I abandoned London and moved to a UK seaside town - best decision ever

Six months ago, Sarah Marshall left London for a place where properties are still relatively affordable. "Initially driven by economics, I quickly discovered the benefits of waking up to sea views and listening to gulls squealing from rooftops," Ms Marshall said. Her greatest find, however, was the spirit of entrepreneurial optimism, something she argued has been disappearing from London for some time.

Once a popular destination for Victorians migrating south from the smoggy capital in search of sea air, like many other seaside resorts, Hastings and neighbouring St Leonards-on-Sea fell into decline during the seventies and eighties. Buildings were abandoned and facades crumbled. Fast forward to today, though, artists, writers and creatives have begun to breathe life back into these decaying spaces. Set between hills that reach to the sea, Hastings, in East Sussex, lies on the south coast, 24 miles east of Lewes and just 53 miles from the capital, making it a perfect choice for a day trip at any time of year.

St Leonards has led the way, with bars and restaurants trailing along the Kings Road, which runs from the mainline station, with trains taking just an hour and 20 minutes from London Bridge. A playful vibe continues along the seafront with cool cafes like the colourful Goat Ledge serving coffees, croissants and craft beers to dog walkers, joggers and locals watching waves crash along the pebbly coast.

The main town of Hastings is now following suit and reinventing itself. Located along the pier, which was renovated and reopened in 2016 following a devastating fire, the Samphire Sauna serves anyone keen to embrace hot/cold therapy with a dip in the English Sea. A few metres away, boards can be heard cracking against concrete in The Source skatepark.

By looking up, visitors can explore the roots of Hasting's development. Reached by a near-vertical climb are the ruins of Hastings Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066. The stone fortification - and several other local landmarks - feature in the Bayeux Tapestry, the famous fabric narrative of the Norman conquest of England.

"This autumn, the masterpiece will be loaned to the British Museum until July 2027 as part of celebrations heralding 1000 years of the belligerent Norman king's birth. What a shame it won't be displayed here," Ms Marshall added.

More history was made a short stroll away on West Hill, where Scot John Logie Baird conducted early experiments for the mechanical television. Pathways and tunnels once used by smugglers now lead into Old Town, a cluster of lanes filled with cute cafes, vintage stores, and rummage shops.

"One thing I love most about my new home is the sea view from my study," Ms Marshall revealed. But visitors can go one step better by staying further west along the coast. A 15-minute train ride from Hastings, the Relais Cooden Beach spills out directly onto the sea. A couple of minutes' walk from the station, the mock Tudor building - which was once a family home - has been brought up to date with jolly deck chair stripes and an Aromatherapy Associates spa.

After a glass of local Kent wine, strolls along the beach are almost mandatory - walking past private homes where firepits flicker to gaze up at clear skies exploding with stars.

According to Rightmove, house prices in Hastings have averaged £298,564 over the last year. The majority of properties sold were terraced houses, with flats selling for £190,084 and semi-detached properties fetching £337,097. By comparison, the average property price in London is £673,040 over the last year, with flats selling for an average of £546,117.