Battle of Hastings

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.

The programme for the next edition hasn’t been published yet. It goes up here as soon as the organiser releases it.

Last held at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE

Battle Abbey and battlefield, High Street, Battle, East Sussex (TN33 0AE), open 10:00-17:00 on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026. A British Sign Language meet-and-greet is held at the gatehouse entrance from 10:00-10:45 each day. Battle railway station is a 10-15 minute walk from the site. Event parking is on Powdermill Lane on a first come first served basis, and Blue Badge parking is in the normal Abbey Car Park. 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 GBP30 adult / GBP27 concession / GBP15 child / GBP75 two-adult family. British Sign Language battlefield tours and interpreters are available on both days.