1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield

19th July 2011, 15:35

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Step into the Heart of Battle

1066 is the one date in English history which stands out above all others. Visit 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield , site of the Battle of Hastings, where the course of England’s history changed forever nearly one thousand years ago.

Discover the very place where it all happened.  Relive the fateful day when the English army was conquered by William and his invading Normans and King Harold was killed by a legendary arrow through his eye as depicted in the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

This award-winning attraction takes you to the heart of the battle action, via interactive exhibits and a fascinating audio tour.  

Within the vast grounds, slow the pace down to explore the haunting ruins of the abbey built as penance for the bloody fight.  Walk around the now-peaceful battlefield and enjoy the serenity of the picturesque lily ponds carefully tended by English Heritage.  Stay awhile over a cup of coffee on the café terrace overlooking the great medieval gatehouse.  This houses an informative museum, and before you go don’t forget to climb the ancient spiral staircase to take a peek.

During the summer holidays there are children’s events and activities every day.  Make the most of summer and let your little army get stuck in and get hands on with history.

Time Travellers Go… events – EVERY WEEKEND IN AUGUST

Time Travellers Go…Normans & Saxons, Sat 6 & Sun 7 Aug
Step inside a world of Saxons and Normans and take part in the Battle of Hastings for kids.

Time Travellers Go…Discoveries & Inventions, Sat 13 & Sun 14 Aug
Journey back through the ages to discover some of the world’s most interesting inventions.

Time Travellers Go…Gruesome, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Aug
Discover the horrible side of history with hands-on activities for children.

Time Travellers Go…Archaeology, Sat 27 – Bank Hol Mon 29 Aug
Become Indiana Jones for the day! Dig up artefacts for yourself and take
part in the ancient tomb obstacle course and archaeology quest.

Trails and Quests – EVERY DAY IN AUGUST

Follow clues around the site and discover, explore, enjoy…

Norman and Saxon Quest,    Mon 1 – Sun 7 August
Discoveries & Inventions Quest,    Mon 8 – Sun 14 August
Gruesome Quest,    Mon 15 – Sun 21 August
Archaeology Quest,    Mon 22 – Bank Hol Mon 29 August

Complimentary family-focused guided tours of the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, daily from Sat 23 July to Bank Hol Mon 29 Aug.

Falconry Folklore, Sat 3 – Sun 4 September

For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/1066 or call 01424 775 705.