To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Ancient history

Battle Abbey over countryside

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.

Featured

Destinations
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

xxxxxx write something here 80-120 words xxxxxxx
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.

Where can I find?...

Accommodation
Events
Attractions
Eating out
Shopping
Tourist info
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.

Sport

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

Visit fairytale castles, gaze at the stars through giant telescopes, or get cultural in our museums and galleries.
Outdoors

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

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

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

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

Bonfires and fireworks

1066 Country has a rich tradition of bonfire processions – find out this year's dates here.
Halloween

A gathering of ghosts, a plethora of pumpkins... there's something spooky afoot in 1066 Country.

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.

Hastings Storytelling Festival

Once upon a time. But what time Yesterday? Today? Tomorrow? Stories transcend time and space. Our theme for 2019 is ‘Futures’.
1. 13 Nov 2016
2. 6 Nov 201712 Nov 2017
3. 5 Oct 201913 Oct 2019
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
Stade Saturdays

Free outdoor performances on Saturdays on the Stade Open Space in Hastings.
1. 1 Jun 201931 Oct 2019
Hastings Week

A week long celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.
1. 12 Oct 201920 Oct 2019
Where's Wally? The Big Museum Hunt

Can you find Wally in our collections? We're part of the national Where's Wally? The Big Museum Hunt, organised by Kids in Museums & Walker Books.
1. 19 Oct 20193 Nov 2019
Autumn Colours and Forest Art, October Half Term family fun

Bring the family to create an autumnal colour chart using fallen leaves, needles and cone debris found around the pinetum.
1. 19 Oct 20193 Nov 2019
Autumn Star Search (4 Week Course)

A fantastic opportunity to learn how to navigate your way around the night sky using the constellations as your guide.
1. 14 Oct 20194 Nov 2019
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
Shriek Week at Drusillas

Drusillas have mixed a potion and cast a spell to add some fang-tastically spooky surprises to the Park which are sure to keep your little horrors happy!
1. 26 Oct 20193 Nov 2019
Spooky Battle Abbey

Grab your broomsticks for some wickedly witchy fun at Battle Abbey this Halloween half term.
1. 26 Oct 20193 Nov 2019

Upcoming highlights

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

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.
Cafes

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.

Castle taken from the trees, reflected onto the moat

A visit to Herstmonceux Castle

Find out more about Herstmonceux Castle, a beautiful fifteenth century building that was once the largest residential home in England.

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.