So last year after we visited Ashford designer outlet, and the Discount bargain warehouse. We saw a sign for Hastings so drove onto there.

being later in the day most things were probably closed for the day. But did see a few museums and attractions to come back for.

primarily the hunt for Zoltar speaks machines.

we did find it, and the new style of machine it seems. We gave him our money and went home.

fast forward to now and plenty of time to explore the attractions. I booked a week off and we hatched a plan to visit and explore places nearby. On the way down we explored Tunbridge Wells area a more affluent area.

After that we were making our way to Hastings but took a wrong turn, and ended up going towards Eastbourne. We were going there anyway but not till the way home to see another Zoltar Machine.

we again arrived later in the day, so lots was closed up already but not the pier. Still managed to grab some reduced sarnies in Boots. Luckily Zoltar was easy to find in the arcade at the end of the pier. We gave him his money and made our way back to town. I suggested we grab a Tea and Apple pie in mcdonalds. I ended up waiting 20mins!! For 3 teas and 3 Pies.

We made our way onto Hastings and into the Travellodge with the rain starting.

Their was no definitive plan but just a list of things to do, sadly. Hastings castle and both the west and East Hill lifts were closed. Sadly the miniature railway too only open weekends.

Down the road from the Travel lodge is a free musuem of local history. Lots of old and modern exhibits.

their was a LOT of walking these last few days up and down hills, slopes, stairs. It was forecast rain and most of the day. Being in and out attractions this really wasnt a problem. Looked round the shops mostly in our case Charity ones. Went into mcdonalds, this time no wait, for some coffees with our cheese rolls we made and my reduced sarnies.

We headed towards the old town part, most shops being closed for the day or not open till later. I did get a fridge magnet from one of the shops. And headed towards Judges Bakery a very old Bakery, supposed to be good.

I spotted some unusual Belgian Buns with Cherry and Lemoncurd filling, and oversized Eccles Cakes. So had to try them, as it was mid afternoon only had 1 of each left. I preferred the Cherry to the Lemoncurd as I thought it tasted sour. Not bad either in price about £2 something each.

The next maybe 20 mins we walked around back and fourth looking for the entrance to the Smugglers Adventure. Normally would take the west hill lift, but was out of service. Disappointment as it looked fun to ride and was on the list. Anyway sometime later found the way up and many stairs later. It wasnt obvious where the attractions were, went down some steps and found the Smugglers adventure.

The Smugglers adventure is a self guided tour through caves with videos, interactive exhibits and dark low caverns. We more a less had the attraction to ourself, saw some come in after us. I recorded the whole thing. Video coming soon. Apparently it’s too big in memory and 1hr30 mins long. Your exit through the gift shop and saw a press penny, I always get the misaligned ones. Anyway spoke to the attendant and she tried a few times to redo it. Not much better but ended up with 4. She told me to keep them.

Well worth the admission of £13.50 learning all about local history of Smuggling. And more a less had it to ourself, saw some coming in after us. Full video up on my youtube channel soon.

Took a rest before the descent down the hill. And headed towards the seafront for the 2 other Musuems Shipwreck and fisherman’s. There’s also an Aquarium we skipped that.

really in depth interesting exhibits about local history and Fishing. These are both free too, feel free to donate though or buy a trinket in the gift shops. Sadly the miniature railway is closed weekdays as was the funfair rides and Golf

It was now around dinnertime so we headed towards the Town and settled on a quick bite in KFC. Getting a bargain bucket. I suggested we saved the extra chips for a chip roll the next day. Sounded better than it was, mainly because they were cold and a bit more less fluffy next day.

After that headed back to the Hotel, stopped by the other Bakery in town Rye Bakery. Spotted some Artificial cream Buns and Apple Donuts. Got dome to take back, as we don’t have them round here easily anymore.

The thought of a sweet treat with a mug of Tea back in the room, distracted from the walk through the Town and up the Hill. This was our only day in Hastings, feel like we got a lot done in the day.

have to come back to maybe ride the Minature railway and east/ west Hill lift hill.

The next day our journey home day, we went to the Town of Battle. The place of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. There is a paid for experience, we just looked round the village and visited the local Musuem which is free. Learning about Saxon, Norman and Roman History. Perused some local charity shops and back to the car for the chip roll.

On the way back we diverted to Brighton to see Zoltar, continuing on the quest to visit them all.

Our time in Brighton was brief, as the carpark was so steep at £9 for 2 hours and over is £19. so to avoid the £10 jump we visited the pier quickly, also have you pay £1 each to go on.

it was windy and raining and Zoltar was £2 with a card reader. Overall just expensive in Brighton. We headed back to the Town and stumbled on Eds Easy Diner. They all closed near us, frequently visiting them for shakes and meals. So surprised to see it still open. We had a Shake and a Hotdog and got back to the Carpark with 12 mins left.

This completely limited our time there looking around. We headed home from there.