Battle Abbey
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Battle
What it’s like
Ruins to climb, a battlefield to walk and a gatehouse rooftop with views over the whole site.
This is the site of the 1066 battle, and it shows you that story properly. Kids can climb the gatehouse to a rooftop view over the grounds, poke round an exhibition with armour, weapons and a film, then follow a family trail out across the actual battlefield. There's a walled garden and an ice house to investigate too, plus a playground built around the site's history, so the smaller ones aren't just trailing round after everyone else.
It suits a good range of ages because there's proper history for the ones who want it and enough space and playground to keep younger children moving. The gravel paths do have steep slopes in places, so it's not the easiest site for a standard wheelchair or a determined toddler pushing their own buggy.
You're in from 10am to 5pm daily, last entry at 4pm, and it's not free, though the ticket lasts all day. Booking isn't required, but doing it online by midnight the day before saves you 15% against turning up and paying on the day. The café does light lunches and seats 50 inside and 35 out, and picnics are welcome on the grounds if you'd rather bring your own.
If you're driving a coach, there's nowhere to park it on site. The nearest coach park is about a 10 minute walk away, which is worth knowing before you commit a school group to the visit.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Good for school-age history fans, though under-fives have the playground too
- Last entry
- 4pm
- Booking
- Book online by midnight the day before for 15% discount
- Food
- Battle Abbey Café with light lunch and refreshments
- Picnics
- Welcome on the grounds
- Worth knowing
- Up to 6 children go free with an adult member
- Booking online by midnight the day before saves 15%; day-of bookings are full price
- Under-fives are free but you can still grab them an infant ticket
- The gravel paths have steep slopes, so buggies and wheelchairs need care
- No coach parking on site, allow time to walk from the nearest coach park
- Picnics are fine on the grounds if you'd rather skip the café
Plan your visit
Do we need to book ahead?
No, you can just turn up, but booking online by midnight the day before gets you 15% off. Book on the day itself and you pay full price.
What does a child ticket cost?
Under-fives go in free, though you can still book them a free infant ticket. Children aged 5 to 17 need a paid child ticket.
Is there a discount for older visitors or students?
Concession tickets are available for over-65s and NUS card holders, but you need to show proof when you visit.
What time do we need to arrive by?
The site is open 10am to 5pm daily and last entry is 4pm. Your ticket is valid all day once you're in.
Is there somewhere to eat?
The Battle Abbey Café does light lunches and refreshments, with seating for 50 indoors and 35 outside. Picnics are also welcome on the grounds.
Can we get around with a wheelchair or buggy?
Some of it, but the pathways are gravel with steep slopes in places, so not all of the site is accessible by standard wheelchair.
Are we bringing a coach for a school visit?
There's no coach parking on site, and the nearest coach park is about a 10 minute walk away.
Do English Heritage members get in free?
Members can bring up to 6 children free anytime, but membership does not extend to friends visiting with you.
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