2014 Official Guide Country. Attractions. Battle Bexhill Hastings Herstmonceux Pevensey Rye.

Transcription

1 2014 Official Guide 1066 Country Attractions Battle Bexhill Hastings Herstmonceux Pevensey Rye 1066 Country

2 How to get here Best attractions to visit in Only 75 minutes from London Hastings & 1066 Country 2014 Ramsgate M20 M25 LONDON M2 M26 A228 M25 M23 A259 Tunbridge Wells B2086 A21 A26 A27 A27 Brighton Newhaven Battle A259 Dover A28 A268 A22 A2 Ashford A262 A26 A23 A28 M20 Tonbridge A22 Canterbury Maidstone A21 Gatwick Home to 2000 years of history and an unspoilt combination of coast and countryside, 1066 Country is the destination you have been dreaming of. Whether you want to be educated, entertained, soothed or stimulated, 1066 Country can provide two millennia of magical experiences in just one trip. Immune to the changing seasons, most 1066 attractions are open all-year round. This brief guide, which also includes Group Information, is an attempt to describe some of the timeless charms that lie at the heart of this truly incredible place. Bexhill Dover - D A2070 Tenterden A28 A268 B2089 A259 Folkestone Rye Ch an ne l Tu unkirk nn el A259 Calais Hastings Eastbourne Newhaven - Dieppe Travelling to 1066 Country by car is straightforward. The major road route is the A21 which is linked to the M25, providing a quick route around London. The fastest route into 1066 Country from the Channel Tunnel and Ferry Ports is via the M20 towards Ashford, then the A2070 via Brenzett towards Rye. Trains depart from London Charing Cross, London Bridge, St Pancras (High Speed Link) and Waterloo East. Trains also depart from London Victoria and Gatwick Airport. Travel from Paris, Brussels or Lille by Eurostar via Ashford International Station (from Paris and Brussels approx 2 hours to Ashford, 1 hour from Lille). Frequent direct trains run from Ashford, through Rye, to Hastings (45 mins). Rail information: tel National Express operate regular daily services from Victoria Coach Station. A number of independent coach companies offer a range of departure points and times throughout the London area. 2 The International Gatwick Airport handles direct flights from all parts of the world, with internal flights operating from the rest of Britain. Gatwick is on the Victoria line, offering a direct link with Bexhill and Hastings (and approximately 50 miles by road). In addition, charter services operate from Lydd Airport (21 miles) Country is ideally situated if you are travelling via the Cross Channel Ferries: Dover (45 miles), Newhaven (31 miles). The Channel Tunnel connects the South East of England and Northern Europe (Folkestone to Calais). Figures in brackets refer to distances from Hastings. Dieppe Group Visits Detailed information can be found on our Group Travel pages at: or by contacting our Travel Trade team on , fax or grouptravel@hastings.gov.uk For Group Travel information, see p24-31 Tourist Information Centres Rye Covering Battle, Rye, Bexhill and surrounding villages 4/5 Lion Street (just below St Mary s Church), Rye TN31 7LB ryetic@rother.gov.uk Hastings hic@hastings.gov.uk Visit 1066 Country Town Centre Aquila House, Breeds Place, Hastings TN34 3UY Old Town Old Town Hall Museum, High Street TN34 1EW Battle & Bexhill Yesterday s World, High Street Battle TN33 0AQ battletic@rother.gov.uk Pevensey & Herstmonceux For enquiries please visit Whilst every care has been taken to ensure factual accuracy in the production of this guide, we have to rely on information supplied and cannot accept liability for any error or inaccuracy. In the case of advertisement entries we have to rely upon the information given by advertisers, particularly as to their facilities and charges. When you accept offered accommodation on the telephone or in writing, you may be entering into a legal and binding contract with the proprietor of the establishment. This means if you cancel a reservation, fail to take up the accommodation or leave prematurely the proprietor may be entitled to compensation if it cannot be re-let for all or a good part of the period. If a deposit has been paid it is likely to be forfeited and an additional payment may be demanded. Please note that the terms quoted in the advertisements include VAT at the current rate. It is essential to check all terms and prices when making accommodation enquiries or making a reservation. Produced by the Marketing Team of Hastings Borough Council on behalf of 1066 Country: Promoting 1066 Country in Partnership: A consortium of Local Authorities, private sector and public organisations. Photographs by Chris Parker, Bob Mazzer, Bruce Wick and supplied by attractions/accommodation providers. Printed locally by Hastings Printing Company. 3

