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Incredible historic photos delve into the past of one of the UK's most famous seaside towns - from beached German submarines to Marilyn Monroe lookalike competitions

Unknown beaches, culture & history, entertainment, history, society, tourist attractions

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 Find out what Hastings used to look like in its heyday in the 1900s  - from donkey rides to beach athletics
 
 
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 READ MORE: Spectacular winners from the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards revealed
 
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 Although it's now one of the UK's most iconic seaside towns, Hastings was once just a small fishing village.


 
 It became globally famous due to its association with the 1066 Battle of Hastings, even though the famous showdown between William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson was actually fought about seven miles down the road in Senlac Hill.
 


 
 Despite that geographical inaccuracy, the town drew tourists in the early 1900s who travelled to Hastings in droves to enjoy holidays by the sea and admire its Norman Castle.
 


 
 Like many British seaside towns, Hastings sadly suffered a fall in popularity in the 1980s and 90s when cheap package holidays abroad began to attract Brits overseas.
 


 
 Nevertheless Hastings remains a popular daytrip destination for Londoners.
 


 
 It's also home to one of Europe's last 'beach-launched fishing fleets' - a top tourist draw.
 


 
 MailOnline Travel is now taking a walk down memory lane with this collection of fascinating, historic photos, depicting the seaside town's glory days.
 


 
 Scroll down for a stroll back into Hastings' heyday - from donkey rides to a Marilyn Monroe lookalike competition...
 

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Incredible historic photos delve into the past of one of the UK's most famous seaside towns - from beached German submarines to Marilyn Monroe lookalike competitions

Unknown beaches, culture & history, entertainment, history, society, tourist attractions

Find out what Hastings used to look like in its heyday in the 1900s - from donkey rides to beach athletics READ MORE: Spectacular winners from the 2025 Sony World Photo…

Discover the Charms of the Amalfi Coast Alternative: Less Crowds, More Beauty

Unknown beaches, food and drink, italy, tourist attractions, travel in italy

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 While the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, nearby Cilento boasts an abundance of eggplants, artichokes, and zucchini. The region also produces white figs—soft and delectably sweet. As I recall, these were precisely what a generous local farmer shared with my kids when we paused at a mountaintop town, awaiting mourners from a funeral procession below.


 Though
 the Cilento region
 While perhaps not globally renowned, the health advantages associated with following a Mediterranean diet are indeed well-established. In the 1960s, the notion that elements like olive oil, close-knit family structures, and—let me cautiously add—red wine could contribute positively to one’s wellbeing was examined in an area named Cilento. Here, an American researcher named Ancel Keys resided in a village aptly named Pioppi—in which stands today as a modest museum—and conducted studies focusing on local culinary practices and customs. The inhabitants of this place were particularly recognized for their longevity and relatively relaxed lifestyles.


 It's not solely because of good food that one might choose to leave Amalfi’s coast behind and travel south through Cilento—especially since the journey has been simplified with the new operation of Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport. At first glance, this stretch of shoreline does not resemble the dramatic cliffs characteristic of the Amalfi Coast.
 Amalfi
 .


 Starting from Salerno, you encounter vast expanses grazed by buffaloes, interrupted solely by time-worn pillars emerging from the ruins of Greek temples in Paestum. The true comparison begins only when reaching Palinuro, where the verdant promontories drop sharply into the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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 Last summer, EasyJet became the first UK-based carrier to utilize Salerno’s newly opened international airport. The company plans to resume flights from London Gatwick starting in May. When you arrive, consider renting a vehicle in central Salerno since there aren’t numerous choices available at the airport just yet. As soon as you leave the urban area behind, the roads leading away from town bear little resemblance to the congested thoroughfares found along the Amalfi Coast.


 In Cilento, UNESCO recognizes significant Greek and Roman ruins, starting with the archaeological area of Paestum as your initial destination. You'll have the opportunity to delve into these historical sites alongside only a few visitors. These include Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BCE, allowing for tranquil exploration amidst their intricately carved interior and exterior pillars.


 Paestum is an ideal location for exploring Cilento’s culinary heritage and sampling famous buffalo mozzarella. A notable family upholding this region’s organic practices is the Pagano clan, owners of the Savoy Beach Hotel. Their two Michelin-starred establishment, Tre Olivi restaurant within the wellness hotel, serves innovative cuisine influenced by local ingredients, including delicacies like roasted suckling pig paired with figs and indigenous Vatolla onions.


