Hastings Old Town Hall Museum

The Old Town Hall sits right in the heart of Hastings' medieval quarter, a proper Victorian building that's been converted into a small local museum. It's free to wander round, which is brilliant - you get a decent overview of the town's history without the guilt of an expensive ticket you'll never recoup.

Inside you'll find the usual suspects: bits about the 1066 connection, fishing industry memorabilia, old photographs showing what the seafront looked like before the pebbles became the main attraction. The rooms are compact, so don't expect to spend more than 45 minutes here. It's one of those places that works better as a top-up to a day exploring the Old Town's antique shops and fish-and-chip restaurants than as a destination in itself.

History types will find enough to keep them interested - there's decent information about the town's role as a Cinque Port and its evolution from fishing village to Victorian seaside resort. Families with young children might find it a bit quiet and text-heavy after the first 20 minutes. The building itself is worth a look though, even if you don't go in.

Since you're already in the Old Town, you're well-positioned to head out to Seven Acre Woods for a proper walk through the countryside - just 6 miles away and genuinely peaceful after the seafront bustle. Pair the museum with a coastal afternoon and you've got a decent few hours sorted.