Battle Abbey Battlefield Walk

This fascinating East Sussex town is a fine place to explore on foot. As well as its historical sites there are also fine trails into the surrounding countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This walk around the town visits Battle Abbey, the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.... The area is run by English Heritage and includes the battlefield trail and the Harold stone, which marks the spot where King Harold fell. There's also a walled garden, visitor centre and the gatehouse exhibition where you can learn all about the history surrounding the event. You can climb to the top of the gatehouse for excellent views over the area too.
The 1066 Country Walk passes through the town. The waymarked footpath follows in the steps of William the Conqueror, additionally visiting Pevensey Castle and Herstmonceux Castle. It's a great way of exploring the area while visiting more major historical highlights on the way.

Pubs and More Info
The Kings Head is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. It's the oldest pub in the town and dates back to the 15th century. The pub has a charming interior and outdoor seating for warmer days. You can find them on Mount Street with a postcode of TN33 0EG for your sat navs.
You could pick up the 1066 country walk - Bexhill Link from the town. This will take you south to Fore Wood Nature Reserve, Crowshurt and the seaside town of Bexhill.
For more walking ideas in the area see the High Weald Walks page.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

1066 Country Walk Bexhill Pevensey Castle Herstmonceux Castle

Photos

The Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066 at this location: the English position was on top of the hill where the Abbey later stood, and the Normans approximately where the photographer is standing.

Battle Abbey. Seen from the Norman side of the battle looking up the hill towards the position of the English troops.

Harold memorial. This monument to King Harold was given by the people of Normandy in 1903. It is near the spot where Harold supposedly fell in the Battle of Hastings. Battle's parish church, which is on the other side of the A2100 behind the hedge, can be seen in the background.

The gatehouse of Battle Abbey dominates the bottom of the High Street.

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