 The Paganos likewise own a winery in Paestum.
 San Salvatore 1988
 , which yields the area’s finest bottles. At La Dispensa di San Salvatore, the Pagano family’s farm shop and eatery, we crafted pasta, shaping small bits of dough into ear-like orecchiette using our thumbs. Nearby is
 Tenuta Vannulo
 , an organic buffalo farm where guests can observe the creation of pristine mozzarella balls.

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 If you're seeking breathtaking, 70-meter-tall cliffs for a romantic setting, venture farther south to Palinuro. This area boasts dramatic promontories hiding enchanting hidden coves and caves. When at Spiaggia di Marinella, we questioned our idea of renting a pedal boat until observing several octogenarians joyfully navigating them. Despite the presence of amenities like umbrella rentals and dining options here, these do not overshadow the pristine beauty around—think rugged offshore islands against the skyline and untouched stretches of gleaming, silvery sands flanking both sides.


 One tranquil morning, when the number of yachts was relatively low, we navigated our pedal boat around to the nearby cove called Buon Dormire. The sun had lightened pieces of driftwood scattered along an otherwise unreachable shoreline. Meanwhile, vibrant fish grazed on flower-shaped corals beneath the clear, crystal waters.


 Across from Marinella beach stood a cliff face composed of limestone tinged with peach. We swam for just a moment to reach the pebble-strewn shore at their base, then cautiously ventured into the open sea caves. Above us, a group of chattering swifts darted and dived through the air.


 To explore Cilento for sightseeing, consider driving up to the pastel-colored hilltop villages perched above the coastline or overlooking verdant valleys within the Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.

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 Pisciotti is an exceptionally crumbling instance, featuring vertical cliffs on every side. Make sure to stop by the family-operated Osteria del Borgo for anchovies harvested using the traditional Pisciotta technique, also referred to as
 menaica
 Arranged on toast, topped with butter and grilled zucchini.


 From Castellabate, which overlooks Paestum, cascades down from a 12th-century fortress featuring a plaque inscribed with a statement made by Napoleon's brother-in-law: "Here you do not die." Together with neighboring Agropoli, you can leisurely wander through the winding streets and take a pause at vine-covered bars where you can savor a glass of red wine, secure in the belief that it benefits your health.


 Visitors with extra time could venture inland for about an hour to visit the UNESCO-protected Cartuja Monastery in Padula. However, we decided to stay closer to the coast and explored Santa Maria di Castellabate, one of the area’s loveliest coastal towns. During happy hour, we observed many older residents taking leisurely walks and chatting among the series of beachside eateries, ice cream shops, and curved sandy shores. Freshly caught seafood was enjoyed as the sun dipped below the horizon at El Gatto, where fishing nets adorned the walls and meals were savored under arched stonework terraces.


 Towering behind high walls, close by, lies the 17th-century Palazzo Belmonte, which was formerly an administrative hub for local farmers. A massive fig tree spreads over its stony courtyard.

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 In these times, it has transformed into a rustic-chic hotel featuring luxurious suites, a swimming pool, and direct access to the beach, managed by an Englishwoman who many years ago wed an Italian prince. The princess continues to stroll around the premises, greeting familiar faces as she tends to the vibrant pink bougainvillea. This serves as another instance in Cilento where a lifetime was spent remarkably well.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 Essentials
</h2>

 EasyJet
 Flights from London Gatwick to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport start at £57 for a round trip, and British Airways plans to launch this route in May.
 The Savoy Beach Hotel located in Paestum
 (0039 0828 720100) offers rooms for £126 per night, inclusive of breakfast; whereas
 Palazzo Belmonte
 The accommodation in Santa Maria di Castellabate (0039 0974 960211) offers double rooms for £136 per night, with prices based on bed and breakfast only.


 
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Discover the Charms of the Amalfi Coast Alternative: Less Crowds, More Beauty

Unknown beaches, food and drink, italy, tourist attractions, travel in italy

While the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, nearby Cilento boasts an abundance of eggplants, artichokes, and zucchini. The region also produces white figs—soft and delectably sweet. As I recall…

Why This Georgia Island Has Been Crowned the South's Best Beach Town for 2025 After My 20-Year Visit

Unknown beach recommendations, beaches, community, health, travel destinations

Where you'll find moss-covered oaks, windy shores, and a close-knit community ready for you.

