Battle

William, in the days before he was ‘the Conqueror’ promised the Pope that, if he defeated King Harold he would build a religious centre on the place where he fell to atone for the loss of life. True to his word work started on Battle Abbey in 1070 and the lovely town of the same name grew up around it. You can take an inclusive audio-visual tour of the Abbey and battleground, which is run by English Heritage.

Nearby, Bodiam castle is as close to the traditional fairytale image of a castle as you can get. It is situated in the beautiful town of Bodiam and is just a bus ride from Hastings and gives a great view of the surrounds from its battlements.

Yesterday's World is a great place to learn about British history, it is an award winning visitors attraction that transports you back 100 years. With over 30 unusual displays dating from the reign of Queen Victoria and beyond.