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 an adult guest or up to two children (under 18) enjoy free entry to the event, however, do still need to reserve a ticket owing to the capacity of the event in the event of tickets selling out.

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. Enter the promo code given by your member organisation on the checkout page. Just bring proof of your corporate partnership membership when you visit.

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

The 2025 Battle of Hasting event is now closed for new bookings of performers, re-enactors and stall holders. If you are interested in participating and/or trading at future events please contact our event team on events.team@english-heritage.org.uk 

Parking and Accessibility

Will there be car parking?

Car parking will be available in special event parking located on Powdermill lane. Please follow road signage leading to the event parking fields. It is necessary to walk between the event parking and the site, please follow the directions from our car parking team and event signage. Your booking is for the event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge if you are required to park off site in a public car park.

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, so please do not attempt to enter via Powdermill lane, as this road will be very busy and there is no pavement.

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. There are spaces for up to 8 coaches approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the abbey. Currently, Rother Council charge £10.00 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.

Will there be food and drink?

There will be huge range of hot and cold food and drinks. On the Battlefield, there will be tasty rolls filled with pulled pork, beef or smoked mushrooms; award winning pork and vegan hotdogs; rustic flatbreads with a variety of fillings and classics such as jacket potatoes and sausage rolls. The 1066 Café in the Visitor Centre will be serving barista coffee and cream teas, pastries, soup, salad and sandwiches.

Hot and cold drinks are available, and you can also pick up tasty, sweet treats like traditional Saxon cakes, muffins and traybakes. You can also try our delicious soft scoop ice cream and toast your own giant marshmallows. Hot and cold drinks are available from various locations, including locally brewed beers from the Battlefield bar.

Vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten free options are available from all English Heritage catering outlets, and we provide a range of choices for children.
Seating is available inside and outside the 1066 Café and there is limited covered seating on the Battlefield.

Can I bring a picnic?

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

Can I pay by card?

Yes, you will be able to pay by card throughout the event, however there can be low signals in the field, which can slow down the payment process. In these situations, we also welcome cash payments for speedy transactions. 

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

Our event will bring the story of 1066 to life. You can meet the Normans and Saxons camped on the Battlefield and immerse yourself in their world. Don’t miss the cavalry and infantry practicing their moves and stunning falconry displays in the main arena. There will also be storytelling and medieval music throughout the day.

There are plenty of have-a-go activities just for children. You can explore the abbey ruins, climb to the top of the abbey gatehouse for panoramic views and learn about the background to 1066 in the Visitor Centre Exhibition.

In the afternoon, it’s time to enjoy the spectacle of the headline battle when hundreds of Norman and Saxon armies clash in an epic encounter to 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.

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.

Weather

What happens if it is raining?

Please come prepared! The battlefield contains some very uneven ground and steep slopes so may also be wet and muddy. We recommend that you bring warm clothing and footwear with good grip for the outdoors and autumn weather. Unless the weather is severe enough to present a safety issue, the event will go ahead as normal. There are gravel pathways and a suggested route for visitors shown in the guidebook and site leaflet.

If the rain or any extreme weather conditions presents a safety issue, notification of cancellation will be made on the English Heritage website, Facebook and Twitter. Those who have booked in advance will also be contacted on the email they booked with. 

All 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 services.