Battle Abbey and Battlefield
Battle Abbey and Battlefield
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Stand at the centre of where England's future was fought. Imagine and discover the stories unfold, brought to life in the exhibition and in audio as you follow the footsteps of the Norman & Saxon soldiers. Watch the compelling film about the Norman invasion, then plan your own attack on the country's most famous battlefield. See the new wood carved sculpture trail around the battlefield, experience the stunning 360 views from the new rooftop viewing platforms, and take your time to explore the monastic ruins. For kids we now also have a new kids natural play area, and a fun kids trail. Make sure you experience the atmosphere for yourself.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Nomad33873713061Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom8 contributionsWell worth a visitA great family day out. Lots to see and do. Individual audio guides were very useful and informative although we did have some problems with it initially, overall they were very good. A good mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. The battlefield trail with carved wooden sculptures was an enjoyable walk and not too long. Just a pity that a couple of the sculptures were damaged, which was a real shame. Car parking charges were very reasonable and a wander around the town is also worthwhile to explore some nice eateries.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- JanC377Basingstoke, United Kingdom323 contributionsExceeded expectationsThis was so much better than expected - enhanced by some Halloween activities. There was an excellent welcome from a knight ( great role play) and the ruins were much bigger than we thought . We had taken our 5 year old grandchild as she’s studying 1066 and have to say the visitor centre was amazing . We all watched the video and it was informative and kept all the children viewing it engaged . I’m a retired primary teacher and would definitely visit here with a class if I was local . The walk to the battle field takes you past figures of knights etc. All volunteers /employees were friendly and the cafe was reasonably priced with good range prices of food . A great morning outVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 1, 2023
- Heyer100Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom171 contributionsHoliday cottage at 1066 battlefieldWe have visited this site before and this year decided to stay in South Lodge, a cottage on the site of the 1066 battle of Hastings. Unfortunately the extremely wet weather prevented us from exploring the Battlefield Walk. However, South Lodge was a delight. Clean, cosy and beautifully equipped - we had a lovely stay. The broadband is a little sketchy, but everything else was great. The welcome hamper was comprehensive and most enjoyable.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 13, 2023
- juliaandadam123Ashford, United Kingdom1,934 contributionsBattle walk always shut?We’ve visited Battle Abbey a number of times over the years at various times of the year, in various months/seasons. We’ve never yet been able to walk the Battle Walk as it always has a sign on the gate saying it’s closed due to the weather. This is disappointing as we’d love to be able to get down to the far end of the site. I understand at this time of year, particularly as we’ve had a lot of rain lately, but I hope one summer we manage to visit when it is finally reopened. Plenty of room to explore the site and lots on information available. Facilities are good too.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- Laura C7 contributionsGreat afternoon outExcellent place to visit as a family. I was a bit worried we'd pay the entrance and we'd walk around a field but it was so much more. The audio tour really helped to set the scene and lead the way and we would really recommend. The children loved these too. Exhibition in visitor centre was interesting. Cafe was lovely and the children loved the small but different playpark. All the staff working about were very helpful, friendly and welcoming. An afternoon well spent.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 5, 2024
- Steve P4 contributionsKing Harold's Battle Abby .Been to Battle Abby every year since 1979 . October . To re-visit , King Harold's marker . 😪😔 . A sad day for Saxon England . Its a Great day out for the whole family . A memorable experience .Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten April 21, 2024
- knittermomAuburn, Alabama396 contributionsWalk into historyArrived late in the day due to lots of detours and was greeted by charming staff, with a site volunteer offering to give us a private guided tour. Chris was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and we saw all the important parts plus some hidden gems and finished just as the shop was closing. Fortunately the weather was lovely as it is all outdoors. Being an English Heritage pass holder gets free admission and parking.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- Katie BBristol, United Kingdom13 contributionsLovely placeReally enjoyed our visit. It was a lovely sunny day and it was delightful to walk around the grounds and the battlefield. Sat in the walled garden in the shade for a bit enjoying the birdsong. The exhibitions, the old buildings and the ruins was fascinating to look around. Loved theVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 17, 2024
- Nicola C3 contributionsHistory in the making!Went during half term with the kids to learn some history as we heard a lot about the Bayeaux Tapestry but never visited Battle. There is the Abbey, Gatehouse and The actual battlefield! This is an English Heritage site and is free for members. I have to say we were pleasantly surprised as there was quite a bit to do, the exhibition, the Abbey, the walk round the Battlefield and there were events run by EH during the day! We also went on the day the town outside was doing a medieval fayre _ activities for the kids and craft stores. A lovely day out!Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten May 28, 2024
