You can visit the Bayeux Tapestry and the site of the Battle of Hastings it depicts all in one perfect day for history fans
The Bayeux Tapestry has returned to the United Kingdom for the first time in almost 1,000 years ahead of a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ exhibition at the British Museum. Ticket demand to see the tapestry has been unprecedented, with history and art buffs snapping up every slot until the end of 2026.
A second sale is launching later this year, giving people a chance to see the embroidered events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 2027. However, the eponymous market town of Battle makes for the perfect day out for those looking to dive even further into the Norman Conquest and its impact.
Battle Abbey is a must for any visitor. Located right where that fateful day in 1066 took place, the attraction offers the chance to walk the battlefield and explore the ruins of William the Conqueror’s famous abbey.
Today, peaceful with ancient trees and grazing cows, the rolling landscape once played host to thousands of warriors fighting for the future of king and country. They are now depicted in a wood-carved sculpture trail and audio tour.
Battle Abbey takes its name from the town and supposedly stands on the very spot where King Harold died. Little remains of the original structure, but its impressive gateway dominates the south end of Battle High Street.
Daytrippers can take in the Novices Common Room and climb the staircase to the first floor, before heading to the visitor centre and strolling the walled garden. A highlight for children is the playground, which is based on 11th-century life.
Carved from wood, the play area features play structures such as climbable barrels, carts and an enormous wooden ox. The Abbey also has a café overlooking the battlefield that offers hot drinks and light refreshment.
Though a great attraction to visit all year round, a battle re-enactment is taking place on October 10-11, giving visitors an extra-special experience. But, English Heritage has slashed ticket prices on family days until September 1 – find out more.
The town of Battle is also a lovely place to stop off, with its plethora of independent shops, historic pubs and timber-framed buildings. Top picks include Battle Brewery, a taproom making 1066-inspired beers, and The Almonry, a volunteer-run garden home to a quaint museum.
How to reach Battle
Battle is around 80 minutes from the capital by train, with services departing from Charing Cross, Waterloo and London Bridge every 30 minutes. Tickets start from £12 when booked in advance.
Driving is around a 60-mile trip taking roughly 1.5 hours from Central London. The most common route is heading southeast via the A2 and M20, then picking up the A229 towards Maidstone, and finally the A21 south directly to Battle
Though long, the journey is a pleasant one through the Sussex countryside.
How to see the Bayeux Tapestry in London
The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum from September 10, 2026, until July 11, 2027. Tickets are sold out until the end of 2026, and further tickets for 2027 will be released later this year.
You can sign up for the British Museum newsletter to get information on when tickets will next go on general sale. There will be a maximum of 10 tickets per booking.
Given the unprecedented demand, the British Museum has introduced a priority booking process to give Members the best chance of seeing the tapestry in 2027. An individual membership costs £82. There are other membership packages available.
Members will have two further priority booking windows ahead of future general sales.
- October 2026 for January 2027 to March 2027 dates
- January 2027 for April to July 2027 dates
Every existing Member will be able to book two separate visits during the full run of the display at no additional cost, plus a 10 per cent discount for further visits during public opening hours.
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