I visited the UK’s ‘best’ seaside town full of independent shops | Travel News | Travel

With its independent shops, thriving food scene and long stretch of coastline, it is easy to see why this seaside town was named the best in England by Time Out, and second best in Britain. Less than two hours from London by train, the pretty East Sussex town is an easy day trip for anyone living in the capital, yet it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

Step out of the station and you are immediately greeted by the colourful main street, which is lined with antique shops, galleries and independent businesses, and a healthy dose of delicious restaurants. If you’re in the mood for shopping, you can hunt for quirky furniture, artwork and curiosities in St Leonards-on-Sea, rather than the usual seaside souvenirs.

There are still the colourful trinket shops you might expect by the sea, but they offer things you would want in your home, more focused on prints, ceramics and homeware than mass-produced gifts.

The food scene is a major part of the appeal. You can taste anything from jerk chicken at Jerk and Bean to wood-fired pizzas in the relaxed, lively bar, Dora’s, which has plenty of outdoor seating.

From there, it is a short walk down to the seafront, where a row of beach shacks sits overlooking the water, serving coffee, pints, and fresh seafood.

We went to the highly acclaimed Goat Ledge, which has seats and deckchairs right on the shingle beach. I ordered the Crispy Classic Bap, filled with breadcrumbed plaice, aioli and pickles, which more than lived up to expectations.

Their pale ale from Canterbury brewery Floc is one of the best pints I’ve had, and I’m aware that’s a strong claim. It’s citrussy, light and fresh to the last sip.

One of the advantages of St Leonards is how easily it connects with neighbouring Hastings by a 20-minute walk along the seafront, plus, a hole in the wall serves wine along the way if you get thirsty.

They two towns feel noticeably different along the seafront. St Leonards’ relaxed beach cafes and bars feel geared more towards adults, while Hastings leans more traditional, with arcades, rides and family attractions.

However, the high streets are markedly similar. Go back one street from the seafront in Hastings and you will find the quaint George Street, which is a treasure. We nearly missed it entirely.

It is also lined with independent shops and restaurants whose seats spill onto the street. Among the sights is Ye Olde Pumphouse, a beatiful timber-framed pub that is worth a visit.

Despite spending three and a half hours on the train for a round trip, I’d go back to St Leonards without hesitation. If you want to escape city life for a day and feel switched off, it is the perfect town.