Hastings｜Noon to Dusk on the Cliffs

A perfect London day trip—just £15 round trip and easily explored in half a day. Booked my ticket to "Hastings" from Clapham Junction (2-hour ride). Came for the cliff railway, but it was closed (opens in April—will be back!). Still, magic found me: 📍 Hastings Beach Arrived at noon, walked 10 mins from the station. Followed the coast toward the cliff railway—waves glittering under sharp sunlight. 📍 West Hill The highlight! Though the railway closes at 5 PM, hike up for noon views: hills so lush green, it looked like saturation maxed out in real life. Best panoramas of sea and town! 📍 Blue Dolphin Fish Bar Cod & chips lunch—honest review? Like a bun-less Filet-O-Fish 🍔... decent but not life-changing. Huge portion though: £7 left me stuffed! 📍 East Hill Planned to ride the railway here for sunset, but... closure woes. Views were underwhelming vs. West Hill—blocked by bare branches. Pro tip: Ride the railway, then return to West Hill for golden hour! (Pack snacks—it’s a wait.) Verdict: Totally worth it! Back in London, I kept dreaming of those hills, cottages, and endless sea 😭🌊 (Also: seagulls everywhere—white birds bombing dark cars is their sport 🚗💩). #LondonLife #DayTripsFromLondon #Hastings #UKTravel #StudyAbroadUK #CoastalEscape #CliffViews