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Battle, East Sussex: what to know and where to visit

Thursday, 27 October 2022 16:40

By Mary Goodsell

Deep in 1066 Country is Battle, a town renowned for its significant place in history, and much more besides, as Sara Whatley finds out.

Roughly 13 miles to the west of Rye you will come to the market town of Battle. This town is named after the most famous battle to take place on British shores, the Battle of Hastings. The bloody battle saw William the Conqueror take control of England in 1066, hence this part of Sussex is called 1066 Country. 


The town of Battle grew up alongside the battleground and the medieval Battle Abbey. Here, re-enactments are carried out every October, a must for combat re-enactment enthusiasts. 


The town of Battle itself is a bustling historic street of independent shops and businesses. Many unique and individual shops thrive here including craft, wool, and book shops as well as clothes shops and antiques. Local industry and produce is championed here too, with many trading in British designed, locally grown and locally brewed products. 


Café culture is abundant in Battle with tables spilling out onto the pavements and many enticing tea rooms temping you in with their mouth-watering window displays. Cosy pubs and stylish restaurants are also plentiful to come by.

 

Bonfire and firework celebrations are a big night on the calendar in Battle, with the Battle Bonfire Society leading the charge through the town with a fiery procession. It is said that Guy Fawkes sourced his gunpowder from the Battle powder mills, and since 1646 the Battle Bonfire Boyes have been holding annual celebrations each November. 

Top Attractions

Battle Tapestry – Find this three-metre depiction of the town’s history in St Mary’s Parish Church, made by 741 stitchers
Battle Festival – Now a major arts and music festival held in the summer with a diverse family friendly focus  
Battle Abbey and Battlefield – Admire the ruins of the grand abbey, stand on the very spot Kind Harold is said to have died, and admire the battlefield, which is now a peaceful meadow full of wildflowers and birdsong
Keane Trail – Fans of the local super group Keane will delight in the trail through Battle, Bexhill and Hastings which landmarks the journey through their album ‘Strangeland’ 
 

See our visitors guide to Rye, here.

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