Tickets

Do I need to pre-book tickets?

The Battle of Hastings is by far our most popular event of the year, and on occasion tickets for the event have sold out. We strongly recommend pre-booking to avoid possible disappointment on the day.

Can I book over the phone?

Unfortunately, we’re unable to take bookings over the telephone at the moment.

How will my tickets arrive?

Your ticket will be emailed to you at the time of booking. Make sure you check your junk folder if the email does not arrive shortly after booking.

Is there a member's discount?

Yes, English Heritage members will receive a discounted ticket price. If you are a member please remember to bring your English Heritage Membership card with you.

I am a life member of English Heritage. Do I still need a ticket?

Life members and up to one guest (one adult or two children) enjoy free entry to the event and do not need to book in advance. Please remember to bring your membership card with you on the day. 

Is there a concessions or senior citizen’s price?

We offer concession tickets with a further discount to senior citizens and those holding a valid student card. There are also free tickets for carers and essential companions. Essential Companion tickets are for a person accompanying a disabled visitor who will benefit from assistance during their visit, and are only available in conjunction with paid tickets.

Do children need to pay?

Children under the age of 5 are free of charge. Tickets are needed for those aged 5-17 years. Persons aged 18 and over pay the adult price.

What happens if I cannot attend?

Unfortunately, due to the high demand for tickets, they are non-refundable and not interchangeable.

Will refunds be offered if the event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions?

If English Heritage has to cancel the event before the advertised start time, then full refunds will be offered.

I am a member of CADW/Historic Scotland/CSSC. Can I attend for free?

English Heritage corporate members, holders of OVP passes, CSSC members and English Heritage non-working staff are welcome to attend at the same rate as English Heritage members. Please select an Associated Organisation ticket.

I am a stallholder/re-enactor and wish to take part in the event. Who do I speak to?

The re-enactment is performed by selected groups who we work with during the event, and we are not able to accommodate individual re-enactors. If you are a member of a re-enactment group and wish to take part, your group leader/co-ordinator will need to contact our events team to discuss your group taking part. If you are a stall holder and wish to have a stall at the event, you will also need to contact our events team. Please send all such enquiries to events.team@english-heritage.org.uk

Parking and Accessibility

Will there be car parking?

Due to heavy rainfall throughout this week, unfortunately the field parking at the Battle of Hastings event this weekend will not be available to ensure the safety of visitors and their vehicles. Paid for parking is available in the town with an additional charge, and we encourage travelling by public transport where possible. The Abbey carpark will continue to be reserved for Blue Badge holders and others with access needs.

Because of the volume of visitors to the event, we strongly recommend you consider using public transport. Battle Abbey is served by Battle train station with good connections to Hastings, Kent and London. If arriving by train, make sure you access the site via the normal gatehouse entrance. The station is roughly a 15-minute walk from the event site. 

I am a coach driver. Where can I park?

Coach parking is available and is located at the top of the town in the Rother District Coach Park, off Market Road to the north of Battle High Street. Approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the abbey. Currently, Rother Council makes no charge for coach parking, which provides spaces for up to 8 coaches for a maximum duration of 5 hours.

Will I be able to park in the standard Abbey car park?

During the event the Abbey car park will be reserved for Blue Badge holders and others with access needs.

What you can see and do at the Battle of Hastings

What is the start/end time of the event?

The start time is 10am and the end time is 5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day to enjoy the full programme of activities and entertainments that we’ve prepared for the day.

How long is the event?

We have planned a full day of entertainment, shows, activities and displays for the Battle of Hastings. We recommend planning for a full day out.

What time is the battle?

The headline re-enactment is normally held in the afternoon of the event. We would not recommend aiming to attend for only the re-enactment, as you will miss out on many of the other spectacular displays and activities we have planned and will still pay the same admission charge. 

Can I pay by card?

Yes, you will be able to pay by card throughout the event, however there can be poor signal in the field, which can slow down the payment process. In case of these situations, we also recommend bringing some cash if possible.

What can I see and do at the Battle of Hastings?

Our event will bring the story of 1066 to life. As well as the entire historic battlefield, the Abbey gatehouse and visitor centre exhibitions will be open as usual for you to enjoy. In addition to all you can normally see at Battle Abbey, two large groups depicting the Norman and Saxon forces will be encamped on the battlefield for you to explore, giving a taste of life in an 11^th century army. During the day, there will be several impressive arena displays including historic falconry and cavalry horsemanship. Children can learn sword skills at our sword school, practice their equestrian abilities with cavalry training, and listen to dramatic stories from 1066. There will also be have-a-go archery, musical performances, talks on the importance of archers at the Battle of Hastings, and falconry displays. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the great spectacle of the headline battle display, where two armies containing over 300 re-enactors will recreate the Battle of Hastings. 

Can I pick up a souvenir?

We offer a wide range of 1066 themed souvenirs and unique gifts in our English Heritage outlets located in the Gatehouse Shop, Battlefield shop and next to our children’s arena. We stock a wide range of products; from children’s dress-up to Battle Abbey-specific items. You can also sample a selection of delicious wines and meads. You can pick up a unique, themed, souvenir of the event at one of the many Medieval traders who will be attending the event located along the track way at the top of the battlefield near the abbey.

Can I film the event?

You are more than welcome to film the event for personal use, however filming for commercial use is not allowed without prior permission. The use of drones for filming or photography is also not allowed.

Are all activities included in the ticket price?

All of the site and event activities are included in the ticket price, with the exception of our shield painting activity which carries a small charge.

Food and Drink

Will there be food and drink?

There will be a wide range of food and drink available across the site including 9 EH run cafes and pops up food stalls serving everything from a quality cup of barista coffee to ice creams and our exclusively brewed English Heritage Craft Lager, and from a sausage roll, jacket potato or a sandwich to RSPCA assured pulled pork or beef, award winning vegan & pork hot dogs or spicy chicken or mushroom flatbreads. Not forgetting our amazing range of sweet treats including Saxon and Norman Cakes both made onsite taking inspiration from historical recipes.  We also pride ourselves on offering quality food for all so if you have any allergen or dietary requirements let our team know as where possible Vegan & GF alternatives will be available for all menu options as a minimum.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, and if you’ve forgotten to pack anything there are various options on site.

Weather

What happens if it is raining?

Please come prepared! We recommend that you bring warm clothing and footwear for the outdoors and autumn weather. Unless the weather is severe enough to present a safety issue, the event will go ahead as normal.

If the rain or any extreme weather conditions presents a safety issue, notification of cancellation will be made on www.english-heritage.org.uk website, Facebook and Twitter. Those who have booked in advance will also be contacted on the email they booked with. Please contact customer services by clicking here.

Other Questions

Is site re-entry allowed?

Yes, you will be able to re-enter the event, please keep your ticket(s) with you and show them to the admissions team on re-entry.

Are dogs allowed into the event?

Dogs on leads are welcome at the event. Owners should bear in mind that the event will be busy, often with noisy activities. Please ensure you pick up any mess left behind by your dog.

Can I bring a chair?

There is limited seating available at the arena. Visitors are welcome to bring their own low-backed picnic seating or blankets to sit on.

If you have any other questions, please read English Heritage’s general FAQs or contact customer service.