Hastings Fly Fishers Club

The Hastings Fly Fishers Club sits quietly near Battle, a proper working fishing club that's been going since the 1880s. You won't find tourist attractions here - this is the real thing, a place where serious anglers gather to discuss tactics, maintain tackle, and swap stories about the one that got away.

The club itself is modest, housed in a traditional building that reflects its long history. If you're into fly fishing or just curious about how a genuine angling community operates, it's worth a look. Non-members can sometimes visit if you ask nicely and show genuine interest, though it's not set up as a visitor attraction with gift shops and guided tours.

This works best if you're already in the area - say, based at The Original Hut Company Camping and Glamping nearby - and you fancy a detour that isn't on the usual tourist trail. The surrounding countryside around Battle is proper walking country, so you could combine a visit with exploring the local streams and countryside that made fly fishing popular in Sussex in the first place.

If you're bringing kids expecting interactive exhibits, you'll be disappointed. But if you're a keen angler or simply interested in traditional English sporting heritage, it's a genuine slice of local culture that's survived over 140 years. Ring ahead first - don't just show up expecting access.