About the Monthly Micro-Adventure Series
Each month, we set off on a small but satisfying escape from Tonbridge—a micro-adventure that fits into a weekend and doesn’t cost the earth. These adventures are designed to be low-fuss, low-cost, and high-reward: think wild-ish walks, one-night camps, and journeys powered by legs and local trains. You don’t need a car, special gear, or loads of time off—just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore what’s right on our doorstep.
For August, we swapped rolling fields for the salty tang of sea air, and headed to the coast—destination: Hastings.
A micro-adventure for August – Clifftop walks and hidden coves in Hastings
If you’re craving a sea breeze and a bit of coastal drama, Hastings is just the ticket. And it’s only just over an hour away by train from Tonbridge. This month’s micro-adventure took us on a seven-mile circular walk through Hastings Country Park—a patch of near-wilderness on the edge of town—complete with crumbling cliffs, wooded gullies, and even a secret beach at Fairlight Cove.
We paired our walk with a pint, a portion of chips on the shingle, and a dip into the town’s old-school charm. It’s proof that you don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve had a proper summer escape.
Getting There from Tonbridge
We took the train from Tonbridge to Hastings via Tunbridge Wells, which runs pretty frequently all week and takes around 1hr 15 mins. Our off-peak day return cost £15 per person (with a railcard). We booked in advance for the best prices, but you don’t need to.
Once you arrive, the start of the circular walk is about 15 minutes away on foot, through the charming Old Town.
The Route: Hastings Country Park to Fairlight Cove (7-mile circular)
After grabbing a few coffees and a brownie to go, we began the walk by climbing out of the Old Town via East Hill—a steep-ish start, but worth it for the views alone. From the top, you’re met with a cinematic sweep of sea, sky and rooftops below.
This is where Hastings Country Park begins: a 345-hectare patch of ancient woodland, heath, and towering sandstone cliffs. There are loads of different trails in the country park, it’s best to pick one so you know which route to follow.
We chose a seven hour circular route. The route hugs the cliffs heading east, with occasional detours inland through shady wooded gullies.
About halfway through, just before Fairlight, a steep path leads down to Fairlight Glen—a pebbly cove surrounded by cliffs and woodland. It’s a “clothing optional beach”, we lingered just long enough to eat our snacks and enjoy the view (keeping our eyes fixed on the sea!)
From here, we looped back inland via Ecclesbourne Glen—a deep wooded valley—and returned through more open pastureland.
Post-Walk Rewards: Pints, Chips and Seaside Amusements
First stop: the First In Last Out (FILO), one of Hastings’ best-loved pubs. A proper local, this place brews its own beer and has a snug, time-warp feel. We ordered two half pints (£6 for the round), sank into a booth, and rested our legs.
From there, we strolled down to the seafront for the most important post-walk ritual: chips. A large portion from one of the beachfront stalls (£4.50) shared between two, eaten with fingers on the shingle while gulls wheeled overhead and the sea lapped in.
We rounded things off with a nose around some of the antique stores and curiosity stores on the old town. Before a brief stop in the arcades (2 pence slot machines of course) on route back to the station.
A Classic Seaside Day Out (With a Wild Twist)
Hastings is a town of contrasts: wild clifftop walks one minute, flashing arcade lights the next. It has the feel of somewhere that’s both slightly forgotten and fiercely alive. You can dip into the chaos of the amusements and fish and chip shops—or wander a few minutes and find yourself utterly alone, staring out over the sea from a high, grassy ridge.
It’s also refreshingly low-cost for a full day out.
What We Spent
Here’s what two of us spent on the day, not including food we brought from home:
- Train from Tonbridge to Hastings (off-peak day return) – £15 per person
- Coffee and brownie to share – £7
- Two half-pints in FILO pub – £6
- Large chips on the beach – £4.50
- Slot machines – £1 (wild I know!
Total: £38.50 for two people
Not bad for a whole day of cliffs, coves, and coastal sunshine. *We have an annual railcard and booked our tickets in advance.
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