The Battle of Hastings re-enactment is held on the field where King Harold Godwinson was defeated by Duke William of Normandy on 14 October 1066. English Heritage, which looks after Battle Abbey and the battlefield, runs it every October on the weekend closest to the anniversary; the 2026 edition on 10–11 October marks 960 years since the battle. The site is open from 10am to 5pm on both days.
Over 500 re-enactors set up rival Saxon and Norman encampments across the battlefield. Visitors can walk between the camps, handle replica weapons and armour, watch falconry displays, listen to period music and see performances built around the Bayeux Tapestry’s account of the invasion. The main battle is fought once each day with cavalry, archers and shield walls on the slope below the abbey. A sword school lets children join in mock combat, and a medieval market sells food and crafts.
The event is ticketed through English Heritage. Advance prices for 2026 are £24 for adults, £12 for children aged 5–17, £21 concessions, £60 for a two-adult family and £36 for a one-adult family; on-the-day prices are higher and members get reduced rates. Booking in advance is strongly recommended because the weekend regularly sells well. British Sign Language tours are offered on both days.
Battle is a small town with a railway station on the London Charing Cross to Hastings line, a short walk from the abbey gatehouse on the High Street. Admission also covers the abbey ruins, the gatehouse exhibition and the battlefield walk, so allow a full day. The ground is grass and can be muddy in October, so wear boots.
