Hastings Abbey Churches

There's one date in English history that everyone knows 1066, the year the invading Normans defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings. Visit Battle and explore the historic battlefield and the ruins of the abbey that William the Conqueror later built to atone for the bloodshed of the Norman Conquest. You can even stand on the exact spot where tradition says King Harold fell.

Today, a substantial portion of the abbey buildings remains, but little of the early Norman structure. Best preserved and most impressive of all is the Great Gatehouse, built c. 1338, the finest of all surviving medieval abbey entrances.

There's also an exhibition, 'The Prelude to Battle', a children's themed outdoor play area, a battlefield and abbey audio tour and a superb gift shop. Concerts take place at the site too; for more details, please call 01424 775705.

Access to buildings: Steps to enter every building of the abbey. Access to 'Prelude to Battle' exhibition via a ramp. Access around site via gravel pathways avoiding steps and is often on slopes. Suggested route for visitors with limited mobility in guide book and site leaflet.

Battlefield: Very rough ground. May be viewed from Lower Terrace.