3 Visitor Attractions in Hastings & 1066 Country Country s varied coast and countryside, thriving towns and rich history offer a diverse range of activities to suit visitors of all interests. Whether you prefer adrenelin boosting action or a more sedate pace, there s a wealth of potential to be explored. For full listings of attractions in the area, see /attractions 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield, Battle Discover the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings and find out what really happened on the most famous date in English history. Take an inclusive audio tour of the battlefield and atmospheric abbey ruins, built by William the Conqueror to atone for the bloodshed. Enjoy interactive displays and dramatic film in the visitor centre and don t miss the exciting programmes of events. Beauport Park Golf Course, Battle Battle Road, St Leonards TN37 7BP High Street, Battle TN33 0AD Open daily: 1 April - 30 Sept 10am - 6pm 1 Oct - 2 Nov 10am - 5pm Feb 10am - 4pm Weekends only: 3 Nov - 31 March 10am - 4pm closed Dec and 1 Jan. Adult 8, Concession 7.20, Child 4.80, Family Open: Mon - Thurs: 8am - 8pm, Fri: 8am - 7pm, Sat: 7.30am pm, Sun: 7.30am - 6pm Please contact us for prices Sedlescombe Organic Vineyards Hawkhurst Rd, Cripps Corner, Robertsbridge TN32 5SA Yesterday s World, Battle Step back in time and experience an amazing 125 years of British living history magically brought back to life. Discover over 150,000 nostalgic artefacts with fantastic life size street scenes, displayed over 5 floors. NEW for 2014 An authentic WWI experience and Blitz street scene will be recreated to help commemorate 100th anniversary of WWI. Our New NAAFI style tearoom will be serving wartime traditional favourites on the menu. Bexhill Museum Egerton Road, Bexhill TN39 3HL enquiries@bexhillmuseum.co.uk De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill This award-winning Grade One Modernist icon is on the sea-front of Bexhill on Sea. Visit our two contemporary art galleries, eat and drink in our sea-facing café bar, relax on our balconies and enjoy our diverse and eclectic programme of live events and film. Open: Open daily for vineyard and woodland nature trail and wine tasting. Adults 6, Concessions 3, Children free High Street Opposite Battle Abbey Battle TN33 OAQ OPEN ALL YEAR. For times and prices call or see website off standard admission per person (up to max 6) Present this leaflet upon entry not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 31st December Open: Feb - Dec, Tues - Fri: 10am - 5pm, Sat - Mon: 11am - 5pm Adults 3, Concs 2.50, Children Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP Open: Every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am. Check before visiting. Free entry to building and exhibitions Sedlescombe Golf Club Egerton Park The parkland golf course measures 6269 yards and with a variety of obstacles including ponds and deep fairway bunkers, challenging for all abilities. It also features a par 3 course, which far from being a simple pitch and putt, maintains the difficulty of the main course with holes measuring up to 176 yards from tee to green. The venue includes a floodlit driving range and 7 practice greens. Kent Street, Battle TN33 0SD Open: 7 days a week, all year. Also home to The James Andrews School of Golf offering intensive 2, 3 and 5 day tuition breaks for all standards from Beginner to Expert. Please contact us for green fees and details of our training courses. Located within a few minutes walk of the seafront and town centre, Egerton Park offers something for everyone from leisurely walks around the lakes to a more vigorous workout at the fitness area. Children of all ages will love the brand new play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand play area. After all that you can stop for a wellearned refreshment at the park s kiosk taking in views of the park. Located behind Bexhill Museum Egerton Road, Bexhill on Sea TN39 3HL ryetic@rother.gov.uk Open: Every day during daylight hours Free entry 4 For Group Travel information, see p

