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Aerial view of canoeing at Bewl Water in 1066 Country, East Sussex

1066 Country of Origin

Not far from the capital, on England’s south coast, is 1066 Country. From earliest times to today it has been a place of creativity and escape – alternative lives lived and timeless stories told. Original by nature, it has its own take on contemporary living and culture.

Please read the latest Covid-19 visitor information before travelling.

Featured

Destinations

Visit the towns and villages of Battle, Bexhill, Bodiam, Camber, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey, Rye and Winchelsea.
Things to do

Ancient settlements meet modern lifestyles, sparking a vibrant culture with so much to see and do.
What’s on

There's loads happening in 1066 Country – from theatre to music to children's activities. Find out what's on here.
Food and drink

The freshest fish, the best vineyards in England, and a wonderful array of healthy produce – eat with us.
Your stay

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Visitor information

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.

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Accommodation
Events
Attractions
Eating out
Shopping
Tourist info
Towns & villages

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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.

Castles

Six famous castles: soaring battlements, majestic moats, palatial piles and crumbling ruins.
Family

Adventure parks, water sports, castles and beaches – there's loads to do for children both young and old.
Galleries

Four fantastic galleries bring major national and international artists to 1066 Country, through exhibitions and permanent collections.
Gardens

Lily-covered lakes, beautiful borders, a tulip festival and a national pinetum. Garden fans, you're in for a treat.
Historic sites

Beyond the famous battlefield, 1066 Country is rich in history – from giant steam pumps to literary inspirations.
Museums

To really get to know 1066 Country, a visit to its museums is a must. From shipwrecks to flowermaking, our history is here.
Outdoors

Beaches, gardens and beautiful walks – there's so much to enjoy in the great outdoors.
Sport

Enjoy a spot of golf, glorious cycle routes, and plenty of adrenalin-pumping watersports.
Things to do

Ancient settlements meet modern lifestyles, sparking a vibrant culture with so much to see and do.

Respect, protect, enjoy

Now that 1066 Country is reopening, our priority is ensuring that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it safely.
Covid-19 business information for 1066 Country members

Links to the latest government advice, free resources, and what's happening in the tourism industry.

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.

Quentin Blake: We Live In Worrying Times

Sir Quentin Blake returns to Hastings Contemporary with a prophetic show of new drawings, paintings, and a large-scale mural he has described as 'his Guernica', as raw, original and unlikely as anything he has produced in his eight decades of artistic creativity. The work can be viewed online, or by robot tour.
1. 7 May 20207 Sep 2020
1066 Cycling Festival

The fifth 1066 Cycling Festival will take place on Saturday 19 September between the Pier and the Source Park in Hastings, and Sunday 20 September on the Metropole Lawns by the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
1. 19 Sep 202020 Sep 2020
Vine and Country Tours

Vine + Country Tours is a multi award winning bespoke English Wine Tour and Food experience provider with over 30 private vineyard and brewery partners across Kent & Sussex.
1. 22 Mar 202030 Sep 2021
Virtual Spaces - A Return To Order

Over the coming months we plan to revisit and share some of our favourite exhibitions with you, we are calling it Virtual Spaces, featuring highlights, videos and interviews from the exhibitions and artists that have worked wth us over the years.
1. 6 Apr 20201 Jan 2021
Hastings Storytelling Festival

This year's Storytelling Festival will be delivered digitally rather than through public-facing events, due to Covid-19.
1. 17 Oct 202025 Oct 2020

Upcoming highlights

Quentin Blake: We Live In Worrying Times

Sir Quentin Blake returns to Hastings Contemporary with a prophetic show of new drawings, paintings, and a large-scale mural he has described as 'his Guernica', as raw, original and unlikely as anything he has produced in his eight decades of artistic creativity. The work can be viewed online, or by robot tour.
1. 7 May 20207 Sep 2020

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.

Breweries

Pale ales, IPAs, stouts and ciders – they're all made right here in 1066 Country.
Cafés

From cute olde worlde tea rooms to modern coffee shops specialising in vegan and gluten free goodies, we do…
Delis and markets

Pack yourself a picnic full of healthy, locally produced mouthwatering delicacies – and head outside to enjoy…
Pubs

Historic buildings, cosy fires, sunny gardens – and of course excellent beer and food.
Restaurants

Specialist seafood restaurants, delicious vegetarian dishes, heart-warming pasta and authentic world food.
Vineyards

You're in wine country here, and it'd be almost rude not to sample an award-winning vino or two.

800 years of history at Michelham Priory

From its foundation by Augustinian canons to its dissolution by King Henry VIII, through to its current role as a centre for archaeological study, Michelham Priory is packed with interesting history. And it even features in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy.

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.

Hotels

Country houses, smugglers' inns, spa treatments and views to die for. Let us put you up in style.
Bed & breakfasts

Experience the hospitality of 1066 Country in our beautiful B&Bs. Modern boutiques, historic farm houses and restored rectories await.
Under the stars

Riverside camping, wild glamping, cute little shepherd's huts and gypsy caravans – so many options for sleeping out.
Holiday parks

With playgrounds, swimming pools and activities on site, these holiday parks are great for a family stay.
Self catering

Do you prefer to be independent and self-contained on holiday? Have one of these properties all to yourself.
Special offers

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

#OriginalByNature @1066Country on instagram. Share your stories with #Visit1066Country

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.