Chasing Sunsets in Hastings: East Hill and Beach Adventures

Hastings, with its rich history and stunning coastal views, offers endless opportunities for photographers. This November, after weeks of gloom, I finally got the chance to explore and photograph some of the town’s most iconic locations during golden hour and sunset. The results were as rewarding as they were instructive, with each shoot offering its own challenges and lessons. Here’s a detailed account of my recent trips to East Hill and Hastings Beach.

A Golden Hour on East Hill

Perched high above Hastings Old Town, East Hill offers one of the most breath-taking views in East Sussex. This location, part of Hastings Country Park, looks out over the charming rooftops of the Old Town, the pier stretching into the sea, and the distant outline of Beachy Head. It’s the perfect spot to watch—and photograph—the day’s last light as it paints the landscape in gold.

After parking at Barley Lane, I took the short hike through Hastings Country Park to the East Hill viewpoint. The journey itself is peaceful, surrounded by rolling greenery and stunning coastal vistas. Upon reaching the summit, I was delighted to find I had the place entirely to myself—a rare treat for such a popular spot. The quiet moment gave me plenty of time to set up my tripod and experiment with compositions.

Framing the Scene

With my trusty 24-105mm lens mounted, I worked to capture the sweeping view that makes East Hill so special. The challenge was to balance several key elements: the rooftops of the Old Town, the pier reaching into the sea, the silhouette of Hastings Castle perched on the West Hill to the right, and the distant Beachy Head cliffs. I also aimed to include the shimmering reflection of the setting sun on the water, which added a touch of magic to the scene.

Despite my best efforts, the bottom left corner of the frame felt a little empty—an unavoidable compromise when trying to fit so much into a single shot. In hindsight, a tighter composition from a different perspective might have been more effective. Perhaps shooting from West Hill, with its unobstructed view of the pier and sunset, would have yielded a more balanced result. That said, the golden light and serene atmosphere made the effort worthwhile.

About East Hill

East Hill isn’t just a haven for photographers. It’s also home to the East Hill Lift, the UK’s steepest funicular railway. While I didn’t use the lift on this trip, it’s a fascinating piece of Victorian engineering that connects the Old Town to the country park above. If you’re visiting Hastings, a ride on the lift is a must—not only for the convenience but also for the incredible views it offers along the way.

Hastings Beach Sunset: A Change of Plans

For my second outing, I planned to shoot from West Hill, hoping to frame the pier and the glowing sunset behind the cliffs of Beachy Head. However, my plans hit a snag: access to the best viewpoints around Hastings Castle is restricted in November, with the grounds closed for the season.

Shifting to Plan B

Undeterred, I made my way to Hastings Beach, where low tide was revealing a fascinating array of rocks along the shore. These natural features became the perfect foreground for my composition, adding depth and texture to the scene. With my 70-200mm lens in hand and a 6-stop ND filter attached, I set up at the water’s edge to capture the soft motion of the waves as they washed over the rocks.

The star of the show was Hastings Pier, silhouetted against the fiery orange sky. Once a grand Victorian structure, the pier has endured its fair share of challenges, including devastating fires and years of neglect. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal, beautifully blending modern design with its historic roots. Framing the pier against the vivid colours of the sunset felt like a fitting tribute to its enduring charm.

Technical Reflections

This session was a valuable learning experience. While the ND filter helped me achieve the soft, dreamy motion blur I wanted in the water, it wasn’t the highest quality and introduced a slight green cast to the images. This was easily corrected in post-processing, but the incident was a reminder of the importance of investing in quality filters.

Additionally, I shot most of the session at f/22 to extend the shutter speed. While this approach worked, it likely introduced some diffraction, resulting in images that were slightly softer than I’d have liked. In the future, I’ll aim for f/16 to strike a better balance between sharpness and long exposure.

An Unexpected Moonrise

As I wrapped up my sunset shoot on Hastings Beach, I turned to see a near-full November Beaver Moon rising gracefully above East Hill. Its pale glow against the deepening twilight was irresistible, and I couldn’t resist capturing a few handheld shots at 200mm.

Looking back, I wish I had repositioned myself to eliminate the distractions of buildings and beach shingle in the foreground. A lower angle would have better emphasized the moon and East Hill’s rugged silhouette. This small oversight has inspired me to return with my 100-400mm lens for a more intentional composition next time.

A Tip for Moon Photography

When photographing the moon, careful planning goes a long way. Apps like PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris can help you track moonrise times and positions, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time. A longer focal length is ideal for emphasizing the moon in your frame, while a sturdy tripod ensures sharpness during the low-light conditions of twilight.

Reflections on Hastings’ Coastal Beauty

Hastings never ceases to inspire. From the sweeping views of East Hill to the textured beauty of its beaches, each visit offers a new perspective and a fresh set of challenges. While there’s always room for improvement in technique and composition, the joy of experimenting and learning is what keeps me coming back.

If you’re a photographer looking for a location that combines history, charm, and stunning coastal scenery, Hastings deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re shooting golden hour from East Hill or catching the pier silhouetted against the sunset, you’re sure to leave with images—and memories—that capture the essence of this unique town.

Your Turn

Have you photographed Hastings? Do you have a favourite spot along the coast or a unique perspective on the town? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!