The term “safari,” which comes from the Swahili for “journey,” is now used to describe ecotourism experiences beyond those in Africa. When English speakers adopted the term, it originally referred to bush hunting trips; as those waned in popularity over the 20th century, “safari” became less associated with hunting, and more associated with what professionals today refer to as photographic safaris. We now see the term “safari” apply to ecotourism experiences like tiger safari in the jungles of Ranthambore, India; puma safari in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park; polar bear safari in sub-arctic Canada. And while I haven’t yet heard any Massachusetts locals explicitly use the term yet, I would like to proclaim here and now: a shark safari in the waters off Cape Cod—which is estimated to have the highest density of white sharks in the world—should now be counted on that list.
How Hastings has become Britain’s must-visit seaside town
21.07.2023 - 08:24 / roughguides.com
The East Sussex coastal town of Hastings isn’t exactly a go-to beach break for Brits, or visitors to the UK. But with a brand new pier and the world’s largest underground BMX skatepark, it’s just put itself firmly on the British seaside map. Lottie Gross went to find out what makes Hastings one of Britain’s best beach breaks.
Think of seaside holidays in Britain and you probably picture gaudy resorts with brash amusement arcades or fish and chips on a beach lapped by the freezing cold Atlantic.
Hastings has all of those things – if you wish to lose your change in the 2p machines or gorge on fried food along its windswept pebble beach – but it has so much more, too.
This year saw the opening of two major attractions in Hastings: the Source Park, an enormous – in fact, the world’s largest – underground skate and BMX park; and a brand new pier.
Hastings pier © Lottie Gross
Hastings’ new pier – which opened in May 2016 after an £11.4 million renovation of its fire-devastated predecessor – is exactly how seaside piers should be. It’s a pier designed for people: there’s no arcade, no gimmicky attractions, and there’s no toll to walk across the 42 miles of hardwood decking that make up its 280m length. Instead, it’s a classy construction, with minimalist design and little black wooden kiosks that match the fishing huts further up the seafront.
Stretching out over the water, there’s a viewing platform in the centre, affording even better views over the beach and the pier itself. The glass-fronted restaurant that looks out along the coast is a perfect spot for a sundowner.
To quote an over-used travel saying: it’s not the destination but the journey that matters. And this is true in Hastings. There are plenty of things to do – the Shipwreck Museum, the Jerwood Gallery, the Smugglers Adventure caves – but it’s in exploring that the real pleasure lies.
One of the best ways to enjoy the long seafront is by bicycle. There are wide cycle lanes alongside the promenade, and there are normal and electric bikes for rental at the Seaside Cycle Hire shack near the Old Town. Head along the seafront all the way past St Leonards to the old lido. There’s a gorgeous little café hut with deck chairs and glorious views over the endless ocean. If you want to head further afield, you can cycle all the way Bexhill along the coast.
© Lottie Gross
If you’re not keen on two-wheeled adventures, you can get around on a cycle rickshaw. The ride along the seafront is pleasant but can be long, so if you’ve got kids in tow with tired legs, a Seashore Rickshaw tour from the pier can be great fun.
One of the more intriguing attractions are the rickety old funiculars that scale the tall cliffs that back the town. Head up the East Cliff Railway for
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