Date: June 27th
Category: Vintage Travel | Seaside History | Antique Guidebook Series
Day two of our retro railway holiday is upon us, and we’re swapping deckchairs for history books and donkeys for dubious seafood. Our time-travelling guidebook — the British Railways Holiday Guide (1957) — points us firmly toward Hastings, East Sussex.
The tone? Confident.
The copy? Slightly condescending.
The experience? Still absolutely worth the rail fare.
Let’s compare what the 1957 traveller saw with what we found in 2025.
🚉 Destination #2: Hastings, East Sussex
📍 As described in 1957:
“A town of singular character and deep historical charm. A fine choice for the intelligent holidaymaker, with ample cliff walks, antiquarian amusements, and modest bathing.”
Ah yes, nothing says “holiday” like being told you’re moderately allowed to enjoy yourself.
🏖️ Then vs. Now
Then (1957):
- Shingle beach with strong tides (not for the faint of toe)
- Attractions: Hastings Castle, the Fishermen’s Net Shops, and “pleasure launches of reliable reputation”
- Day trips to Rye by train or bus
- Accommodation in Victorian boarding houses, with boiled egg breakfast “served with propriety”
Now (2025):
- The beach remains unchanged — gloriously unbothered by time or tourism trends
- The Net Shops still stand tall, peculiar and photogenic
- The castle ruins are atmospheric as ever (though now with better signage)
- Pleasure launches have been replaced with kayak hire and dolphin-spotting excursions
- The boiled eggs are now served with smashed avo and a suspicious level of paprika
Verdict: Still a holiday for the bookish, curious, and slightly weatherproof.
🧾 Our Guidebook Experience
🍽️ The Dining Dilemma
“Fresh fish is to be found in abundance. Grilled herring is highly recommended.”
We did indeed try grilled herring.
Regret: 4/10
Authenticity: 10/10
Note: Possibly not intended to be eaten with a sea breeze strong enough to redecorate your plate.
🧭 Top Tip from the 1957 Guide
“One should not leave Hastings without descending into the Smugglers’ Caves, lest one return less informed than expected.”
The caves remain brilliantly theatrical, with mannequins, sound effects, and a certain 1980s charm. Highly recommended, especially for readers with a fondness for local legends and flickering lanterns.
🚆 Rail Travel to Hastings: Then vs Now
1957:
- Direct trains from Charing Cross
- “Seldom overcrowded and pleasantly punctual,” says the guidebook.
2025:
- Still very accessible — 1h 30m from London
- Off-peak returns and group discounts still make it ideal for a day trip
And yes — we saw three other people reading physical books on the train. Hastings is still for the readers.
📚 Want to Know More?
- Seaside England by John K. Walton
- A Small Town in England: The Story of Hastings by Kevin Boorman
- Smugglers of Sussex by Mary Waugh
- National Piers Society – Hastings Pier History
💬 Have You Holidayed in Hastings?
Did you visit as a child? Stay in a crumbling B&B? Spot a smugglers’ tunnel or fall in love with a bookstore on the seafront?
Tag @TimeTravellersGuild and use #1957SeasideSpecial — we’ll share our favourites in this Sunday’s Sun, Sand & Sentiment roundup.
