What can you do in Battle?
Looking for things to do in Battle, East Sussex? From stunning country walks to historical venues, Battle is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, families or those looking to explore either the countryside or a charming, quintessentially English town. Famous for it's connection to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Battle offers a rich offering of culture, history and beauty.
Attractions
At the southern end is Battle Abbey, and behind it the once-bloody battlefield, now a peaceful meadow filled with wild flowers and birdsong. Here you can stand at the very spot where King Harold is said to have died, and admire the ruins of the grand abbey built by William the Conqueror as a penance for the bloodshed. You’ll also find tranquil gardens, historic buildings, educational displays and a year-round programme of events.
At the northern end of the High Street is the Almonry, originally built in 1090, which houses the award winning Almonry Gardens. You will also find here the Battle Museum of Local History. Here you’ll find the world’s oldest Guy Fawkes – or at least his head, which is made of pear wood, and his silk cloak. Thought to be more than 200 years old, he is still in active service and leads the Battel Bonfire Boyes (yes, that’s how they spell it) on their fiery procession through the town each November.
Near the museum is a striking sculpture by Guy Portelli, in the centre of a roundabout. Depicting a Norman soldier on horseback, the sculpture was installed in 2016 to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Don't miss a visit to St Mary's Parish Church to see the Battle Tapestry, a 3 metre depiction of the town's history, unveiled in 2017. It was created as a community project, withc contributions from 741 registered stitchers.
Activities
At Battle’s beating heart is a bustling mix of independent shops and businesses.
A little further out in Etchingham you'll find the National Trust property Bateman's, once the home of Rudyard Kipling, and the beautiful King John's Nursery, Garden and Tea Room.
Walks & Gardens
Just outside the town, pathways and cycle tracks etch landscape, taking you to places as peaceful as anywhere in southern England. Visit Battle Great Wood, over 200 acres of mainly coniferous woodland and heath with meandering streams and wide, well-managed paths perfect for walking and cycling. These woodlands are home to deer, badgers, birds such as the nightjar, tree pipit and crossbills, and many common butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. In spring you’ll find carpets of bluebells and wood anemones, and in autumn the forest floor hosts weird and wonderful fungi.
The 1066 Country Walk runs through the wood, marking the path William the Conqueror took with his invading army of Norman troops after landing at Pevensey. It continues on to Winchelsea and Rye, spanning 31 miles in total. The nearby village of Brightling is home to several fascinating follies built by John 'Mad Jack' Fuller in the 17th and 18th centuries.
