1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield

High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AD

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From £8.50
Battle Abbey viewed from Abbey Green

About

Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date.

Explore the award-winning exhibition which brings alive the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest and its significance in the tumultuous history of England. End your day by relaxing in the cafe. The annual re-enactment of 1066 Battle of Hastings takes place every year during October. Days out worth talking about!

The Abbey takes its name from the town and was founded to commemorate the bloody battle that saw William the Conqueror assume control of England in 1066.

The high altar of the abbey church was reputedly on the spot where Harold died and is now marked by a special commemorative stone.  Little remains of the original abbey buildings but its impressive gateway dominates the south end of Battle High Street.

The remaining cloisters, part of the west range, were leased to Battle Abbey School shortly after the first world war, and the school remains in occupancy to this day.  Although referred to as 'Battle Abbey', it is actually named 'St Martin's Abbey'.

The Abbey was founded as a result of a vow made by William in an Abbey at St Valerie Sur Somme, before the sea crossing, in which he promised to establish a monastery free of episcopal control if God granted him victory.  The Chronicles of Battel Abbey, which dates from around 1180, state it was "founded by the Conqueror in expiation for the sin involved in the conquest".

When William died, he left many gifts to the Abbey which included his royal cloak and a portable altar used on his campaigns.  William had endowed the Abbey to such an extent that it became the 15th wealthiest religious house in the country.  However the twin terrors of repeated French raids and the Black Death had a lasting impact on the abbey and drastically affected its population and income.

Subsequent centuries saw the Abbey grow in status and wealth thanks to the Abbots' careful management of its resources. The Abbey now has a new visitor centre with some incredible interactive displays.  There's also acafé with wonderful views of the battlefield and a host of innovative new features throughout the attraction.

Things to do in Battle

There's plenty more to Battle than the battlefield – don't miss a visit to its bustling high street, independent shops, quirky museum and tranquil gardens. Find out more about things to do in Battle, as well as what's on in Battle.

Accommodation

Fancy making a weekend of it? You'll be spoilt for choice of where to stay in Battle, and there are lots of delicious options for food and drink in Battle too.

 

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult ticket£14.20 per ticket
Concession ticket£12.80 per ticket
Aged 5-15£8.50 per ticket
Family ticket 1 + 3£22.70 per ticket
Family ticket 2 + 3£36.90 per ticket

Prices include donation. Free entry for children under five years old.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
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    • Very Good
      717
    • Average
      138
    • Poor
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    • Terrible
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    Recent Reviews:

    • Freddy22
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      What a superb tour / Attraction
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 24th February 2023
      what a superb tour.. really enjoyed it and really ‘felt’ the history of it all… would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Read full review
    • juliebarron55
      Battle, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Dog friendly easy walks
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 6th March 2023
      Having moved to Battle, we have joined English Heritage as we have Battle Abbey on our doorstep. It’s fabulous for doggie walks around the battlefield, the information boards are interesting and... Read full review
    • janeg347
      Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Great day out on Valentines Day with Daughter in law and Granddaughter.
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 12th March 2023
      Full of history. Battle Abbey is worth a visit. The buildings are historic. There is a small interactive educational area in the Gatehouse tower. There is a fantastic viewing point of Battle at the... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    Nearest major road is A21. A21, from London then follow the A2100 to Battle. Located at the south end of Battle High Street.

    Public Transport Directions

    Nearest station is Battle. Signposted.

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Loop system for audio guides
    • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Braille and audio guide
    • Guide Dogs Permitted
    • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
    • Ramp/Level Access

    Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages

    • French audio guide
    • German audio guide
    • Japanese audio guide

    Catering

    • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Soft drinks, biscuits and ice-cream.
    • Picnic Site

    Establishment Features

    • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
    • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
    • Toilets

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking (charge)

    Printed Material in Foreign Languages

    • French printed material
    • German printed material

    Provider Preferences

    • In town/city centre
    • Indoor Attraction
    • Outdoor Attraction

    Specialist Features

    • Marketed Towards Families

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Educational Visits Accepted
    • Guided Tours Available for Groups

    Opening Times

    Open New Year
    Spring season (21 Feb 2023 - 31 Mar 2023)
    DayTimes
    Monday - TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Winter season (1 Nov 2023 - 13 Feb 2024)
    DayTimes
    Wednesday - FridayClosed
    Saturday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    February Half Term (14 Feb 2024 - 20 Feb 2024)
    DayTimes

    * Open Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Last entry one hour before closing.

    Events

    Saturday, 1st April 2023 - Sunday, 16th April 2023

    illustrated graphic image of a multigenerational family on grass in front of a castle structure.Easter Adventure Quest at Battle AbbeyJoin us for a cracking adventure quest at Battle Abbey this Easter holiday.
    more info

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous -WTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021
    • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member - Platinum Tourism South East Member - Platinum 2022

    What's Nearby

    1. The East Sussex towns of Battle, Bexhill and Hastings will forever be remembered…

      0.02 miles away
    2. Battle's Grade I Listed church of national historic importance, with a thriving community.

      0.1 miles away
    3. Introduction to the Battle Tapestry

      Tina Greene conceived and designed the Battle…

      0.1 miles away
    1. Surrounding the Battle Museum of Local History and the Almonry House itself, these…

      0.26 miles away
    2. Experience the hidden history of Battle as revealed by its residents.

      0.29 miles away
    3. Special displays of Battle's industries over the centuries including the famous gunpowder…

      0.31 miles away
    4. David & Linda Carr Taylor established the vineyard, in the picturesque Sussex countryside…

      3.28 miles away
    5. England's oldest organic vineyard, established in 1979. A woodland nature trail forms…

      3.34 miles away
    6. Hundreds of savings across Sussex for days out, eating out, local businesses, shopping &…

      4.11 miles away
    7. The Giants of Brede. Varied collection of water pumps mainly from the steam era including…

      4.28 miles away
    8. Brede High Woods is the Trust’s largest ancient woodland, six miles north of Hastings in…

      4.46 miles away
    9. This picturesque area of Bexhill is home to some fine examples of Georgian architecture…

      4.8 miles away
    10. Take a trip around the picturesque Manor Gardens, with wonderfully colourful plants and…

      4.8 miles away
    11. The Combe Valley Countryside Park covers approximately 2.3 square miles (about…

      4.86 miles away
    12. Set in the Sussex in countryside in a village called Brightling, these bizarre structures…

      5.24 miles away
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