One of the UK’s greatest seaside towns – not Brighton or St Ives

A set of sister towns have been named among the finest in the UK – and they’re not the typical contenders such as St Ives in Cornwall or Yorkshire legend, Whitby.

There’s an abundance of picturesque locations to discover throughout the nation, with many seaside towns featuring on many people’s wish lists as summer approaches.

Those yearning for golden sands and glistening, azure waters are spoilt for choice, as are those seeking a more dramatic, atmospheric coastline. Indeed, the soon-to-be-completed King Charles III England Coast Path will make Britain’s coastal towns feel more accessible than ever before.

According to National Trails UK, once finished, “the King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail will be the longest managed coastal path in the world”.

The route will “go all the way around the coast of England and will be around 2,700 miles long.”

In the meantime, Time Out has released its latest “guide to the greatest coastal towns in Britain right now” to help people in deciding where to head for a summer staycation – and two sister towns situated less than a two-hour drive from London have secured second place.

They are, naturally, Hastings and St Leonards in East Sussex. Time Out described them as “arty” and commended the “boatload of culture and brilliant eateries” available in both.

Just a 20-minute stroll from one another, these sister towns are renowned and cherished for their heritage, charm, art and character. In Hastings, the “brilliant” independent Hastings Contemporary art gallery, nestled in the Old Town, has earned a strong reputation for its impressive exhibitions and events.

It even offers adult art classes, including clay portraiture, alongside after-school art clubs for younger visitors, and also boasts both a café and a restaurant.

Time Out offered a tip for art fans considering a visit: “From June until September, Hastings Contemporary is showing the first ever exhibition exploring the parallels between two of the 20th century’s leading artists: Lucian Freud and Henry Moore.”

The charming town is also home to the 200 year old Judges Bakery, a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, the instantly recognisable Piece of Cheese Cottage – a quirky former self-catering property housed in a small building shaped like a chunk of cheese – remains a beloved landmark for photo opportunities, despite now being permanently closed to guests.

For vintage lovers, George Street is an absolute must-visit, lined with an abundance of shops stocking everything from retro clothing to antique furniture.

The town itself is framed by sweeping rolling hills and golden sandstone cliffs, which form part of the Hastings Cliffs Special Area of Conservation (SAC) within the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.

Standing proudly above the English Channel are the iconic ruins of Hastings Castle, while the historic funicular railway transports visitors aboard original Victorian carriages to the summit of West Hill, where breathtaking panoramic views await.

The appeal spills over into the neighbouring town of St Leonards. Time Out highlighted Kings Road, describing it as “packed full of art galleries, antiques, vintage, record and homeware stores that would send any east London-dweller into a frenzy”.

Foodies flock to Heist, a popular indoor street food market, while Warrior Square Gardens provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking a moment of calm.

Visitors will also find no shortage of independent coffee shops and fresh seafood restaurants to savour throughout their stay.