Discover historic locations of the Battle of Hastings in England this autumn

• In 2026, Battle Abbey will host reenactments of the Battle of Hastings at Senlac Hill, starting at 2026.
• Bayeux Tapestry will be exhibited at the British Museum from 10 September to 11 July 2027, with the tapestries on display from 1 July.
• To mark the 1066 anniversary, Pevensey Castle will host reenactments of the events of the battle for children.

In England, you can visit historic sites, museums, and interactive formats for theater productions. Among the most famous are Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle, Dover Castle, Osborne, Hadrian’s Wall, Whitby Abbey, St Mawes Castle and Lindisfarne Priory, as well as many other locations connected with the events of 1066 across Sussex.

At Battle Abbey, where in 1066 William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II of England, visitors can learn about the battle and the Norman conquest through interactive exhibits. There are also opportunities to take part in reenactments, including a “sling bullet” demonstration in which visitors can learn how projectiles were hurled.

In 2026, the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and the 60th anniversary of the reconstruction that took place on the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings at Senlac Hill by Battle Abbey. The Bayeux Tapestry will also be brought to Britain for the first time in more than 900 years: it will be shown at the British Museum.

Battle Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded by William the Conqueror. The new visitor center features a museum with a new layout, as well as a new interactive display. The site offers a new educational program with a focus on the Norman conquest.

To commemorate the events of 1066, Pevensey, the Norman fortification, will be open from 28 September. Here you can visit Pevensey Castle: the visitor center may include a 1940 command bunker, accessible via a “roar of the fortress” tour called “Pevensey Castle Code.” There are also activities for children, including a “sling bullet” demonstration, and a walk through the castle grounds, with views across the English Channel.

Also worth exploring are the coastline, from Hastings, Bexhill and Rye, to the inland architecture. For those interested in Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR), which runs between Bodiam and Tenterden, there are also opportunities to visit Bodiam Castle and Great Dixter House.

One practical tip for those traveling from London to Hastings: Southeastern & Southern trains run directly to Hastings, with Battle Abbey just a short walk from the station. You can also take part in the reenactment of the Battle of Hastings: 10–11 October, from 10am to 5pm.

Tags: Culture/Europe