The Battle of Hastings may have put the seaside East Sussex town on the map, but the 1066 conflict – which changed the course of English history – was fought seven miles inland, where the ancient town of Battle now stands.
After his success in the bloody clash, William the Conqueror built an abbey on the site and, today, visitors flock to its remains. Now run by English Heritage, the abbey is the centrepiece of this buzzy market town, with its gatehouse rising above quiet streets lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional old pubs.
The town comes alive at the end of May with the Battle Medieval Fayre. There’s also a traditional May Queen parade and coronation ceremony.
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In July, the month-long Battle Festival brings together a mix of internationally acclaimed artists and musicians and local talent, while a popular farmers’ market takes place on the third Saturday of each month.
