the entrance to Hastings Country Park.
This makes it incredibly convenient for accessing the park's trails without expending all your energy on the initial ascent. +1 Many visitors find it a fun and cinematic way to start their exploration, especially if they're looking for a unique travel experience. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Hastings who wants to easily access the dramatic coastal scenery and walking routes the park offers. Wildlife and Nature
+1 Visitors often report spotting various bird species, butterflies, and other insects, especially during warmer months. During spring, the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells and the air is filled with the scent of wild garlic, creating a magical atmosphere for walkers.
The Dripping Well is a particularly interesting natural feature, adding to the park's unique geological and ecological appeal. While not a zoo, the wildlife in Hastings Country Park is a significant draw for nature enthusiasts.
+1 The park's commitment to conservation ensures that these natural elements are preserved for future enjoyment. 
Social
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