
- Communities
World Environment Day may have been earlier this month, but here in St Leonards-on‑Sea – home of our unique Ironlatch development – we’re embracing its spirit by taking a look at three of the most delightful outdoor experiences the local area has to offer.
Combining gentle exercise, cultural enrichment and fine al-fresco dining, visitors will find something to enjoy, whatever their tastes!
1. A Serene Stroll Through Warrior Square Gardens
Just a short drive (or moderate walk) from Ironlatch lies an oasis of tranquillity in the form of Warrior Square Gardens.
Established in the 1850s, its well‑tended lawns, flower beds, benches and close proximity to the sea offer the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in the fresh air or a moment of reflection surrounded by colourful blossoms after a day spent exploring.
2. Savour Gastropub Delights!
A walk at Warrior Square isn’t complete without stopping at one of the area’s superb restaurants or inviting gastropubs, with The Royal a firm favourite among locals.
Housed in a charming Victorian corner building, it gained Michelin Bib Gourmand status in 2020 for its “unfussy seasonal food” and features a beautiful outdoor seating area in which to enjoy the likes of crispy polenta fingers with blue cheese, seasonal fish dishes or tender bavette steak as the sun dips toward the sea.
If it’s a social yet relaxing treat in the open air you’re after, look no further!
3. Retail Therapy and Local Culture
A lively boulevard full of independent cafés, shops and art galleries, Kings Road in St Leonards-on-Sea is made up of quirky local venues that brim with vintage finds, fresh produce and artisanal treats.
The nearby seafront, meanwhile, includes the atmospheric Bottle Alley – a 480m long promenade embedded with tens of thousands of pieces of glass – a plethora of beachfront cafes, colourful beach huts and easy access to Hastings Old Town, the original heart of what used to be a busy fishing village consisting of narrow, twisting alleyways that now features attractions including the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum, the Bluereef Aquarium and a seafront funfair.
Whether you’re an Ironlatch resident or a visitor, these activities showcase the best that St Leonards-on‑Sea and the surrounding area have to offer. From quiet elegance to the friendly buzz of terraces and shops, there really is something for everyone.