Fishermans Museum

The Hastings Fishermen's Museum is one of the town's most popular tourist attractions teaching you and yours all about the rich history and traditions of the industry. It is open every day except Christmas Day, and over 140,000 people go through the doors every year to get a bit nauti!

It is housed inside a church built on the Stade in 1852, which fell out of use just after the Second World War but lives on as an atmospheric shell for the museum. In 1956 local people concerned about preserving the maritime history of Hastings took over the old Fishermen's Church and pulled inside one of the last of the luggers (sailing fishing boats), the Enterprise, which only just fits - a great story for kids as it elucidates what communities can do when they come together. All around it are many models, photos, paintings, nets, ropes and a wide variety of other fishing artefacts - more than enough to satisfy the casually curious through the full on amateur fisherperson.

The Fishermen's Museum is still used for christenings and baptisms, with a carol concert every Christmas, so it's nice spot to get heavenly youngsters familiar with the setting before the main events.