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Ancient history

Ancient history

Battle Abbey over countryside

1066 Country of Origin

Featured

  1. Destinations
    Destinations
  2. Things to do in 1066 Country
    Things to do
    Ancient settlements meet modern lifestyles, sparking a vibrant culture with so much to see and do.
  3. What’s on
    What’s on
    There's loads happening in 1066 Country – from theatre to music to children's activities. Find out what's on here.
  4. Food and drink
    Food and drink
    The freshest fish, the best vineyards in England, and a wonderful array of healthy produce – eat with us.
  5. Your stay
    Your stay
    xxxxxx write something here 80-120 words xxxxxxx
  6. Visitor information
    Visitor information

  1. 153

    Miles of coast

    From Camber Sands to Normans Bay, explore the variety of this beautiful coastline – its golden sands, pebble beaches and soaring sandstone cliffs.

  2. 15

    Museums

    From flower making to shipwrecks, steam pumps to serial killers, taking in the invention of television – there's a museum for every occasion.

  3. 4

    Galleries

    Discover internationally renowned artists, contemporary collections, stunning ceramics, local legends and amazing architecture.

  4. 22

    Festivals

    Or maybe more! Kicking off with Rye Bay Scallop Week and Hastings Fat Tuesday in February, it's a year-round programme of fun and festivities.

  5. 6

    Castles

    From the ruins of Hastings and Pevensey to the storybook romance of Bodiam and Herstmonceux, each of our castles tells part of our story.

Waiting to be explored

1066 Country is home to some of Sussex’s finest coast and countryside including the famous historic site on which the Battle of Hastings was fought. Use the map below to find out about more about the towns and villages of 1066 Country, as well as what's on, where to stay, things to do, and places to eat, drink, shop and find visitor information.

Where can I find?...

  1. Accommodation
  2. Events
  3. Attractions
  4. Eating out
  5. Shopping
  6. Tourist info
  7. Towns & villages
View Map

Things to do

Get physical with glorious cycle routes and adrenalin-pumping watersports, discover fairytale castles, ancient relics and contemporary artwork, head outdoors to our forests, beaches and gardens, or enjoy a fun-filled family day out exploring an adventure park, braving the smugglers' caves, or getting up-close with the local wildlife. Spoilt for choice? Let us surprise you.

  1. Sport
    Sport
    Enjoy a spot of golf, glorious cycle routes, and plenty of adrenalin-pumping watersports.
  2. Discover
    Discover
    Visit fairytale castles, gaze at the stars through giant telescopes, or get cultural in our museums and galleries.
  3. Outdoors
    Outdoors
    Beaches, gardens and beautiful walks – there's so much to enjoy in the great outdoors.
  4. Family
    Family
    Adventure parks, water sports, castles and beaches – there's loads to do for children both young and old.
  5. Castles
    Castles
    Six famous castles: soaring battlements, majestic moats, palatial piles and crumbling ruins.
  6. Museums
    Museums
    To really get to know 1066 Country, a visit to its museums is a must. From shipwrecks to flowermaking, our history is here.
  1. Battle Festival
    The month-long arts and music festival is running throughout October in Battle, East Sussex, drawing visitors from throughout the UK, Europe and the US.
    1. 29 Sep 201931 Oct 2019
  2. Rye Arts Festival
    Rye Arts Festival
    A packed fortnight of opera, classical and contemporary music, drama, walks, authors, performers and artists.
    1. 14 Sep 201928 Sep 2019

What's On

Looking for something to do in 1066 Country? We’ve plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, from festivals to fireworks, music, exhibitions, theatre and guided walks – and plenty of family friendly and free events too. Below are some upcoming highlights, or see the full listings here.

