Battle of Hastings, 960th Anniversary

Each October, English Heritage restages the 1066 Battle of Hastings on the battlefield beside Battle Abbey, the abbey William the Conqueror founded to mark his victory over King Harold. The 2026 event, marking the battle's 960th anniversary, fields more than 500 costumed combatants as Saxon and Norman forces clash across the historic ground, framed by military encampments recreating everyday life in 1066. The weekend also brings falconry displays, a costumed retelling of the Bayeux Tapestry, live music, a sword school for children and a family-friendly mock battle.

Battle Abbey and battlefield, Battle, East Sussex (TN33 0AD), open 10:00-17:00 on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, with a meet-and-greet at the gatehouse from 10:00-11:00 each day. Battle railway station is a short walk from the abbey gatehouse. Advance tickets cost GBP24 adult / GBP21 concession / GBP12 child (5-17) / GBP36 one-adult family / GBP60 two-adult family, with English Heritage members getting a discount; tickets bought on the day cost around 15% more. British Sign Language battlefield tours and interpreters are available on both days.