4 Alexandra Park St Helens Road/Lower Park Road Hastings, East Sussex TN34 2LG Open: Every day Free Bowling Greens & Putting Courses West Marina Gardens & White Rock Gardens (Marina during season) ( WRG during season) Open: Open every day to the public from the end of April to the end of September. 10am - 6pm Adults 3 Juniors 2 Hastings Adventure & Crazy Golf With three, 18 hole courses, this is the UK centre for miniature golf and the home of the World Crazy Golf Championships. The courses are traditional Crazy Golf with windmill and ramps, Adventure Golf with landscaped gardens, rocks, fountains & waterfalls and Pirate Golf, with explosions, huge splashes of water and a giant skull that eats your ball! All 3 courses are floodlit and open to late evening throughout the summer. Café on site and easy parking. Hastings Old Town Seafront TN34 3AJ info@adventuregolf.com Open throughout the year Summer 9am to 10pm Winter 10am to 5pm See website for prices. Hastings Castle & 1066 Story Discover the history of Britain s first ever Norman castle. Take in the breath-taking views of the Hastings coastline while you explore the history of this iconic building. Learn how the Battle of Hastings unfolded in the medieval siege tent, as a 20 minute video show takes you on a journey from 1066 right up to the present day. Wander through the Castle grounds and be transported back through time, explore the whispering dungeons and the remains of the chapel. Castle Hill Road, West Hill, Hastings Open: Daily from 10am, Easter - October Adults Junior (3-12) Senior/student Family 2 adults & 2 children Combined tickets available with Smugglers Adventure and Blue Reef Aquarium. Hastings Audio Tour of The Stade Download tour and map from audio Battle Zone Live Outdoor Combat This is the latest adrenaline pursuit to hit these shores. This outdoor activity will have you charging through our custom built terrain, picking off foes with your deadly accurate laser weapons! The action will be exhilarating as you stalk your opponents through Battle Zone! 6 years and over Acclaimed Hastings historian Geoff Hutchinson narrates this 16 point tour of our historic beach area, the Stade. Free to download. White Rock Gardens Hastings TN34 1LD Facebook: battlezone Live Open: 10am - Late, every day. Sessions start from 10 Birthday parties catered for. All sessions need to be prebooked. Clambers Play Centre & Café, Hastings One of the best and largest Children s Play Centres in the UK with extensive indoor and outdoor play areas. For children up to 12 years and separate play area for under 6 s. Large indoor play frame on two levels and outdoor facilities which include large paddling pool with fountains, a giant sand pit with a pirates ship, traversing climbing wall and a purpose built outdoor climbing frame and great sea views to enjoy. Hastings Country Park Entrance off Fairlight Road just before Fairlight Church on Battery Hill White Rock Gardens, Hastings TN34 1LD Open: 9.30am - 6pm every day. Pay once stay all day Children 12mths - 17mths: 4.25 Children 18mths - 12yrs: 7.25 Children under 12mths: free Adults: 1 Open: The Visitor Centre is open most weekends between 10am and 4pm in the winter and 10am and 5pm in summer. Free Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings There s so much to see under the sea at Blue Reef Aquarium. Enjoy incredibly close encounters with seahorses, native sharks, giant octopus and hundreds of amazing aquatic creatures. At the aquarium s heart is a giant ocean display where you walk through an underwater tunnel and come face to face with shoals of colourful fish. Explore our Remarkable Reptiles area, home to exotic snakes and curious bearded dragons. Then face your fears and get hands on with our reptiles during regular Animal Encounters. Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW Open: Daily from 10am Closed 25 December Adult Junior (3-12) Senior/Student Family 2 adults & 2 children Family 2 adults & 3 children Under 3 s Free East & West Hill Lifts, Hastings Let the lifts take you to the East and West Hills. The newly rebuilt East Hill Lift is the steepest in Britain and provides spectacular views over the Old Town and the English Channel and access to the Country Park. Entrance in Rock-a-Nore Road, Old Town. The West Hill Lift rises from George Street through a natural cave to the Castle, Smugglers Adventure and West Hill. East Hill: Rock-a-Nore Road West Hill: George Street Open: Daily Summer, 10am pm Winter 11am - 4pm East Hill Lift only open weekends in winter Return: Adult 2.50, Child, Senior Citizen, Student 1.50, Family 6.80 Weekly tickets available 6 For Group Travel information, see p

5 Fishermen s Museum, Hastings Hastings Lifeboat Come and climb aboard the oldest Hastings fishing boat and imagine how fishing must have been over 100 years ago. This unique museum houses the last Hastings sailing lugger, ten metres in length RX 278 Enterprise takes centre stage. The Museum is set amongst the net shops, the tall black sheds in which the fishermen store their fishing gear. The Museum is the former Fishermen s Church of St Nicholas, built in 1854 on the beach at the heart of the fishing industry. Come and step back in time and experience Hastings fishing heritage. Rock-a-Nore Road, Old Town Hastings TN34 3DW Open: Every day except Christmas Day, April to October 10am - 5pm, November to March 11am - 4pm. Free, but