Hastings is introduced to almost every school kid during their History class across the UK. It marked the start of the Norman conquest of England for over 200 years. The city is a balance of English history and typical Anglo seaside town culture. Whether you decide on stabbing whelks with your cocktail stick or trying your hand at the 2p slots you can guarantee some penny plain fun for an affordable day out. Locals make small talk in the doorways of shops and jostling for space seems to be more of a daily ritual than the cutting 'excuse me's' one might encounter in fast paced cities. Basic rooms start at £80 facing the beach and offers guests with the delights of creeky floor boards and shoulder narrow stairways.