From the West Hill and that fine site, Tor Field, can be had memorable views of the Old Town in its entirety, and also of the "new" Hastings to the Westward. On this hill stands Hastings Castle, built soon after the Battle of Hastings by William the Conqueror to protect his "lines of communication." It is a fine relic, the beauty of which has been enhanced by the planting of flowers within its walls. The St. Clement's Caves extend deeply into the bowels of the West Hill. There are three acres of subterranean passages, which constitute a remarkable geological formation.
Hollington Church-in-the-Wood, easily reached by tram, is one of the smallest churches in the Kingdom. It stands in wild pretty country, which forms a perfect setting for its quaint design and ivy-covered ancient walls.
On North's Seat, the highest point in Hastings, it is exceedingly pleasant to sit on a summer's day and "watch the coloured counties."
The town is rich in fine public gardens. The Alexandra Park, one part of which has been cultivated by man and the remainder by nature virtually unassisted, is a public possession, the like of which, for size and varied beauty, very few towns can claim. Its beautiful lakes are well stocked with water-fowl. The Gensing Gardens and the St. Leonards Gardens are two little gems of scenery, the former noted for its magnificent flower display and the latter for its tiered woodlands. The Grosvenor Gardens at the western end of select Marina are a pleasant retreat.
Places of Interest in the Neighbourhood.
To the eastward of Hastings charming walks may be had either by road and lane or by cliff paths. The East Hill, which can be mounted either on foot or by lift, boasts magnificent open spaces and affords views of land and sea which several generations of artists have immortalised. The further side of the Hill leads down to Ecclesbourne Glen, which is separated by a mile from Fairlight Glen. These glens are deeply wooded dells, through which clear spring streams pursue their rocky ways to the sea. The scenery there is distinguished by the wild and rugged beauty of the vegetation. A gentle climb on the east side of Fairlight brings one to the Lovers' Seat, which apart from the interest attaching to its romantic story, rewards the visitor for his climb with superb views.
Fairlight Church, a noted landmark, and Fairlight Down, are to be found beyond the Glens. From the Down may be enjoyed an uninterrupted vista of coastland stretching from South Foreland to Beachy Head, whilst on a clear day the coast of France is visible from this 600-feet-high plateau.
Further rambling eastward brings one to Winchelsea and Rye, those two old-world dream towns in which the very breath of past ages seems to linger.
