Virtual tour image showing some of the fishing boats at Hastings, stored on the gravel beach. The keels contain built-in skids to help launch and beach them. Also in this panorama you can see some of the launch-tractors and old Net Shop buildings. Picture taken May 2011.

Hastings Fishing Boats on Beach - Hastings visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Hastings Fishing Boats on Beach' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from East Sussex.

Hastings has supported a fishing fleet for centuries. However, lack of a natural harbour has always made growth of the fleet difficult. A harbour wall partially built in the 19th century was partially destroyed during WWII to discourage any plans for a German landing at Hastings and never finished. For a long time, the fishing fleet 'moors' on the beach, backed by the cliffs of East Hill

In past times the shingle beech had to be smoothed out by hand after storms before the boats could be launched, again by hand. Today, both of these tasks are carried out by tractors. Traditionally, nets for the fleet were stored in the 'Net Shops' visible at the back of the beach. The history of the Hastings fishing fleet and industry is well described in the free Hastings Fishing Museum, also nearby on the beach, which also contains a old fishing boat.

Road: Hastings is on the A259 17 miles east of Eastbourne and 51 miles west of Dover. It is 61 miles southeast of London.
Rail: Hastings Railway Station, St Leonards Warrior Square Rail Station.