Hastings: Beach, Boardwalk and History

At Hastings Beach, a narrow strip of beach runs alongside the Richard Haynes Boardwalk, near the Hastings Rock Esplanade. Early in the morning, people use the beach for walks. From the Richard Haynes Boardwalk, you can watch the sea or wade in ankle-deep water to see shoals of fish. This offers two distinct ways to experience the sea: taking in the view from the path and observing life in the shallows.

Beach, Water and Hastings Rocks

At Hastings Rocks Beach, you can walk, surf and swim; the small coves are suitable for families with young children. There is no lifeguard on duty there. Check local beach conditions before visiting.

At Hastings Rocks, the National Conservation Commission snack bar is operating again after being rebuilt. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether it is currently open. The history of the area is also part of Hastings Rocks: Edward Carpenter leased the area of what is now Hastings Rocks from the War Department and transformed it within a few months. This rapid change adds a historical dimension alongside the beach and water activities.

In the Wider Destination of Christ Church

In Oistins, the Berinda Cox Fish Market is named after Berinda “Baby Doots” Cox, who worked in the fishing industry for more than 50 years. Visitors can watch fishermen and vendors clean and debone freshly caught fish there. At Oistins Bay Gardens next to the fish market, you can try various types of fish prepared Bajan-style.

The Oistins Fish Festival also offers different insights into fishing and the festivities. In one competition, people who do not work in the fishing industry can test their skill and speed at deboning fish against professionals. The programme includes boat races, games such as dominoes, cooking competitions featuring fish as the main ingredient, a boat-pulling competition and a greasy-pole climbing competition. The programme may vary from year to year. If individual fishermen offer visitors fish scraps, they can use them to feed turtles at the jetty.

Another cultural landmark is Christ Church Parish Church. Three walls and the west tower of the immediately preceding church were preserved and incorporated into the present building. During weddings and regular Sunday services, visitors can enter the crypts to explore the site of the Chase Vault legend. If you would like to visit the crypts, check access directly in advance.

Choosing a Focus for Your Holiday Rental

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what matters most: should the beach and boardwalk in Hastings be the deciding factor, or are you especially interested in the fish market, festival programme, cuisine and church in the wider destination of Christ Church? Guide your search by the experiences that matter for your trip, while keeping in mind the different roles of Hastings and Christ Church.

Discover more destinations: Oistins, Christ Church, Charnocks, Silver Sands, Dover.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Christ Church.