  1. Josh Willink
    High Weald Walking Festival
    Explore one of the UK’s finest landscapes with knowledgeable guides and inspiring walks, most of which are free of charge.
    1. 14 Sep 201922 Sep 2019
  2. History Time Line
    A free family trail along a scale timeline depicting local history from prehistoric time to the present day.
    1. 14 Sep 201912 Oct 2019
  3. Afternoon tea and garden tour
    A guided tour of Herstmonceux Castle's gardens and estate, followed by afternoon tea in the courtyard.
    1. 21 Sep 2019
  4. Car free day in Hastings
    Car Free Day
    Hastings' first-ever Car Free Day celebration will take place on a stretch of the seafront road from Warrior Square Gardens to the White Rock Theatre.
    1. 22 Sep 2019
  5. 1066: Why Does It Matter?
    This talk at Pevensey Castle by Marc Morris, medieval historian and broadcaster, asks: "1066: Why Does It Matter?"
    1. 28 Sep 2019
  6. Mass Dance event with Lynne Page
    Choreographer Lynne Page leads a mass participation dance event to recreate the Battle of Hastings as part of The Tapestry Project at Bridge Point.
    1. 28 Sep 2019
  7. Hastings Oktoberfest 2019
    The fourth Oktoberfest at St Mary in the Castle. Expect great bands, German beer and plenty of bratwurst.
    1. 5 Oct 2019
  8. Stade Saturdays
    Free outdoor performances on Saturdays on the Stade Open Space in Hastings.
    1. 1 Jun 201931 Oct 2019
  9. The Tiger Who Came to Tea 50th Anniversary Exhibition
    During his stay at Bateman's, the Tiger can be found downstairs in the specially designed kitchen.
    1. 7 Sep 20193 Nov 2019
  10. Re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings
    An epic festival of displays, activities and re-enactments to keep you awestruck all weekend.
    1. 12 Oct 201913 Oct 2019

Upcoming highlights

  1. Bonfires and fireworks
    Bonfires and fireworks
    1066 Country has a rich tradition of bonfire processions – find out this year's dates here.

Food & Drink

With produce fresh from our fields, ocean and vineyards, here we celebrate honest, hearty food and drink. Get fed up in our cosy pubs, cool and cutesy cafés and top-notch restaurants, or head straight to the source for fantastic fish, micro breweries and beautiful vineyards. 

  1. Breweries
    Breweries
    Pale ales, IPAs, stouts and ciders – they're all made right here in 1066 Country.
  2. Cafes
    Cafes
    From cute olde worlde tea rooms to modern coffee shops specialising in vegan and gluten free goodies, we do…
  3. Delis and markets
    Delis and markets
    Pack yourself a picnic full of healthy, locally produced mouthwatering delicacies – and head outside to enjoy…
  4. Pubs
    Pubs
    Historic buildings, cosy fires, sunny gardens – and of course excellent beer and food.
  5. Restaurants
    Restaurants
    Specialist seafood restaurants, delicious vegetarian dishes, heart-warming pasta and authentic world food.
  6. Vineyards
    Vineyards
    You're in wine country here, and it'd be almost rude not to sample an award-winning vino or two.
Reasons to visit Rye

Reasons to visit Rye

Rye in East Sussex is a picture perfect English town with cobbled streets, a thriving market and a colourful history. If you need a reason to visit – read on…..

Stay

Hastings & 1066 Country is home to some of Sussex’s finest coast and countryside including the famous historic site on which the Battle of Hastings was fought. Whether you're looking for a hotel, B&B, self-catering property or nights spent camping under the stars, we've got something for you.

  1. Hotels
    Hotels
    Country houses, smugglers' inns, spa treatments and views to die for. Let us put you up in style.
  2. Bed & breakfasts
    Bed & breakfasts
    Experience the hospitality of 1066 Country in our beautiful B&Bs. Modern boutiques, historic farm houses and restored rectories await.
  3. Under the stars
    Under the stars
    Riverside camping, wild glamping, cute little shepherd's huts and gypsy caravans – so many options for sleeping out.
  4. Holiday parks
    Holiday parks
    With playgrounds, swimming pools and activities on site, these holiday parks are great for a family stay.
  5. Self catering
    Self catering
    Do you prefer to be independent and self-contained on holiday? Have one of these properties all to yourself.
  6. Special offers
    Special offers
    Looking to get more out of your trip? Take a look at our latest offers.
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  • How to get here

    Despite the feeling of seclusion, it's easy to get here by rail, sea or road.

  • Maps and guides

    View our interactive map of 1066 Country, and download the Visit 1066 guide.

  • Plan your visit

    Use our itinerary planner to create the perfect visit.

  • Special offers

    Looking to get more out of your trip? Take a look at our latest offers.

  • Newsletter

    For news, exclusive offers and inspiring ideas, sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.

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