The West Hill along with its 'twin' The East Hill affords some of the best views of Hastings, both east and west. On a clear day you can see Beachy Head to the west. To the east in addition to the spectacular overview of the Old Town you can look far out to sea beyond the East Hill.
It is also where Hastings Castle (or what is left of it) is located and where the popular Smugglers' Adventure (St Clements Caves) are accessed from.
Wide green open spaces provide popular places for picnics, ball games, kite flying and more. In wintry weather it's one of the first places sledges are taken.The sandstone cliffs provide a popular place for children and adults to climb on, although warnings are posted that the cliffs are understandably dangerous.
There is a free playground for children available with swings and other attractions. This is usually busy.
The hill is accessible by road but please note parking is relatively limited compared to the popularity of the viewpoint. The parking that is available is mainly pay and display and much of the road side is residents parking only (permit holders). Should you decide to gamble on parking in the wrong place or not paying you will more than likely pick up a parking ticket as the area receives very regular patrols by wardens.
Although it may cost a couple of pounds per person by far the easiest way to get to the West Hill from seafront level is to use the West Hill Funicular railway. Unlike the East Hill railway this railway is more enclosed. The short journey is a relatively view-less affair especially as much of the line is tunnelled under the hill. You, of course, buy a return ticket to save your legs on the way down too.
Incidentally for those who are strong enough there is a footpath which leads to the West Hill from George Street. this footpath can be found to the left of the Funicular Railway's entrance in George Street. Please note though this involves many flights of very steep steps. You also need to walk through a dark alleyway which can often smell of stale urine. Once at the top of the steps you still have a very steep incline to climb before you reach the top of the hill. In my youth I used to climb these stairs every day without a thought. But these days I would leave this to the very fit and for safety reasons I don't think women or girls should walk this path alone. At night time it really is one of the creepiest pathways to walk in Hastings and it's certainly best avoided at this time of day.If you do decide to climb the hill on foot there are a couple of other routes you can take. These are are a bit easier on the legs! However they are still quiet pathways, best enjoyed with a friend. One such route can be found by climbing the steps to the right of Ye Olde Pump House in George Street. Another route can be found to the left of St Clements Church in the High Street (still in the Old Town)
Obviously the West Hill is one of those attractions best visited in warm, dry weather.
There is a cafeteria on the hill which could afford some shelter if you are willing to spend a few pounds or you could pay to go into the Smugglers' Adventure to avoid any rain. But realistically you'll really only enjoy the open space on a fine day.
Lavatories are available on the West Hill but I must say that whilst these are, according to a notice, cleaned twice a day you can normally smell them way before you enter them. So you may wish to "go before you go"!
On a really hot day the best trade is usually done by the ice cream van which can usually be found parked outside the West Hill lift upper entrance which is to the right hand side of the cafeteria.
As regards to the two paid attractions on the hill, the castle remains and Smugglers' Adventure I'd say the latter is more interesting, especially for children. The history behind St Clements Caves and their link with international smuggling I find more brain stimulating than the few remaining ruins of Hastings castle. I know our dear old castle and its 1066 history should get slightly more respect but in terms of interesting castles I don't hold have Hastings at the top of my list. However it has to, of course, remain as a paid attraction to ensure the preservation of the remaining ruins and its dungeons
It is worth paying for admission to the castle to get a few snapshots of the ruins, the dungeons and the surrounding views that you otherwise would not have got.
The West Hill is a place that is very enjoyable on a sunny day with just enough wind to keep the kites in the air.
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