- TessiettBrisbane, Australia302 contributionsExcellently portrayed.Wow. This is an excellent overall glimpse into what moulded England and a few others of us. As per usual the audio in a heritage site is totally fantastic. Do go the whole battle walk if you can as fantastically informative and will not disappoint. The whole experience is well worth it. Highly recommend. Good clean toilets and good cafe.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,217 reviews
Excellent
1,275
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143
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20
mandkandkids
Bradford, UK78 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We visited on Wednesday 7th October. You need to pre-book because of Covid. There are no audioguides at the moment but you can download a tour onto your phone near the gate. We did the full battlefield tour and a couple of our phones lost internet connection which was an issue for the phone guide. We enjoyed our visit. The visitors centre is closed but the toilets are open and cafe for take away/eat outside, very reasonable prices.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindylou146
Plymouth, UK1,282 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We managed to get half price tickets with our M&S Sparks card (search online) so only paid £6.55 each. Parking for all day was £4 . For the price we paid it was well worth the visit. We took the longer walk round the battlefield and it would have been nice if there had been some seats as it took nearly an hour. Also we felt it was difficult to imagine Williams army at the bottom of the field as on the whole you couldn’t see passed the trees etc. We had the free audio tour which was interesting. The film in the visitors centre was good too. There was a bit of a climb up and down the towers in the gatehouse with a view from the top and several exhibitions on the way! The cafe was ok for snacks and drinks….we had courgette and broccoli soup with a chunk of sourdough bread for £5.45 each. Toilets were quite good and clean. Mask wearing was sporadic inside even though it was requested! Dogs were allowed throughout the site but it wouldn’t be easy taking a pushchair or wheelchair around the battlefield walk . We spent 4 hours there and that included a coffee and lunch stop.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZBH88
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1,167 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
We had a really fun day out at battle abbey and nearly all parts were open. You can get a buggy/wheelchair around all of the ground level but obviously not the upper levels. I would say you need a good 3 hours to properly go around everything and have a good look. There's a small kids play area onsite near the toilets and cafe and there's parking (free for member) just 2 minutes away. The phone scan guide was well worth getting and I'd recommend it whilst you're there.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We had no trouble parking, there were many spaces available- £4.00! We arrived at 11:30 for a talk from a very interesting speaker named Tim about the history surrounding the battle of Hastings. We felt safe in the way that they had organised the one way system and managed toilet queue for the toilets. We downloaded the listening app where we could hear commentary about the history of parts of the abbey. We were amazed at the café prices due to the eat out to help out scheme! We had a great day as a family (2 adults 1 teenager) Would definitely recommend!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duncan Sansom
Horsebridge, UK151 contributions
Oct 2020
Our 7 year has been learning about 1066 at school, so we decided to visit the battlefield one weekend in October. The booking was very simple on the internet, we arrived at our allocated time and received a warm welcome, the walk round the battlefield was very good with the timber sculptures and information boards (there was also an audio accompaniment but we didn't use this). Due to covid the indoor exhibition was closed so I though the cost at approx. £40 with parking for a family of 4 was a little expensive. We were going to stop for a cup of tea and cake but the indoor restaurant seating was closed with very limited outdoor seating available, so we left. Overall a good morning out with some education for the kids
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atlanshia
Rochester, UK118 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We came for a visit today after climbing the walls in lockdown and the small human developing a renewed love of history through horrible histories while off school. We booked our place and came expecting it to be busy. It wasn’t, social distancing rules in place although staff as helpful as always, cafe and toilets with a queuing system, and picnic tables available to sit at, which were disinfected after use. We walked around the gardens, and saw all the wooden sculptures which are amazing. It’s exceptionally moving to learn from the boards as you walk around and realise what happened where you stood.
The sheep were lovely to see and watch. Mums with bigger babies and they graze around you.
Was a lovely afternoon out on our home school adventure!
The sheep were lovely to see and watch. Mums with bigger babies and they graze around you.
Was a lovely afternoon out on our home school adventure!
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JTent
London12 contributions
Aug 2020
We've been to Battle Abbey and Battlefield a number of times over the years. It's actually very nice going with a few less people around as you get the opportunity to stop and ponder.
