Just when you thought it was safe.......

.........to go back to the south coast, I do just this to see out some final days of January. I'm back in Hastings, scene of a November visit. It's an unassuming place and strangely quiet, not just because of winter but typical of English seaside resorts that have seen better days. I find it hard to understand why the fresh sea air and glorious views on one's doorstep, haven't tempted people from Chiantishire (a.k.a. the Cotswolds). Mind you, a school of thought prefers it this way and would hate it to become hipsterised.

Following the shark which eats only beach rubbish, on my first morning there's a lovely sunrise from my hotel balcony. At the other end of the day, golden hour lights up the early Victorian terraces, some beach art with a decidedly Moorish cast, and the pier. It's closed for January but in a way, more attractive than it would be in August.Read more