Just 4-5 miles in the other direction is Hastings, a fishing town which like Rye has half timbered houses, fishing huts and has a real cosmopolitan feel to it. Hastings has many attractions to offer the visitor, it boasts a large promenade and a newly refurbished pier, which houses some lovely shops as well as amusements for the kids, they also have entertainment in the ballroom during the summer season. There are 2 hills, the east hill and the west hill, both can be ascended via the cliff lifts or for the more adventurous person both hills can be climbed by the steps, it is well worth doing this just for the panoramic views across Hastings Old Town.

There is also The Smugglers caves on the west hill, these were caves used by smugglers from days of old and there is a very interesting tour around these caves with a guide who will explain some of the secrets hidden within them. Being a fishing town Hastings has a working fleet of trawlers and of course the fish and chips are second to none!! Hastings town centre has a large shopping centre and a matrix of good shops and bus services, one bus service I should mention is the open air bus which can be picked up at various locations on the seafront and takes you around Hastings and neighbouring St Leonards. The tickets are not cheap but you can hop on and off all day long and is a good way of seeing the sights.

Hastings also has a Sealife centre, Amusement arcades and childrens rides, boating lake, pitch and putt courses, Museum and various shops and restaurants. During August there is Old town week where there is a week long range of events including a street party, a carnival, a free beach concert featuring local artists, a bike race as well as various other activities, the atmosphere is electric and the events do raise money for local charities such as the lifeboat.

There are many country walks to be sampled and the scenery is stunning in places. There are various golf courses not far from the site and fishing too, although you will need a licence! In a nutshell Winchelsea Sands Holiday Park is located within easy reach of some great entertainment for adults and children alike, you are guaranteed to have a great week and myself and my husband are always on hand should you want information or advice on travel and days out for the family, we have made a portfolio in the caravan on places to go and see and the best places to eat out etc. and there are various leaflets in the caravan for families who wish to travel further afield to attractions.