UK seaside town with incredible country park right on the beach

Hastings Country Park, nestled in is a stunning nature reserve that stretches along the dramatic cliff top from Hastings to Fairlight.

This three-mile expanse, encompassing the steep valleys of Ecclesbourne Glen, Fairlight Glen and Warren Glen, offers an idyllic setting for coastal walks. Situated just a 20-minute drive from the Kent border, this unique location boasts a diverse landscape of maritime acid heath, woodland, scrub and grassland.

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Recognised both nationally and internationally for its rich biodiversity and geology, it has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.

Visitors can look forward to breathtaking countryside and seaside views, as well as the opportunity to spot a variety of soaring along the cliff edge. Peregrines, black redstarts and fulmars are known to breed on the cliffs, while Dartford warblers, stonechats and yellowhammers inhabit the gorse-covered hillsides.

The country park offers a range of walking routes with varying levels of difficulty, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. As part of the High Weald Area of, the area also boasts a rich archaeological and industrial heritage dating back to the Middle Stone Age.

In addition, the park is home to several viewing points, picnic areas, facilities including toilets and parking, and historical sites.

For those keen to explore, The Friends of Hastings Country Park have listed four fantastic heritage trails on their website. These routes begin and end at the Visitor Centre, located four miles from the centre of Hastings and 10 miles from Rye, reports . Many of the routes make for the perfect family day out.

The Fairlight Head walk, a brief half-mile circuit, offers walkers a breathtaking view over the English Channel. The Firehills route, approximately a mile long, provides vistas over Rye Bay. Both are wheelchair and pram-friendly.

Alternatively, Warren Glen offers a steeper, longer walk, while Fairlight Glen is the longest at four miles. The country park features toilets, a picnic area, and a barbecue area, with pubs and cafes nearby for those wishing to incorporate lunch or dinner into their outdoor adventure across the border.

Further along the cliff edge, Hastings Beach, located closer to East Hill, consists of sand and shingle, stretching for 3.2 miles. Different sections of the beach cater to various activities, including water sports, familiy fun and dog walking.

The seaside town boasts its own train station and plenty to see and do, including visiting a castle, playing miniature , exploring an aquarium, or simply relaxing on the beach. The Old Town also has a myriad of meandering alleyways to explore.