Battle

Battle - A living history

See history come to life in the picturesque Abbey town of Battle, site of the most famous battle in English history.

The beautiful town of Battle, so appropriately named, is built around the Abbey which was erected on the site of the Battle of 1066. You can experience an audio tour of the site, see the spot where King Harold fell, watch a spectacular re-enactment, or see a Bayeux Tapestry print at the Museum of Local History.

To celebrate his victory, William built the imposing Battle Abbey. It is maintained by English Heritage, and visitors can now enjoy superb facilities including 'wand' tape-tours, fascinating exhibitions and a shop offering original gifts. You may even see a Norman soldier guarding the gate!

Also set on the battlefield is the 12th Century Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Here you can see a magnificent Romanesque nave, rare 14th Century wall paintings and the stunning Senlac commemorative stain glass window. Within a short walking distance you can discover more fascinating historical facts at the Battle Town Model, set in award winning gardens, at the Almonry.

Today, Battle is a thriving market town featuring Georgian and Mediaeval cottages amongst a host of interesting shops, boutiques, restaurants and tearooms. Experience a more recent living history at the fascinating Buckleys Yesterday's World. Here, you can step back through the ages, and enjoy bygone shops and room settings, displaying all manner of intriguing collectables and antiques.

Attention to detail helps bring the past to life, discover how ordinary people lived, what they bought and how they amused themselves. Everything is presented in a uniquely entertaining and charming fashion.

Battle offers comfortable hotel and B&B accommodation, excellent attractions, delightful tea rooms, period restaurants and historic pubs. It is also the centre of the 31 mile 1066 Country Walk between Pevensey Castle and ancient Rye, with its links to the coast at Bexhill and Hastings.