Located in West Sussex between Mountfield and Hastings, Battle is a small market town which takes its name from its links with the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The site where the battle raged between England and Normandy is very close to where the town stands today, behind its high street, and is mostly unchanged in its landscape.
The battle would alter the course of British history forever, with William the Conqueror defeating King Harold II and going on to found Battle Abbey as a mark of thanksgiving.
Over time, a town grew up around the abbey and is a day trip out of the city that isn’t too far from its neighbours Penhurst and Crowhurst.
This week, as part of the Great British Rail Sale, thousands of rail journeys have been discounted, meaning you can travel to Battle by Southeastern train from London for the discounted price of £6 from Charing Cross or £4.40 from Orpington.
The town itself was established because of the abbey, with medieval life unfolding around what is now Abbey Green.
Centuries ago this space would have seen bustling fairs, pilgrims arriving in droves and public punishments carried out in the stocks.
From the top of the Abbey Gatehouse, now open to visitors, you can still see the distinctive pattern of medieval land division behind the High Street – long, narrow strips that reveal how the town was originally planned.
At the southern end of the High Street stands Battle Abbey, founded on the site where King Harold is believed to have fallen.
The high altar of the abbey church is traditionally said to mark the exact spot of his death and is marked by a commemorative stone.
Although much of the abbey was lost following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, its gateway still stands to this day.
The ruins, cloisters and surrounding battlefield are now cared for by English Heritage.
Visitors can explore an award-winning exhibition that brings the Norman Conquest to life, walk the battlefield trail through peaceful wildflower meadows and enjoy views across the historic landscape from the on-site café.
Each October, the abbey hosts dramatic re-enactments of the Battle of Hastings, drawing visitors from across the country to see what the famous battle would have been like for the soldiers of the 11th century.
At the northern end of the High Street is the Almonry, originally built in 1090, now home to the Battle Museum of Local History and the award-winning Almonry Gardens.
Inside the museum is one of the town’s most unusual artefacts – the world’s oldest Guy Fawkes, whose pear-wood head is thought to be more than 200 years old.
Nearby stands a striking steel sculpture by Guy Portelli, installed in 2016 to mark the 950th anniversary of the battle.
But a trip to St Mary’s Church is also worth adding to your itinerary, where you’ll find Battle Tapestry, which was created by 700 local craftspeople.
If it’s walking and the great outdoors that draws you to Battle, the area is in close reach of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Battle Great Wood, covering more than 200 acres.
These spots offer walks ideal for bird watching, cycling and dog walkers, and the woods are also a hotspot to see the bluebells in the spring.
Battle’s High Street is lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs to meander through.
Spots include Bluebells Tearoom, opposite the abbey, and the Battle Brewery and Bottle Shop, where visitors can pick up locally brewed ales.
But if you’re looking for a trip to the pub, The Bull Inn and Crafted at Powdermills serve classic British dishes alongside Sussex beers.
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