Hastings Castle World Heritage Destination

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Project Justification

Before the COVID pandemic, annual visitor numbers to the Castle were around 30,000. Hastings Castle simply does not feature on most visitors’ itineraries, nor do local people understand its importance. Nearby Smugglers’ Adventure attracts c100,000 visitors, Bodiam Castle and Battle Abbey both attract well over 150,000; Leeds Castle at 560,000; Stirling Castle at 380,000, Dover Castle at 350,000, and Tintagel Castle 190,000. All show what could be possible, and the scale of the current missed opportunity.

Tourism is already a very important part of the town and wider sub-regional economy accounting for c. 22% of the jobs in the town. Calculations of 250,000 visitors show the potential to boost Hastings and the south coast visitor economy: conservative projections show that with this projected boost 1,500 jobs and at least £100m per annum economic value can be generated.

• Brings a significant local asset and its story to life

• Makes full use of our history and cultural assets

• New opportunities for communities to engage, participate, learn and influence the development of the castle

• Need to address access for all

• Capitalises on historical significance to enhance the visitor offer

• Fosters a sense of ownership and connection by the community

Project Description 

This is our flagship, signature project for the whole Hastings Town Investment Plan. The project that will capture the imagination, and the project that can drive a step change in the performance of the south coast’s visitor economy.

Hastings Castle stands above the town on the site from which Duke William of Normandy launched his 1066 invasion. His legacy has left a permanent mark on our culture and art, politics, language and law all laying the foundations from which modern British society has been built. This legacy has grown around the legend of William, however, in Hastings, his story is not well told.

Hastings Castle stands as a neglected, inaccessible ruin. Executed well, a modern interpretative attraction will provide the inspiration to bring Hastings’ visitor offer together. Combined with existing facilities and the new town centre projects it will create a ‘critical mass’ of visitor attractions in the town.

❝ The Castle has historical significance but there is very little to see and it takes about ten minutes to walk around.

— Trip Advisor Review

❝ It currently offers a poor visitor experience...with investment, Hastings Castle could become a visitor attraction of national and international significance, benefitting Hastings, 1066 Country, and the wider south east.

— Stewart Drew, Chair of
Visit 1066 County marketing