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 Along Georgia’s 110-mile stretch of coastline, you can discover marshy coves, Spanish-moss-covered oak avenues, tight-knit seaside towns, and windy barrier islands. Indeed, Georgia boasts a stunning coastal area that is particularly enchanting for those of us with childhood memories tied to such locales. Among these, St. Simons Island—recently topping our newly unveiled list—is notable.
 2025: Top Beach Towns in the South
 listed alongside three additional nearby enterprises featured in our guide
 South’s Best Beach Bars
 and
 South’s Best Seafood Dives
 Perhaps categories resonate with me the most at a heartfelt level.

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 This is the type of seaside town nestled within an 18-square-mile barrier island that offers a soothing breeze filled with sea-salt for much of the year and comes alive during certain times. Having visited this place twice across twenty years, I can attest to what makes "SSI" deserving of its high ranking as voted by readers.


 Related:
 This Unexpected Georgia Coastal Hub Won Top Honors in Our Recent Reader Survey

<h2>
 What Gives Saint Simons Island Its Unique Charm?
</h2>
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 What I love most about this relaxed island is how it has embraced every phase of my life, and I believe many southerners share similar feelings. The island isn’t exclusive to adults, children, college students, or families; instead, it adapts over time to suit each traveler’s desires. My recollections are brimming with those perfectly met expectations.


 Related:
 11 Top Georgian Beaches for an Unforgettable Escape

<h3>
 Inhaling Its Centuries-Long Past
</h3>

 With its "modern" history extending over 300 years, St. Simons Island invites exploration. I've hurriedly climbed the 129 spiral stairs to reach the top.
 St. Simons Lighthouse
 , dating back to 1827 and still standing as one of just five surviving lighthouses in the state. I have strolled through the grounds covered with moss.
 Christ Church Frederica
 , dating back over two centuries and still standing as one of the oldest religious structures within the state. Its exterior, with its whitewashed wooden slats, combined with its intimate interior, exudes charm. Additionally, the adjacent cemetery holds historical significance and can be intriguing, though somewhat eerie, for visitors.

<h3>
 Enjoying Bingo at Sea Island Resort
</h3>

 During those laid-back days spent exploring the shallow, sandy shores, my friends and I would frequently play bingo as well.
 Sea Island Resort
 With my brothers, sisters, and grandparents—at least once each evening, my grandmother would manage to win despite insisting it wasn’t fixed. Although technically not located on St. Simons Island (as it occupies its own small piece of land), the Sea Island Resort has an almost nostalgic charm that I yearn for even now. Additionally, it’s near enough to town to provide a peaceful retreat yet close enough to easily head into town when desired.
 Fiddlers
 for peel-and-eat shrimp platters as the sun sets.

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<h3>
 Participating in the Georgia-Florida Game Weekend
</h3>

 During my time at the University of Georgia, St. Simons Island transformed in significance for me from being just another spot for childhood beach vacations to becoming synonymous with the excitement of the annual Georgia-Florida football game weekend. This period saw throngs of students converging on St. Simons Island not only for leisure but also because it offered easy access to the big match happening in nearby Jacksonville. Upon arrival, we'd squeeze into our buddies' places—luckily staying there came without charge—and immediately make our way over.
 Brogen's
 For an extended afternoon filled with hamburgers and watching football, following nights of staying up late, we'd feast on pulled pork.
 Southern Soul Barbecue
 , enjoying the pleasant autumn temperatures.

<h3>
 Appreciating the Local Community
</h3>

 Once I reached an age where I could resume my visits to SSI as a young adult, weekends became less about the typical chaos of college students and more focused on enjoying meaningful moments with friends. We would spend our time exploring the locally-run stores at Redfern Village and Pier Village, popping into various boutique shops.
 Gnat’s Landing
 For the notorious $8,000 Margarita (named after the sumRobert "Boz" Bostock invested in developing its recipe),


 We would taste flavored oil at
 Golden Isles Olive Oil
 and feast on seafood at
 The Crab Trap
 , because even when we're grown-ups, there's still an appeal to a casual seafood place rather than a sophisticated dinner. This is one of the things St. Simons Island excels at.


 Our Handbook for Exploring St. Simons Island


 Related:
 Top Picks from the South for 2025


 Read the initial article on
 Southern Living

Why This Georgia Island Has Been Crowned the South's Best Beach Town for 2025 After My 20-Year Visit

Unknown beach recommendations, beaches, community, health, travel destinations

Where you'll find moss-covered oaks, windy shores, and a close-knit community ready for you. Along Georgia’s 110-mile stretch of coastline, you can discover marshy coves, Spanish-moss-covered oak a…