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

From boutique hotels to shepherd's huts wreathed in woodsmoke, 1066 Country opens its doors in welcome.
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.

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.

1066 Country Walk

Work is under way to give the 1066 Country Walk a makeover. The 31 mile route starts at Pevensey and ends at Rye, taking in Battle along the way.
1. 1 Jan 202131 Dec 2021
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Large coastal nature reserve with a vast array of wildlife. Network of footpaths leading to 5 birdwatching hides (3 wheelchair accessible). Information centre.
1. 1 Jan 202131 Dec 2021

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.

Meltdown

A solo exhibition by Alison Olorunsola. Alison started working on the 'Meltdown' series following a visit to Iceland in 2019 where she saw first hand the effect of global warming on glaciers.
1. 28 Apr 202110 May 2021
Spring into Life

Welcoming back Elaine Almond: intuitive abstract artist, inspired by nature, countryside or sea and by life experiences and journeys.
1. 14 Apr 202126 Apr 2021
Tea with the Alpacas at Fisherwood Farm

Afternoon tea with our Alpacas. At Fisherwood Farm you get the opportunity to enjoy delicious food whilst immersed in nature and surrounded by friendly animals.
1. 17 Apr 202131 Aug 2021
2. 1 Sep 202130 Sep 2021
3. 1 Oct 202117 Oct 2021
Fairy hunt at King Johns

Come and hunt for fairies in the magical gardens of King John's nursery. Fairy doors, castles and pictures of fairies.
1. 1 Apr 202130 Apr 2021
Spring Taster Gourmet - Hastings

A ten course gourmet dinner with 5 matched wines celebrating all the local, fresh ingredients that are associated with Spring.
1. 29 Apr 2021
The Celebration Series: Roman Kosyakov

Please join us for the first concert of the 2021 series with the former winner of Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition Roman Kosyakov, performing his 2020 Summer Recital, set in the grounds of Fairlight Hall in the glorious Sussex Countryside.
1. 12 Jan 202131 May 2021
The Celebration Series: Sylvia Jiang

Please join us for the second concert of the 2021 series with the former prizewinner of the 2019 Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition Sylvia Jiang. This event will be available from 7pm on Tuesday 9th February until 31st May 2021.
1. 9 Feb 202131 May 2021
The Celebration Series: Fumiya Koido

Please join us for the third concert of the 2021 series with the former winner of the 2019 Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition Fumiya Koido. This event will be available from 7pm on Tuesday 9th March until Monday 31st May 2021.
1. 9 Mar 202131 May 2021
The Celebration Series: Tzu-Yin Huang

Please join us for the fourth concert of the 2021 series with the winner of the 2019 Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition Tzu-Yin Huang. This event will be available from 7pm on Tuesday 13th April until Monday 31 May 2021.
1. 13 Apr 202131 May 2021
The Celebration Series: Finale Concert

This event will be available from 7pm on Tuesday 11th May until Monday 31st May 2021.
1. 11 May 202131 May 2021

Upcoming highlights

The Celebration Series

Hastings International Piano is delighted to announce an exciting new concert series to celebrate the new year, performed by prizewinning pianists from around the globe, who are all now rising stars in the classical music world.
1. 12 Jan 202131 May 2021

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.

Rye in East Sussex – a perfect day out

If you love half-timbered houses, steep, cobbled streets, ancient inns and rustic tea rooms then you’ll love the charming Cinque Ports town of Rye. This pretty medieval town sits in the beautiful East Sussex countryside just two miles away from the coast and is well worth a visit when exploring 1066 Country.

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, offers and inspiration, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.