donations welcome Hastings Lifeboat Station is located at The Stade in Hastings Old Town right next to the fishing fleet berths on the working beach. This is an ideal location for launching and recovering, away from the crowds on the beach during the summer and protected by the harbour arm for launches on particularly rough outings. Applications for group guided tours must be made in writing at least 28 days in advance of proposed visit. The Stade, Old Town, Hastings TN34 3AR Open: Every day except Christmas Day 10am pm Free, but donations welcome Flower Makers Museum and Shop, Hastings 58a High Street, Old Town, Hastings TN34 3EN Hastings History House A changing programme of local history exhibitions, talks and walks which can be booked. We try to answer local history enquiries and carry a stock of local history books. Old Town Walks Tuesdays from May to September meet at the top of the West Hill Lift at Old Town Carnival Week 26th July to 3rd August Open daily with special events. Jerwood Gallery Situated next to the historic fishing beach in Hastings picturesque Old Town, the award winning Jerwood Gallery is home to the Jerwood Collection of 20th and 21st century British art and a diverse programme of exhibitions. The Gallery shop stocks a range of books and interesting gifts and the café, with its sun terrace, panoramic views, and excellent locally sourced food, is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. Unique manufacturing museum and shop, celebrating 100 years business Museum open: 10am - 4pm 1 entry to museum - shop free 21 Courthouse Street, Old Town Hastings TN34 3AU Open: Thursday to Sunday, 11am - 4pm (may open longer in Summer). Other times by arrangement. (closed Sunday during January) Free, but donations welcome Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW info@jerwoodgallery.org Adult: 8 (LR* 3) Child: 5 16 yrs: 3.50 (LR* Child 1.50) Family ticket: 20 (LR* Family 8) Group entry: (10+) 5.50 per person Cons: 5.50 (students, disabled, unemployed) Art Fund Members: 4 Members / Carers for registered disabled / Under 5s: Free *LR - Local Hastings Residents discount. Hastings Museum & Art Gallery and the Old Town Hall Museum Museum & Art Gallery: Features include displays on Mods and Rockers, Punch and Judy, Concrete King Sidney Little, seaside holidays, John Logie Baird, Robert Tressell, Native Americans, Grey Owl, Sussex Pottery, dinosaurs, local wildlife and the magnificent Durbar Hall. Old Town Hall Museum: Built in 1823 as the Town Hall, this museum provides an introduction to the history of the Hastings & St Leonards with displays covering key moments from Prehistory to WWII. Shipwreck Museum, Hastings See history from the sea in this unique charitable trust museum. Hear the stories, see artefacts from local historic shipwrecks and enjoy the audio-visuals and touch screen technology. Workshops for groups at the Museum with historic objects. Also guided tours of the wreck of the Amsterdam (1749), the 4000 years old prehistoric forest, and the dinosaur age rocks at low spring tides listed on the website. Hastings Museum & Art Gallery Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1ET Old Town Hall Museum High Street, Old Town, Hastings TN34 3EW Open: Please see website for details. Free admission Smugglers Adventure, Hastings Celebrating its 25th anniversary, deep in the heart of Hastings West Hill lies the Smugglers Adventure, acres of caverns that conceal the thrilling history of smuggling. More than 70 life-size characters, interactive displays, eerie lighting, sound effects and dramatic recreations bring this mysterious and often bloody world vividly to life. Rock-a-Nore Road, Old Town, Hastings TN34 3DW Open: Museum and Shop open April - October, every day, 10am - 5pm. November - March, weekends 11am - 4pm (Mid-week visits can be booked) Admission free, but donations welcome St Clements Caves, West Hill, Hastings TN34 3HY Open: Daily from 10am Closed November - February Adult Junior (3-12) Senior/Student Family 2 adults & 2 children - 25 Combined tickets available with Hastings Castle and Blue Reef Aquarium. 8 For Group Travel information, see p

