To me revisiting the caves was a real disappointment - although my kids thought it was fine. The…read morecaves are dry sandstone in the top of the West hill near the castle. years ago you would be taken around with a rather crusty old guide with a lantern and there was real atmosphere to them. it used to be a little scary. Unfortunately it is now occupied by the Smugglers adventure which has basically brough t many of the seaside arcade games up from the front into the caves. There is still a sort of interactive history trail which reacts as you move round but it is a bit of a sorry affair. The caves were used during the war as shelters, and prior to that by smugglers. Since then theey used to be used for dances rright up to the eighties when there were discos in the caves - which keep an even temperature all year and keep thee noise down for locals. I love these caves (5 for the caves - much of which you can still see) but hated the attraction thing (2 for the attraction). Maybe I am just getting old. The kids did want to go again!

A great day out. This museum details everything you could possibly want to know, in an interesting…read moreand informative manner.

This was closed for a while but is now back open and has had a complete overhaul, thanks to some…read moreLottery money, and it's brilliant now ! Lots of interactive displays to keep the kids happy, very hands on so they won't get told off for touching things or even trying on the clothes ! A great way to while away a rainy afternoon and it's all free too ! Bargain !

We really enjoyed our family visit here. It suited all ages and surprisingly for a museum our…read morechildren would have stayed for much longer than we had time for. We need to go back again to see all the things we missed last time. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because it was very difficult carrying the toddler. This is just due to the age of the building that it is not possible to take the buggy round and that had to be left behind. So I would suggest leaving this until your youngest child is about 4yrs old - old enough to be interested in seeing the beautifully laid out rooms and learn a bit about the past. We visited during the autumn but apparently when the weather is fine there is a lot ot do in the gardens at the back. Exit is through the gift shop. This was wonderfully stocked so expect to be forking out for toys and novelties to take home. There are pay and display carparks down the highstreet or park in the Battle Abbey car park.

Great selection of displays, has been expanded recently so a lot to see, great little shop when u…read morecome out as well

Lovely small museum on the lives (and deaths) of fishermen in the area. Hastings was an important…read morefishing port back in the day, and this place offers a fascinating glimpse into its history, albeit often tragic. There are countless items to explore, most of them donated by local people over the years. Heart and centre of the exhibit is an original fishing boat, but there are numerous tools, memorabilia, newspaper articles and historical photos to see. Entry is free, you're welcome to take photos, please leave a small donation before your departure. When in Hastings, this place is a must. Hastings Contemporary (art gallery) and the Shipwreck Museum are close by, too.

This small Hastings Museum in what was the Fisherman's church documents what may be a passing way…read moreof life, and of course the maritime history of this seaside town. Inside is a large boat, the Lugger, and around it are photos, paintings and all sorts of fishing artifacts. We had a short time for tourist activities, so we popped in just to see a stereo viewer donated by a local artist, Peter Creswell. His exhibit is not to be missed. What you have is a modern view master, and photos of old fisherman and fishing life in 3D. The photos, seen under the view, are amazing works of art. The photo of the old fisherman was awesome. Every line, hair and detail stood out.You can sense how a tough way of life took its toll on the subject and his grit and commitment to his life in every wrinkle. You feel as if you can touch the subjects in the photo. It should be noted that Peter Creswell did the photography himself and also designed the Viewer, itself a optical marvel. Ask the friendly person at the counter to change the photos for you so you see them all. It's a chance to see life as it was, all in 3D. The Creswell viewer will only have one photo in it(or rather 2 of the same, to get the 3D effect). If you have any interest in photography and optics, this is one of the exhibits that will rock your world. The museum is free of charge. You may donate what you wish or the suggested. The museum has lovely souvenirs.

Along with the Fishermen's Museum (next door, basically), the Shipwreck Museum is the second small…read moremuseum in Hastings that deals with the town's history as a port. As the name suggests, it is concerned with shipwrecks, excavations, and other artefacts rescued from the sea near Hastings. It's not quite as tiny as the Fishermen's Museum, but also free of charge. Don't expect to spend more than half an hour (at most) in this place, but when you're in Hastings anyway you should drop by.

Battle is steeped in history such as it is so close to Hastings and the site of that famous battle…read morein 1066. Yesterday's World is a shopping arcade come cafe with a selection of displays to keep you interested. It's a perfectly good way of whiling away half an hour over a cup of tea after a hard day's history.

It's a castle, it's made of stone and it's very old. Built by the Normans or built to keep them…read moreout, can't remember which. There are some cannons outside and one of those wood plaques with a hole where you can attach someone's head and point and laugh at them. Yea, I should have taken a picture to make this easier. The castle courtyard is small like my backyard at home. I didn't pay the £4 it costs to enter, because it didn't look like it would be worth it.

Very modest local history museum. Entry fee is UKP 4 for an adult. small kids (maximum 3) get free…read moreentry. The items on display aren't very special, and it's a small place that won't occupy your time for more than 20 minutes. The tower itself is more appealing and rewarding than the inside. There's an authentic women's prison cell which is interesting, simple multimedia presentation included. The place does offer special activities for children, and for families with smaller fry it might be worth a visit. Not suitable for disabled people! If you do visit, make sure to drop by at the adjacent Ypres Castle Inn, a pub that offers a good selection of ales, solid food and a great view from the outside seating area.