Queuing for the toilets is a bit lengthy so if you have kids you may want to get in line early than you think necessary...
Picnics are encouraged - the cafe is great but, again, you need to queue. You can eat at picnic tables or on the battlefield/abbey grass.
There were a few talks going on whilst we were there - good to see them starting up again as they help a lot in understanding the site and the history behind the battle.
The only annoyance (and the reason why English Heritage got a four instead of five star review) is that an app is mentioned on their website and at the A board just before you enter Battle Abbey. The app is supposed to replace the audio headsets which you can't use at the moment due to Covid-19.
The only problem is that the app only works on older versions of android phones. We tried to download the day before we went and the app wouldn't open.
On the app site there are a lot of complaints mentioning Battle Abbey. I mentioned it to the woman at the ticket desk. She told me they were aware of it and had been pestering the app site to update (the last update was in 2016 so obviously newer phones can't pick up the correct link).
Now, once you're inside the Abbey grounds there is a board with a QR scan which downloads the audio on the newer phones. BUT, that information isn't on the A boards at the front, nor is it mentioned on the website. So you spend a frustrating time trying to download an app that English Heritage knows won't work on newer android phones. A simple 'if this link doesn't work, it may be that your phone is a newer version. A QR scan is available at the site for you to download on the day' would save a lot of frustration. If you know about the problem, English Heritage, either tell us the alternative or get it sorted out. The complaints on the app download site date back to January so this isn't a new thing!
Other than that, a lovely day out at a lovely site.
Queuing for the toilets is a bit lengthy so if you have kids you may want to get in line early than you think necessary...
Picnics are encouraged - the cafe is great but, again, you need to queue. You can eat at picnic tables or on the battlefield/abbey grass.
There were a few talks going on whilst we were there - good to see them starting up again as they help a lot in understanding the site and the history behind the battle.
The only annoyance (and the reason why English Heritage got a four instead of five star review) is that an app is mentioned on their website and at the A board just before you enter Battle Abbey. The app is supposed to replace the audio headsets which you can't use at the moment due to Covid-19.
The only problem is that the app only works on older versions of android phones. We tried to download the day before we went and the app wouldn't open.
On the app site there are a lot of complaints mentioning Battle Abbey. I mentioned it to the woman at the ticket desk. She told me they were aware of it and had been pestering the app site to update (the last update was in 2016 so obviously newer phones can't pick up the correct link).
Now, once you're inside the Abbey grounds there is a board with a QR scan which downloads the audio on the newer phones. BUT, that information isn't on the A boards at the front, nor is it mentioned on the website. So you spend a frustrating time trying to download an app that English Heritage knows won't work on newer android phones. A simple 'if this link doesn't work, it may be that your phone is a newer version. A QR scan is available at the site for you to download on the day' would save a lot of frustration. If you know about the problem, English Heritage, either tell us the alternative or get it sorted out. The complaints on the app download site date back to January so this isn't a new thing!
Other than that, a lovely day out at a lovely site.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluejonny
Southampton, UK135 contributions
Aug 2021
One of the most historically important parts of the UK, where the course of English heritage was changed forever. The old Abbey is beautiful and well presented, with plenty of stairs to climb and areas to explore.
The old gatehouse where you first come in is just as well presented, and you can climb up to the top to get views across the old town of Battle. Inside there are plenty of artefacts to view and learn about, whilst the children will have fun finding the little nooks and crannies to explore.
It's well worth grabbing the audio tour and walking around the old battlefield, getting a real sense of the battle and what happened. It's really informative and atmospheric and certainly gives you a perspective of the Battle of 1066.
The only reason for awarding 4 out 5, rather than the full 5 is the fact that it has a very expensive entrance price and that the school inside the boundary wall is out of bounds.
The old gatehouse where you first come in is just as well presented, and you can climb up to the top to get views across the old town of Battle. Inside there are plenty of artefacts to view and learn about, whilst the children will have fun finding the little nooks and crannies to explore.
It's well worth grabbing the audio tour and walking around the old battlefield, getting a real sense of the battle and what happened. It's really informative and atmospheric and certainly gives you a perspective of the Battle of 1066.
