London's British Museum has finally opened its doors to the highly anticipated Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, marking the 11th-century masterpiece's first return to the UK since it was crafted here nearly 1,000 years ago. Unsurprisingly for such a historic moment – tickets have already sold out for the first batch of bookable slots, with the next release, for 2027 visits, on October 21st. If you want a Bayeux fix before then, the good news is you can go right to the source and visit the places that inspired the tapestry, which is thought to have been woven by Anglo-Saxon embroiderers around the 1070s. From the Battle Abbey to some of the grounds themselves, there are plenty of attractions to visit in the UK that will give you a flavour of the iconic landmark.Here's our guide to visiting Hastings and the surrounding areas...Hastings Castle The Bayeux Tapestry has finally arrived in the UK! But it is not easy to get tickets to see it... Instead, head to England's south coast, where the battle depicted in the tapestry took place, and visit Hastings CastleExplore the remains of William the Conqueror's first Norman castle in England, overlooking the town forever linked with 1066. Hastings Castle in East Sussex is not just a historically significant site – it also has stunning views that overlook the English Channel, with Eastbourne, St Leonards-on-Sea and Hastings Old Town being visible from this spot.The ancient monument has plenty of activities, too. Enjoy guided history tours blending fact and folklore, as well as bird-watching and musical productions.Battle Abbey and Battlefield There is plenty of history to immerse yourself in at Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings Stand where one of the most famous battles in English history unfolded, on the site traditionally associated with the Battle of Hastings. From the chaos of 1066 to the beauty of a ruined abbey, there’s plenty to for the whole family to experience at Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.You can learn about how the bloody conflict took place with interactive displays in the visitor centre, then take an audio tour to walk the actual battlefield.The abbey was founded by William the Conqueror soon after the conquest, and is said to be on the exact spot where King Harold died, according to English Heritage.You can also take a look at its ruins then climb up to the gatehouse rooftop for panoramic views. Plus, this year on October 10 and 11, 2026, the Battle of Hastings re-enactment returns.Pevensey The English Heritage property Pevensey Castle was once the biggest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ fortresses Visit the coastal fortress near where William is said to have landed with his army in September 1066. The English Heritage property Pevensey Castle was once the biggest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ fortresses. It has impressive walls that span more than 500m. 'After centuries of abandonment, the ancient stronghold was pressed back into service in 1940, with machine gun posts cleverly camouflaged into its walls,' the official website says.Visiting with children? They can partake in the attempt to crack the Pevensey Castle Code, explore a dungeon and take a peek inside a medieval basement room.East Sussex coastline and Bexhill-on-Sea For visitors inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, it offers the perfect coastal base for stepping out of the museum and into the real 1066 landscape Tucked into the heart of 1066 Country on the Bexhill-on-Sea coastline, Cooden Beach sits within easy reach of the abbeys, castles and battlefields that shaped the Norman Conquest. For visitors inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, it offers the perfect coastal base for stepping out of the museum and into the real 1066 landscape.Chris Cooper from The Relais Cooden Beach hotel, located in this area, said: 'The Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK is not just a major exhibition, it is a chance for people to reconnect with the places where one of the most significant chapters in English history unfolded.'The rise in searches suggests visitors are already looking beyond the museum walls, with growing interest in the real 1066 landscapes of East Sussex, from Battle Abbey and Hastings to Pevensey and the surrounding coastline.'The 1066 Country Walk Hikers, listen up: you'll want to try out the 1066 Country Walk - pick sections of the 31-mile route, or amble the whole thing in a few daysFollow sections of the 31-mile route connecting Pevensey, Battle and Rye, tracing the landscapes linked to the conquest.It's relatively easy, and has been improved with new signage, information panels, benches and sculptures.Parts of the walk pass through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a typical medieval landscape.Expect rolling hills and valleys, marshes, ancient woodland, picturesque towns, quaint villages, churches, and plenty of cosy pubs and cafés along the way.