7 Treasures of Hastings Old Town.
Posted on: 08/12/2022By Tim Carter (Owner of Black Cat Treasure Hunts)
Having written a successful Hastings treasure hunt for a birthday during the Summer, it was nice to get an enquiry for another one in the same town recently. Hastings features on the list of downloadable treasure hunts, but these bookings got me thinking as to what I like most about Hastings Old Town in terms of things to see on a treasure hunt route.
Having written a successful Hastings treasure hunt for a birthday during the Summer, it was nice to get an enquiry for another one in the same town recently. Hastings features on the list of downloadable treasure hunts, but these bookings got me thinking as to what I like most about Hastings Old Town in terms of things to see on a treasure hunt route.
Hastings has a strong smuggling past, which is always fun, and there are references to a smugglers trail around the town. Caves are a feature too and that fact concentrated my mind on looking out for treasures `hidden in plain sight`. Black Cat`s seven treasures of Hastings are all seen or accessible in this lower part of the town which, as there are a lot of interesting features high up on the cliffs too, shows this is by no means a place to under-estimate.
1. Net shops: These tall, thin structures are slightly foreboding all in black. However, these intriguing looking sheds are used as extra storage for fishermen`s equipment. Nowadays their equipment can mainly be left outside due to the use of modern materials. It is pleasing though that they are still in place along Rock a Nore Rd for a treasure hunt question for visitors to the town.
2. East Hill Cliff Funicular Railway: This is the steepest funicular railway in the whole of the UK. Worth a visit just for that. The West Hill Cliff Railway is further on and provides access to Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves. Already, with these two features, Hastings is assuming a different and unique personality compared to nearby seaside towns.
3. Hastings Contemporary: This art gallery is only 10 years old and was re-named in 2019 from the previous Jerwood Gallery. Whereas the fishing industry has always been an essential and well-known part of Hastings life, it is great to see a modern and complementary facility being run just a bit further on from all the net shops. Personalised treasure hunts benefit from art displays in the road facing windows.
4. The Silver Winkle: So far, the treasures have revolved around different industries and attractions in the town. This one sparkles in the middle of the road on Winkle Island! It gives details about the charitable work of the Winkle club for less fortunate families in the town. You may be asked to winkle up! Any self-respecting treasure hunt compiler jumps at the chance for question setting when they see something like this.
5. The Piece of Cheese Cottage: This is inland a bit now from Winkle Island. It is a holiday rental, and I would suggest a wonderful place for two people to stay whilst in Hastings. Obviously, the cottage is coloured yellow and has a plaque about Michael Mouse spending his holidays there. Clearly when you are on a Hastings treasure hunt you cannot afford to miss this one out.
6. The Heinkel propeller: Hastings has some interesting streets and people seem to like making unusual and fun displays in their windows. Just as you are about to cross over and locate a flea market you can see the propellers from an old Heinkel. Hastings suffered eighty-five attacks from the Luftwaffe during WWII, but these propellers may have come from a Heinkel shot down by a Hurricane just off the coast.
7. Chess Pieces: George St is a fascinating little street which even features a tea museum, but it is the appearance of silver-plated chess pieces being held by sea creatures that catches the eye. Look out for the Octopus with the castle! Hastings has long been famous for international chess congresses and that is the reason you will see these. A Hastings treasure hunt must come along George St.
I could mention the adventure golf or the True Crime Museum (although I am digressing from Old Town). However, I could arrange a circular treasure hunt that locates the Shipwreck or Fishermen's museums back near the railway. Both of those are definitely worth some of your time. By now though I think you should have realised that Hastings must be visited alongside the other coastal treasure hunts nearby in Rye and Bexhill.
For a personalised birthday treasure hunt in Hastings or anywhere else across Sussex then just contact me (Tim) on info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk or call (01323) 655346.
Check Hastings treasure hunt for the downloadable version if you are visiting the town.
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