Alternative Brighton

Back to solo trips and with the clocks returning to winter time, I find it's not too late for a south coast getaway. Hastings is only 60 miles from London and even less from Brighton but it has a quieter, no-nonsense air. Like Brighton, the same stony beach, pier and elegant stucco terraces but fewer bars and nightspots. Like other British seaside resorts, it has been deserted by the sun-seekers and the shopping streets have too many boarded-up businesses; off-season (even if there is an on-season) gives me an almost exclusive run of the sea front.

This early November weather is kind, with an impressive dawn from my hotel window. As the day progresses, the sunlight plays engaging tricks with the seashore. The sunset view under the pier shows the distinctive profile of Marine Court, a fine Art Deco creation shown up closer in the next image. Finally, to Warrior Square in next-door St. Leonards, where graffiti artists have tried and failed to tarnish the illusion of being in South Kensington.Read more