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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

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.

February half term

From train rides to crafting sessions, dragon hunts to animation workshops, there's plenty to do this February half term – indoors and out.
Mother's Day

This Mother's Day visit beautiful gardens and National Trust properties, stop for an elegant tea break, or take in an exhibition.

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.

Music Month

Music Month runs from Valentine's Day to St Patrick's Day. Highlights include Fairport Convention, Baxter Dury and Craig Charles. Plus hundreds of free gigs in pubs and smaller venues.
February half term

From train rides to crafting sessions, dragon hunts to animation workshops, there's plenty to do this February half term – indoors and out.
Hastings Fat Tuesday

In New Orleans and Rio they call it Mardi Gras, in Venice it’s known as Carnivale and in Hastings it's “Fat Tuesday”.
1. 21 Feb 202025 Feb 2020
Hastings International Piano Festival

A celebration of all things piano, with free workshops and masterclasses for young people, plus big-name headliners.
1. 26 Feb 20208 Mar 2020
Quentin Blake: Airborne

Airborne is the latest in an ongoing series of artworks Blake has created for the gallery, all featuring flying creations and characters in his distinctive style.
1. 18 Jan 202022 Mar 2020
The Age Of Turmoil: Burra, Spencer, Sutherland

The Age of Turmoil features work by three ground-breaking Modern British artists: Edward Burra (1905-1976), Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) and Graham Sutherland (1903-1980).
1. 18 Jan 202029 Mar 2020
Rye Bay Scallop Week

Rye's mouthwatering locally caught scallops are said to be some of the best in the country and are at their plumpest and most succulent in the winter months.
1. 20 Feb 201628 Feb 2016
2. 22 Feb 20201 Mar 2020
Anne Ryan: Earthly Delites

Anne Ryan (born in Limerick, Ireland) is a celebrated and influential contemporary artist, best known for her 'cutouts' - highly coloured, three dimensional paintings.
1. 18 Jan 202029 Mar 2020
Water Heritage Open Day

Varied collection of water pumps mainly from the steam era including 1904 Tangye and 1940 Worthington Simpson triple expansion engines located in their original buildings.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 7 Mar 2020
3. 4 Apr 2020
4. 2 May 2020
5. 6 Jun 2020
6. 4 Jul 2020
7. 1 Aug 2020
8. 31 Aug 2020
9. 5 Sep 2020
10. 3 Oct 2020
11. 7 Nov 2020
12. 5 Dec 2020
Mother's Day

This Mother's Day visit beautiful gardens and National Trust properties, stop for an elegant tea break, or take in an exhibition.

Upcoming highlights

Music Month

Music Month runs from Valentine's Day to St Patrick's Day. Highlights include Fairport Convention, Baxter Dury and Craig Charles. Plus hundreds of free gigs in pubs and smaller venues.

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.

Mardi Gras in Hastings

Hailed as Hastings’ answer to SXSW in Texas, or Brighton’s Great Escape festival, Hastings Fat Tuesday is one of the jewels in the town’s cultural crown and celebrates its 11th year in 2020. With heavyweight headliners Baxter Dury and Craig Charles, as well as hundreds of free gigs, a vibrant Umbrella Parade and free workshops for children, it's bound to be another big one.

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.

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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.