Summary
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 significantly altered the trajectory of English history, leading to the Norman Conquest, which was marred by bloodshed. Consequently, William the Conqueror dedicated himself to constructing an abbey as an act of penance.
The site selected for this purpose was the very battlefield, with the high altar of the church believed to be located where Harold Godwinson is thought to have met his demise.
It is little wonder that this area has earned the designation of 1066 Country.
Visitors can explore the remaining structures of the abbey and the battlefield, while also enjoying the charming local shops, tearooms, and pubs nestled along the historic High Street.
Battle is situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by extensive woodlands, and is in proximity to medieval castles, the historic township of Hastings, and a celebrated organic vineyard.
1. Battle Abbey
In 1070, following the Norman Conquest, Pope Alexander II mandated William I to undertake penance.
William resolved to erect an abbey, selecting a site believed to be where Harold Godwinson was fatally struck by an arrow.
The abbey underwent partial reconstruction in the 13th century and flourished until its dissolution during the Reformation led by Henry VIII.
Prominent among its features is the imposing gatehouse located at the base of Battle High Street.
This structure leads to an English Heritage visitor centre, offering interactive displays, an engaging film recounting the events of October 14, 1066, along with a children’s discovery area.
Parts of the abbey now house Battle Abbey School, while visitors are welcome to explore the 13th-century rib vaulted dormitory range, featuring a stairway that ascends to the first floor of the Novices’ Common Room.
The abbey church was dismantled in the 16th century, and a plaque marks the location of the high altar, signifying the supposed site of Harold’s death.
2. 1066 Battlefield
Embroidered with wildflowers in summer, it can be challenging to envision the meadow cascading down the slope as a battlefield; however, the visitor centre provides audio guides that narrate the battle’s account.
On October 14, the Anglo-Saxons occupied the high ground at Senlac Hill beneath the abbey structures, while the Normans regularly feigned retreat to disrupt the Anglo-Saxon formations.
On sunny days, you may utilize the audio guide whilst walking in the fields, while there is also a sheltered terrace offering a view of the site during inclement weather.
3. Battle Museum of Local History
Battle High Street is adorned with captivating historic architecture, and at the northern end stands the Almonry, a 15th-century hall house.
The original five-bay structure was expanded around a courtyard and remodeled during the 16th and 17th centuries, during which time the prominent chimney stacks were added.
The Almonry now accommodates council offices, while also housing a petite but fascinating museum documenting local history, starting from preserved dinosaur footprints.
Here, one can discover artifacts from a nearby Roman bathhouse, alongside an Anglo-Saxon battleaxe dating back to 1066. The museum also explores Battle’s notable 200-year gunpowder industry and exhibits what is claimed to be the oldest effigy of Guy Fawkes, constructed in the mid-17th century.
4. Battle High Street
Nearly all of Battle’s shops, pubs, restaurants, and galleries are concentrated along the High Street, beginning in front of Battle Abbey.
The High Street features familiar UK town centre establishments such as Costa Coffee, alongside a plethora of local specialties, including a delicatessen, design shops, independent jewelers, tearooms, galleries (such as Corner Shop and Saffron Art Gallery), antiques shops, a patisserie, and various shops offering handmade gifts and cards (with Aurelie & Rose being particularly noteworthy). A distinctive aspect of the High Street is the abundance of historic buildings.
It is impractical to list every historic structure, but notable timber-framed houses from the 15th to the 17th centuries can be found at No. 22, 32, 59, 60, and 67, among others, alongside numerous stately Georgian residences featuring red brick or stucco facades.
5. Hastings
Located a mere 15-minute train ride away, Hastings provides a captivating blend of historical significance and the nostalgic charm of a seaside resort.
The quaint Old Town rests between two sandstone cliffs riddled with caves, East Hill and West Hill, where the Weald meets the English Channel.
The shingle beach (Stade) in front boasts the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in the country.
These vessels are pulled ashore by caterpillar-tracked tractors, while fishing gear is housed in unique tall black wooden net shops.
The remnants of Hastings Castle perch atop the West Hill, while the East Hill serves as the gateway to Hastings Country Park, featuring gorse-covered hillsides that provide habitat for an impressive variety of bird species.
Moreover, to traverse from the lower sections of Hastings to the cliff-tops, one can utilize the East and West Hill Cliff Railways, two funiculars that have been operational for over a century.
6. Bodiam Castle
Situated just a ten-minute drive away from Hastings, Bodiam Castle presents a splendid outing.
Constructed from sandstone in 1385 during the Hundred Years’ War, it was built in anticipation of a possible invasion from France.
One distinctive characteristic of Bodiam Castle is its lack of a central keep, with various chambers lining the inner courtyard and outer defensive walls.
Accompanied by a vast moat, the castle’s architectural symmetry is pleasing, and although many structures within the walls are in ruins, the former grandeur of this stronghold, particularly its vaulted great hall, is still discernible.
From the inner courtyard, one can notice the remains of grand fireplaces and ascend to the battlements for a breathtaking view of the River Rother Valley.
7. Brede High Woods
Covering nearly 650 acres, Brede High Woods, situated just beyond Sedlescombe, is one of the largest properties managed by the Woodland Trust.
This expansive area encompasses a diverse mix of ancient and secondary woodlands, comprising both coniferous and broadleaf trees, along with ponds, streams, springs, managed coppices, and heathland.
The abundance of old-growth trees fosters a rich diversity of species, from woodland flowers like bluebells and wood anemones in spring to the great crested newts found in the ponds and streams.
