Things to see and do

The 1066 Battlefield

Discover the very battlefield on which the most famous conflict in England’s history was fought. Take in the beautiful Sussex landscape and soak up the scenery that surrounded the Norman and Saxon armies as they fought the battle that decided England’s future.

The Battlefield Today

It's over 950 years since the Norman Conquest, but the site of the Battle of Hastings has remained remarkably intact. Today, the land is grazed much as it was when it formed part of the abbey's great park. Follow our trail that leads you around the battlefield, and information on key locations and moments from the battle are available for you to read as you explore. An audio guided tour is also available. Don't miss the hand carved wooded sculptures along the trail, representing the mighty Saxon and Norman warriors of 1066.

Natural Play

Located near the Abbey Café, stop off at our play area after exploring the historic battlefield with your family. Designed in collaboration with Studio Hardie, our carved wooden natural play facilities inspire kids’ play and imagination, whilst being sympathetic to the environment and their surroundings.

Plan a family visit

On the very spot?

The consensus among historians remains that Battle Abbey was founded 'on the very spot' where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold in the Battle of Hastings. However, a number of alternative locations for the location of the battle have been proposed. Could the battle have in fact taken place elsewhere? Join Senior Properties Curator Roy Porter as he examines this question in more detail.

Find out More

The Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman army of Duke William of Normandy and an English army under King Harold Godwinson. Lasting all day, it was exceptionally bloody even by medieval standards. Find out more about the events leading up to the battle, and the clash itself in our collection of articles discussing 1066.

  • Things you didn't know about 1066

    Was William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings a foregone conclusion? Was King Harold really killed by an arrow in his eye? Find quick answers to these and other questions about 1066.

  • How to Organise a Norman Invasion Fleet

    You’ve ordered all your nobles and rich men to build your fleet of ships, but how many will you need? What supplies should you take and how on earth will you get the horses on board?

  • What happened at the Battle of Hastings?

    At dawn on Saturday 14 October 1066, two great armies prepared to fight for the throne of England. Read what happened at the most famous battle in English history.

  • The Foundation of Battle Abbey

    Battle Abbey was a memorial to William’s great victory – but it was also an act of penance. Find out why this great abbey was founded.

  • Stamford Bridge: The other Battle of 1066

    Discover more about the other battle of 1066. Much less well known – 19 days before a bloody battle took place at Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire.

  • The Weapons of 1066

    From the simple and affordable club to fine steel-bladed swords, we take a closer look at one of England's most famous battles and the weapons used by the Normans and Saxons.