Museum

St. Clements Caves

Cory Doctorow · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

St. Clements Caves are a fascinating network of hand-carved sandstone caves set into the West Hill of Hastings. Originally used for storage and later as a shelter during wartime, the caves now host a museum detailing their history and the popular Smugglers Adventure, a walk-through attraction that brings the area's smuggling past to life with tableaux, sound effects, and hidden tunnels. Visitors can wander through dimly lit chambers, learn about notorious local smugglers, and see artifacts recovered from the caves. The site offers a unique blend of natural history and interactive storytelling, making it a memorable experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Don't miss

Smugglers Adventure walk-through with lifelike scenes and sound effects
Historic cave chambers showing original carvings and wartime use
Museum exhibits with smuggling artifacts and local history displays

More attractions in Hastings

Historic site

Battle Abbey

Historic abbey built on the site of the Battle of Hastings, offering immersive medieval history and tranquil grounds.

Outdoor & fun

East Hill Cliff Railway

Britain's steepest funicular railway ascends the East Hill, offering access to Hastings Country Park and dramatic clifftop views.

Park & nature

Alexandra Park, Hastings

A sprawling Victorian park with formal gardens, a boating lake, and a café, perfect for a leisurely stroll or family outing.

Planning your trip to Hastings? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Hastings itinerary.