Additionally, traces of human history exist within Brede High Woods, hinting at a once-thriving iron smelting industry.
Keep an eye out for distinctive depressions known as bell pits, as well as banks that delineate property lines and remnants of long-abandoned farms and orchards.
A particular feature to discover is Chequer Tree Cliff, formed by successive clay excavations throughout the years.
8. Almonry Gardens
Following a visit to the Battle Museum of Local History, consider taking a moment to unwind in the secluded gardens of the Almonry.
The vibrant borders and meticulously maintained lawns are nurtured by Beautiful Battle, a dedicated team of volunteers committed to preserving the town’s aesthetic appeal.
The gardens consist of three distinct spaces: an upper garden, lower garden, and Almonry courtyard.
These gardens have garnered gold status in the South & South East in Bloom competition; however, due to their location behind a wall and lack of signage, they often go unnoticed by visitors proceeding to the abbey.
9. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard
In operation for over 40 years, the international award-winning Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard produces 30,000 bottles of wine annually.
The estate’s winery produces a variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, employing biodynamic and environmentally sustainable practices (such as avoiding plastic packaging), certified by the Soil Association and Vegan Society.
This vineyard has received accolades from the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Organic Wine Awards.
For those interested in exploring the workings of a biodynamic vineyard, numerous tour packages are available, ranging from self-guided tours to guided excursions that include a ploughman’s lunch, cream tea, and wine tastings.
Special offerings include tours that allow visitors to bring home a bottle or even a luxury tour that includes an overnight stay at the upscale Sedlescombe Golf Hotel.
10. Battle Great Wood
Spanning over 450 acres, Battle Great Wood is managed by the Forestry Trust and forms part of the woodland on the eastern perimeter of Battle.
This area consists primarily of coniferous plantations but also showcases remnants of local industry through its many coppiced sweet chestnut trees.
The woodland paths are spacious, free of obstacles, and well-maintained, leading to open heath areas, streams, and freshwater habitats.
Birdwatchers may spot species like nightjars, crossbills, and tree pipits within these woods, and those who tread quietly may catch a glimpse of deer or badgers.
11. Marline Valley Nature Reserve
Located roughly midway to Hastings from Battle, Marline Valley offers yet another scenic venue for walking, encompassing a partly wooded valley along a gill stream.
This reserve features sandstone outcrops, ancient woodlands, and unimproved meadows.
The open meadows bloom spectacularly in early summer with a rare display of wildflowers, including ragged robin, common spotted orchids, lesser spearwort, water mint, and common fleabane.
Additionally, summertime unveils a charming array of butterflies such as grizzled skippers, commas, purple hairstreaks, common blues, and meadow browns.
In the lush gill woodlands, you will find an assortment of rare ferns, liverworts, and mosses, while birds like firecrests, nightingales, and willow tits breed in this inviting sanctuary.
12. Great Park Farm
This cherished establishment, nestled in the tranquil countryside outside Battle, encompasses various features.
The farm nursery offers a wide range of plants cultivated in expansive greenhouses.
Knowledgeable staff are readily available to provide guidance on plant placement, care, and suitability.
In addition, the farm shop stocks an assortment of fruits and vegetables grown on site, including sweet corn, courgettes, spinach, pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, garlic, and runner beans, depending on the season.
There are also homemade breads and pastries prepared without preservatives or flavorings.
Situated within the nursery is the Potting Shed Café, presenting a menu that changes daily with offerings made on-site.
13. Battle Brewery
Established only in 2017, Battle Brewery has quickly become a vital supplier to local pubs, shops, and cafés, expanding to meet demand shortly after its opening.
In addition to being a valued local business, the brewery adheres to eco-friendly practices, sending its spent grain to farms as feed for cattle and pigs, and converting waste hops into compost.
Battle Brewery offers a pale ale inspired by the Abbey, as well as a porter, a full-bodied stout, Conquest (a copper ale), and various seasonal brews.
Visitors can sample the brewery’s cask beer during open hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
In summer, one may enjoy al fresco seating with picturesque views of the surrounding sheep-dotted farmlands.
14. Sedlescombe Golf Club
For those eager to play golf in 1066 Country, a distinguished parkland course awaits within Battle Great Wood.
Experienced golfers can tackle the Great Wood Course (£30 on weekdays, £35 on weekends), which presents a formidable challenge.
The front nine holes emphasize distance with long, forgiving fairways, while the back nine require greater technical skill and precision.
Those who are novice golfers can refine their skills on the Little Wood course (£10 at all times), a superb par-3 that rivals the main course in complexity due to its undulating fairways, tiered greens, and numerous sand traps.
15. Battle to Bexhill Walk
Another coastal town within reach of Battle is Bexhill, which boasts a delightful beach, though it offers more than just a traditional seaside experience.
The area was home to a religious community and settlement established by the Mercian King Offa in the 8th century, although it was laid to waste during the Norman invasion.
Following this, William I allocated the land to Robert, Count of Eu, in recognition of his service.
A walking path spanning 5.3 miles connects Battle to Bexhill and typically takes just over two hours to traverse.
This journey encompasses streams, woodlands, pastures, and arable farms en route to the tranquil village of Crowhurst, culminating in low-lying marshlands that precede the ascent into Bexhill.
Along the way, you will pass close to Great Park Farm, and upon reaching Bexhill, you can admire the town’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture, including the Modernist De La Warr Pavilion, an iconic structure built in 1936 along the promenade.