6 White Rock Theatre, Hastings White Rock Theatre offers the very best in entertainment, from headlining comedians to live music, international dance acts to shows for all the family there s something for everyone. The White Rock Café is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-show meal, light snack or a coffee. The Theatre is available to hire for receptions, meetings and corporate events. White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JX Book online 24 hours: whiterocktheatre.org.uk Ticket Office: Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am pm Varies according to show - please see our website for details Bateman s, Burwash Home of Rudyard Kipling from Kipling s rooms and study are left as they were when he lived there and wrote many of his famous works. See his Rolls Royce, the mill and the wonderful gardens. Marvellous cream teas and light lunches. Events held throughout the year. Mill grinds corn most Wednesday & Saturday afternoons throughout the season, 2pm - 4pm Burwash, TN19 7DS House: 1 Mar 2 Nov, 11 5pm 3 Nov 31 Dec, pm Garden, Shop, Restaurant, Mill: 1 Mar 2 Nov, 10 5pm 3 Nov 31 Dec, 11 4pm Closed 24 & 25 December Adult 9.90 Child 4.95 Group rate 7.70 Rye Castle Museum Ypres Tower The Ypres Tower was built in 1249 to defend Rye and later served as a private dwelling, Court Hall, gaol and now as a Museum. Inside you can see where murderer John Breeds was held prisioner and discover what happened to him, find out about the smugglers of Romney Marsh and see a relief model that shows the changes to the Marsh coastline since Roman times, besides much more. In addition, this year, for the first time ever, the Women s Tower is open to the public. Administration - 3 East Street, Rye TN31 7JY Open: Daily (except Christmas Day), April to October 10.30am to 5.00pm and November to March 10.30am to 3.30pm (weather permitting). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Adult 3 Concessions/students 2.50 Under 16 s free with paying adult Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst Kent, TN17 2SJ Bewl Water Bewl Bridge Lane, Lamberhurst TN3 8JH Open: Daily from 8am Closing times vary throughout the year, please see website. Please see website for prices Open: 21 March - 31 October 9am till sunset 4 per person. Children 4 & under Free. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve & Camber Castle Experience our coastal wetlands and find many special plants, birds and other animals. Explore a network of footpaths on level ground. Visit five birdwatching hides (all suitable for some wheelchairs). See a changing coastline and threats of invasion marked by blockhouses, Martello Towers and Henry VIII s Camber Castle. A choice of circular walks from the car park in Rye Harbour village, with a gallery and tearoom, a café, two pubs and a shop where you can get your picnic. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve TN31 7TU open all day every day. Camber Castle TN31 7TD You can walk around the outside but for opening see (both) Nature Reserve - free entry Camber Castle - 3 adults, 1.50 concessions, accompanied children free Bodiam Castle Climb spiral staircases, walk the battlements, discover nooks and crannies and imagine the medieval life of this 1385 storybook castle the best example of its type in the country. Learn more about its intriguing past in the colourful introductory film. Choose your souvenirs in the wonderful shop and enjoy our varied menu in the tearoom. Bodiam, Nr. Robertsbridge TN32 5UA Open: 4 Jan - 9 Feb: 11am - 4pm, Sat & Sun only 15 Feb - 31 Dec: 10.30am - 5pm, or dusk if earlier. Closed 24/25 December Prices*: Adult 7.95, Child 4, Family (2+3) *Includes Gift Aid. Rye Heritage & Information Centre The Story of Rye/Town Model: A dramatic sound & light show that will take you through 700 years of Rye s deep & rich history. Personal Audio Tours: A handset to guide you on a historic walk around the beautiful town (ghost walk also available). Old Seaside Pier Models: A rare collection of restored, working models of years gone by. They can be played & enjoyed by all ages. Guided Ghost Tours: Run on selected dates Oct - March (pre booking essential). The Old Sail Loft Strand Quay, Rye TN31 TAY Open: February - October 7 days a week November - January reduced opening times. (please check before visiting) Please contact us for current prices. Bodiam Boating Station Family run and situated on the banks of the River Rother in an AONB, linking the garden of England and 1066 country! Enjoy a cruise aboard the Dannie Lee ferry, including our popular 45 min ride to Bodiam Castle. Charter one of our boats for private parties and special events. Stay in our small, family friendly campsite, complete with open fires & breakfast in bed. Mess about on the river in a rowing boat or kayak. Enjoy a local beer, cream tea or light lunch & ice-cream at our delightful cafe & tea garden. Riverside Cottage, Rye Road, Newenden, Kent TN18 5PP info@bodiamboatingstation.co.uk Open: April - September, please see website for full details. See website for prices. 10 For Group Travel information, see p