The only reason for awarding 4 out 5, rather than the full 5 is the fact that it has a very expensive entrance price and that the school inside the boundary wall is out of bounds.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David K
Worthing, UK1,506 contributions
Oct 2021
Got off at Battle station and walked 10 mins to site, Where i was greeted by a lovely lady who showed me what to see and do, Paid £14 per adult to get in (Oct 2021 prices) and with my map & Audio Guide i took off to Battle. I first visited the Tower and climbed up to the top and got great views of the Sussex countryside and as you go up you can visit a couple of floors with information on how the monks lived and worked at the Abbey. I then started my Long walk(There is a short walk as well ) round the battlefield stopping every time i came to a information board to use my audio guide, Fascinating how William used a clever tactic to break the English defence, It was hilly and muddy but well worth actually seeing battlefield and what condition's were like, As i made my way nearer the Abbey i went to see the Walled garden. Got back to the main entrance and visited the Visitors Centre where you can watch a short film about the battle and see many artifacts on show. Next to it was the cafe and the toilets. 1066 was a pivotal moment in English history and to actually see the battlefield was a tremendous privilege, Well worth a visit .
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK--Missy
37 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I throughly enjoyed my morning at Battle Abbey. It's a great historical site and the whole site, including the cafe, is dog friendly. ♡
The day started with extremely friendly staff at the entrance. They provided a recommend route, which I found very useful.
I watched a short video in the purpose built theatre which explained some of the history of why the battle took place and also the strategies that won and lost on the day. Following on from that, I went up the tower where there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and then a stroll around the grounds.
The only disappointment for me was that the 'long walk' around the battle field was closed due to poor conditions as the weather was bad. However, there are great views as you walk along the terrace so I didn't really miss out too much.
I has the audio tour and think this complimented the information boards so would recommend getting this if you are visiting.
After my walk it was on the the cafe for a coffee where yet again the staff was super friendly.
Great day out for me. I loved it!
The day started with extremely friendly staff at the entrance. They provided a recommend route, which I found very useful.
I watched a short video in the purpose built theatre which explained some of the history of why the battle took place and also the strategies that won and lost on the day. Following on from that, I went up the tower where there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and then a stroll around the grounds.
The only disappointment for me was that the 'long walk' around the battle field was closed due to poor conditions as the weather was bad. However, there are great views as you walk along the terrace so I didn't really miss out too much.
I has the audio tour and think this complimented the information boards so would recommend getting this if you are visiting.
After my walk it was on the the cafe for a coffee where yet again the staff was super friendly.
Great day out for me. I loved it!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We may not be able to arrive before 5 pm. I presume we can see the battlefield even after the visitor center closes? Is anything else accessible after 5 pm?
Written May 3, 2023
No, the only route in is via the gatehouse. There are no public footpaths across the site. The nearest you would be able to get is following the 1066 Country Walk, part of which goes round the extreme northern & western edges of the estate.
Written May 23, 2023
Are dogs still welcome at Battle Abbey?
Written May 24, 2021
Sorry for later answer, I’m not sure I didn’t see any dogs there during our visit.
Written June 28, 2021
How much is it to enter? We are adults.
Can you just wander as you please without a guide?
Written April 24, 2019
The price is on the website apologies I can’t recall as we are members and didn’t need to pay. You can take an audio guide and wander yourself. You can also do it without the audio guide but a lot of the details are in the audio guide - more than what’s written on the plaques at certain sections. We would certainly not have enjoyed as much without the guided information an re-enacted sounds.
Written April 24, 2019
Agree, definitely get there early. The car park gets very full
Written April 18, 2019
My wife uses an electric wheelchair although on arrival they suggested that she used their all terrain buggy. She was able to get to the abbey and shop but not the battle site which follows a path through the woods and open land but not suited to disabled as there are steps and slopes involved.
Written August 5, 2018
Is there (double) pushchair access throughout the attraction? If not is there somewhere I can leave it safely? Thanks
Written September 5, 2017
Hi there Anna, the top half of the battlefield walk, comprising a shingle path, is accessible to pushchairs and takes around 40 minutes. The bottom half of the battlefield walk includes steps so may be more difficult to navigate with a buggy. We do not have a specific buggy park, however some parents do leave their pushchairs at the gatehouse before setting off on their walk. Possessions would be left at your own risk. Hope this helps! ^Matt
Written September 5, 2017
pekem0m
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Are there any additional restrictions for bringing Dogs on leads to the Reenactment Weekend in October?
Written September 4, 2017
Hi there, dogs on leads are allowed on site. With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed in the gatehouse.
Written September 5, 2017
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