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Walk around Battle

1.86 miles (3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This fascinating East Sussex town is a fine place to explore on foot. As well as its historical sites there are also fine trails into the surrounding countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This walk around the town visits Battle Abbey, the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The area is run by English Heritage and includes the battlefield trail and the Harold stone, which marks the spot where King Harold fell. There's also a walled garden, visitor centre and the gatehouse exhibition where you can learn all about the history surrounding the event. You can climb to the top of the gatehouse for excellent views over the area too.
The 1066 Country Walk passes through the town. The waymarked footpath follows in the steps of William the Conqueror, additionally visiting Pevensey Castle and Herstmonceux Castle. It's a great way of exploring the area while visiting more major historical highlights on the way.

Postcode

TN33 0AE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Battle OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Battle Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Kings Head is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. It's the oldest pub in the town and dates back to the 15th century. The pub has a charming interior and outdoor seating for warmer days. You can find them on Mount Street with a postcode of TN33 0EG for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

Dogs are allowed in all of the outdoor areas of the abbey. You are asked to please keep them on leads. The King's Head mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

You could pick up the 1066 country walk - Bexhill Link from the town. This will take you south to Fore Wood Nature Reserve, Crowshurt and the seaside town of Bexhill.
For more walking ideas in the area see the High Weald Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Battle Abbey, across the battlefield

The Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066 at this location: the English position was on top of the hill where the Abbey later stood, and the Normans approximately where the photographer is standing.

Battle Abbey. - geograph.org.uk - 410362

Battle Abbey. Seen from the Norman side of the battle looking up the hill towards the position of the English troops.

Battle Abbey, Harold memorial - geograph.org.uk - 560749

Harold memorial. This monument to King Harold was given by the people of Normandy in 1903. It is near the spot where Harold supposedly fell in the Battle of Hastings. Battle's parish church, which is on the other side of the A2100 behind the hedge, can be seen in the background.

Battle, St. Martin's Abbey gatehouse - geograph.org.uk - 558698

The gatehouse of Battle Abbey dominates the bottom of the High Street.

St. Mary's Church, Battle - geograph.org.uk - 424691

St. Mary's Church. Reputed to be within an arrow's flight of where King Harold fell. The blue sign on the left records that the town is twinned with St. Valery-sur-Somme, the French port from which William the Conqueror launched his invasion.

Battle, Bull Ring - geograph.org.uk - 560488

Battle: Bull Ring. Bull Ring is the town square at the bottom of the High Street, as seen here from the first floor of the abbey gatehouse which dominates its south side.

Battle Abbey, dormitory range - geograph.org.uk - 560732

Dormitory range. The dormitory area of the abbey is the most complete ruin of the abbey.

Battle, trig point and view - geograph.org.uk - 558667

Trig point and view. This viewpoint is located at Caldbec Hill to the north of the abbey. It makes for a nice extension to the walk. There are nice views over the town and the abbey from here. There's also a windmill at this pleasant elevated open space.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Battle.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Battle.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)