North's Seat

The bench at North's Seat sits at the top of Hastings Country Park, and on a clear day it's genuinely worth the climb. You get proper views south across the Channel, with the town sprawling below and the coastline stretching east towards Winchelsea. The walk up isn't brutal - maybe 20 minutes from the car park if you're moving at a reasonable pace - but there are steps involved, so it's not one for very small children or anyone with mobility issues.

This is more about the vantage point than the destination itself. There's a bench (hence the name), some grassland, and that's largely it. What makes it work is the perspective. If you're staying at Coghurst Hall or Beaulieu Farm, you're close enough that it makes a decent morning outing before heading into Hastings town centre. The Country Park itself is substantial, so you could easily spend a couple of hours here - combine the viewpoint with a walk through the woodland below.

Winter's actually the better time to visit if you want clearer views. Summer brings warmth and day-trippers, and the haze can make the Channel disappear. Go early in the day to avoid crowds, and expect it to get a bit blustery up there. The free admission means there's no excuse not to give it a go if you're in the area. It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid spot to pause and take in the Sussex coast without any faffing about.