Battle Abbey

Spent a couple of hours walking the battlefield and exploring the ruins of the Norman abbey. Audio tour very useful for orientating yourself. Staff very helpful, nice cafe and well stocked gift shop with all manner of mementos and on topic books.

We used the audio guide which enhanced an enjoyable visit to the abbey. They show a 10 min film in the visitor center which helps to understand the layout of the grounds and where the battle was fought. We thought the shop had a lot of nice items but was put off buying anything by the high prices. Dogs are allowed access to all areas.

We had a great visit. Plenty of information at the start and we used the audio guide for more info around the area. We were lucky to visit on a really sunny day. All the staff are so friendly and helpful. One of the top attractions I've been to in England. Highly recommend for a great day out!

Battle Abbey, brilliant! my husband has wanted to go there for ages! And we loved it! Very dog friendly, (although they have to be kept on the lead at all times as there are sheep along the walk). The walk is whatever pace you want it to be although its not recommended for wheelchair and mobility scooter users but there is a separate route which is the overseeing area where you can read exactly the same information boards as there are along the walk but you can look across to the battle ground from this area. There is a small play park for the kids, you can take your own picnic and sit at the picnic tables nearby....that's what we did or you can use the cafe. The circular stairs up to the museum areas can be a little tight and I wouldn't advise it if you have any mobility issues or struggle with normal stairs. My own legs ached from using them...but worth it if you can master them to see the view from the very top. The whole experience of the day for me was definitely not what I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it, if you are looking for somewhere relaxing, and know the children will enjoy learning about history in a fun way and you also have a furbaby, then this is definitely the place for you. XxX

Battle Abbey was built on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Managed by English Heritage, it's worth getting an annual membership for entry, and free parking nearby. (Use your membership card to validate the parking. The entrance to the site is through the main gate house. Once inside, you can see an independent school which uses some of the rebuilt buildings. There is a footpath made of small pebble chippings, and it's not too difficult to walk on. The footpath around the site is quite lengthy; however there are quite a number of benches along the longest section, so it's not too bad for those with reduced mobility. There is a great cafe, and an exhibition room just a short distance from the gatehouse. There are both inside and outside tables, excellent food and drink, and some very clean toilets. The footpath that runs along the rear of the site allows you to look down the hill towards the area where the Norman forces lined up before charging up the hill to attack the Saxon shield wall, just a short way back from the footpath. It looks quite steep, and it must have been an extremely challenging attack, even for fit and healthy soldiers. There are a number of buildings that were part of the Abbey that visitors can enter. Only a few have any information, but it's still worth exploring to help understand what life might have been like. It's also possible to see the site where it is believed an altar was constructed as part of the initial Abbey buildings, to commemorate the death of Harold Godwinson by William the Conqueror. I would advise asking for one of their audio guide units; they are very easy to use, and provide some really valuable insight that supplements the many signboard. I found it to be a truly interesting and enjoyable visit, despite the rather bad weather.

Came here without much expectations. And were suprised by the size of the grounds, all the buildings and all the things to discover. We've spent many hours here in the end. A real highlight on this years Road Trip through the UK. Parked right next to on the official carpark. Fixed price of 4£ was a fair deal (free for members). We bought tickets online before and there was next to no wait to enter. The Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, is one of the best-known events in England’s history, when William of Normandy defeated the army of King Harold of England. William the Conqueror founded Battle Abbey. The abbey thrived as a Benedictine monastery for over 400 years, and after its suppression in 1538 the abbot’s lodging was transformed into a grand country house. Exploring the Abbey is a great and fun thing to do. There's so much history to read and to take in here. You can go to the top as well, enjoying the views. Or go explore every corner there is - you might find the old toilet here as well (it's named "garderobe"). After enjoying history at the Abbey we walked on the grounds. Checking out the Ice and Dairy House, the King Harold and High Altar Memorial and the Crypt. And a quick look at the walled garden. Then went onto the Battelfield. If you don't have an audio guide, you still can read all the info plates along the way. Really well done and informative. And the walk around the battlefield is a pretty one. With some wildlife as well. We did have our Bulldog with (and a pet stroller) without problems. Just the first section has some steps, after that it's pretty stroller-friendly. Then in the end we've visited the old Abbey ruins. Again: very impressive architecture. We had a great day here. There's so much to see and to do. Of course there's also a shop, a restaurant, a food truck and toilets. Some games for kids as well. A fantastic visit. And surely not to be missed. A must-do.

Fantastic place, really well laid out with a fantastic audio tour. We visited on a slightly damp day so the ground was slightly muddy and the sheep on the field added some minor obstacles in the form of poo! You can cut that out by doing the short walk but the full battlefield tour is worth it if you can handle it Parking is pretty good and it's free for English Heritage/CSSE members (English Heritage members scan their card on way out/CSSE members get a receipt at the entrance to use) Cafe to the left of the entrance is great, lovely hot chocolate and latte! Toilets at the cafe are the only ones on site so go before you walk...or join the sheep al fresco!

What a great day out, learning about the Battle of Hastings and the awesome grounds of the estate. This is probably one of the best Historic England sites. We managed to have a giver tour with Rob who was an amazing guide. The guided tours are not advertised and cannot be booked. Unfortunately there is no information on when they will take place and you cannot call the site to ask. This is a real shame, we were just luck we arrived at 10am and found this tour was on.