Top 10 Best Hostels in Hastings

Budget Travel in Hastings

Hastings is a great destination for budget travellers. Many of its best experiences cost little or nothing. You can walk the Old Town's twisting lanes, watch the fishing fleet on the Stade, hike the clifftop trails of Hastings Country Park, browse the free galleries and stroll along the seafront promenade to St Leonards. Cheap, comfortable places to stay can be harder to find, as traditional dorm-style hostels are scarce in the town itself.

Budget travellers still have plenty of good options, including backpacker stays, pubs with rooms, youth hostels along the Sussex coast, budget hotel chains and holiday parks with affordable cabins. Here are the ten best hostel-style and budget accommodation choices for anyone visiting Hastings.

How We Chose These Options

We assessed each option on price, cleanliness, location, atmosphere, facilities for independent travellers, and reviews from backpackers, solo travellers and young visitors.

1. Hastings Backpackers

Independent backpacker accommodation in Hastings and St Leonards offers shared and private rooms in large period houses close to the seafront. These stays usually have shared kitchens and social spaces where travellers swap tips and plan days out, which gives them a genuine hostel feel.

2. The Jenny Lind Inn

The Jenny Lind is a much-loved Old Town pub on the High Street and is known for live music, real ales and a friendly atmosphere. Its rooms upstairs give budget travellers an authentic local experience in the heart of the action, though light sleepers should expect some lively evenings.

3. YHA South Downs

YHA South Downs is set in a converted farmhouse in the South Downs National Park and is an excellent base for walkers and cyclists exploring the wider Sussex countryside. Its modern facilities, cafe and shared kitchens offer the classic youth hostel experience at affordable prices.

4. YHA Brighton

YHA Brighton occupies a historic building in the centre of the city and is easily reached by the Coastway train from Hastings. For travellers combining both towns, it offers clean dorms, private rooms and a lively social atmosphere at a budget-friendly price.

5. Kipps Brighton

Kipps Brighton is an independent hostel known for its friendly vibe, social events and central location near the Lanes. It is a popular choice with international backpackers exploring the south coast who want easy access to Hastings by rail.

6. Premier Inn Hastings

Not a hostel, but Premier Inn often offers some of the best value in town, especially when booked early. Comfortable beds, private bathrooms and consistent standards make it a smart choice for budget-conscious couples or friends sharing a room.

7. Travelodge Hastings

Travelodge's frequent saver rates make it one of the cheapest private-room options in Hastings. Its simple, clean rooms suit travellers who want privacy and reliability without paying boutique prices.

8. Shearbarn Holiday Park

Shearbarn Holiday Park sits on the hillside above Hastings with views over the town and sea. Its touring and camping pitches, along with static caravans, offer an affordable stay for outdoorsy travellers, groups and families who enjoy a more relaxed holiday park atmosphere.

9. Combe Haven Holiday Park

Combe Haven Holiday Park is located near the coast at St Leonards and offers caravan accommodation with on-site facilities including pools and entertainment. Off-peak breaks can be very good value, especially for groups sharing a caravan.

10. Private Rooms on Airbnb

Renting a private room in a local home is one of the most affordable ways to stay in Hastings. Many hosts offer rooms in characterful houses in the Old Town and St Leonards, often with local tips and breakfast included. Reading reviews carefully helps you find friendly, reliable hosts.

Budget Travel Trends

Budget travel along the south coast is changing. Traditional hostels have become fewer in smaller towns, while modern, design-led hostels thrive in cities like Brighton. Many young travellers now combine stays across several coastal towns, using the Coastway rail line to move between Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye. Camping and glamping have grown in popularity, and private rooms in local homes have become a mainstream budget option. Solo travellers increasingly look for places with social spaces, shared kitchens and organised activities.

Tips for Budget Travellers

Travel outside peak summer weekends and festival dates for the lowest prices. Use railcards to save on train fares, and consider staying in Brighton and visiting Hastings on a day trip if local options are full. Take advantage of free attractions, such as the Old Town, Hastings Country Park, the Stade and the town's galleries. Buy fish and chips fresh from the seafront rather than eating in tourist restaurants. Book budget hotel saver rates early, as the cheapest rooms sell quickly.

Final Thoughts

Hastings may not have a large network of traditional hostels, but budget travellers can still enjoy an affordable and memorable stay. Characterful pub rooms such as the Jenny Lind, youth hostels along the coast, holiday parks like Shearbarn and Combe Haven, and private rooms in local homes all offer good value. With a little planning, you can enjoy the history, creativity and coastal beauty of Hastings without stretching your budget.