7 Carr Taylor Vineyards Carr Taylor Vineyards, in Westfield, has won many awards for their wines. A vineyard trail and free tastings are available. Guided tours for groups are by prior arrangement. Either picnic by the pond or have teas, coffees and cakes in the shop. Visitors can buy from a selection of wines, preserves, gifts or hampers. Wheel Lane, Westfield, Hastings TN35 4SG Open: Daily, 10am - 5pm Free entry to shop 1.50 for vineyard trails Great Dixter House & Gardens Great Dixter, birthplace and home of the late gardening writer Christopher Lloyd, was built in c1460 and boasts one of the largest surviving timber famed halls in the country. Of particular note is the antique furniture and needlework collection. Restored by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1910, the gardens are now the hallmark of Christopher Lloyd with a variety of clipped topiary, wild meadow flowers, mixed borders (including the famous Long Border), natural ponds and the startlingly exuberant Exotic Garden. Plant nursery and gift shop on site with free parking. Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye TN31 6PH Open: House & Gardens: 1 April - 26 Oct, Tues - Sun & Bank Hol Mon Gardens: 11am - 5pm House: 2pm - 5pm House & Gardens: Adult 10, Child 3.50 Gardens only: Adult 8, Child 2.50 Drusillas Park Widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country Drusillas offers an opportunity to get nose to nose with hundreds of fascinating creatures. Brilliant play areas include Go Bananas!, Go Wild!, Amazon Adventure, Eden s Eye Maze and Thomas the Tank Engine offers a train service 362 days a year. Don t forget our walk-through enclosures Lemurland, Lory Landing and the Bat Cave. NEW for Spring 2014 Hello Kitty Secret Garden - the UK s first themed Hello Kitty attraction with three rides, a Hello Kitty bedroom and beauty parlour as well as meet and greet character days. Alfriston Road Berwick Polegate, BN26 5QS Please see website for opening times. Please see website for prices. Kent & East Sussex Railway The picturesque line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam for 10 1 /2 miles. Experience travel and service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored coaches and locomotives dating from Victorian times. Travelling on this line allows easy access to other attractions. The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum at Northiam as well as the Nursery and National Trust Castle at Bodiam. Tenterden TN30 6HE Northiam TN31 6QT Bodiam TN32 5UD Please see website for opening times. Single Return Adult Child 8 11 Gardens & Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN The Giants of Brede The water pumps, many of them triple expansion steam driven and dating from 1889, are currently demonstrated by compressed air. Located in two tall Engine Houses displaying Art Deco styles of architecture that nestle in the tranquil countryside of the Brede Valley. Step back in time and soak up the atmosphere of heavy engines that supplied reliable and safe water to Hastings and surrounding villages. Free parking. Light refreshments and guided tours. Open: Daily 12 April - 2 Nov, 10am - 6pm. Closed 22 Aug. Closes 5pm from October. Adults 6, Child/NUS 3, Concs 4.95 Waterworks Lane, Brede Hill, Brede (near Rye) TN31 6HG or Open: First Saturday of each month and bank holiday Mondays, 10am - 4pm Free entry but donations welcome Merriments Gardens, Hurst Green Behind the tall green hedges lies a wellkept secret, a stunning 4-acre garden, the South East s hidden gem. Merriments garden has deep meandering borders, many formal and informal focal points and a long season of colour, texture and scent. There are also many benches to pause and enjoy the atmosphere of this ever evolving garden. Relax in the popular restaurant serving homemade-lunches and afternoon teas. Comprehensive nursery, gift shop and wildlife centre. With its large copper domes and giant historic telescopes, The Observatory Science Centre is a hidden gem set amid beautiful Sussex countryside. Visitors can savour the unique atmosphere where astronomers studied the heavens between the 1940s and 1980s, when the site was home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. Now a thriving science centre, the site is filled with interactive exhibits, both inside and out. Regular open evenings take place from early autumn to late spring, plus a selection of astronomy courses are on offer through the year. Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, East Sussex TN19 7RA Garden open: 29 Mar- 19 Oct Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm Sun, 10.30am - 5pm Nursery, shop & restaurant open: 9am pm, Sun from 10.30am Adult: 6 Child: (6-16) 3 The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux Wartling Road, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN Open daily: 1 Feb - 30 Nov Plus weekends of 11/12, 18/19 & 25/26 Jan and 6/7 & 13/14 Dec Adult 8, Child (4-16 yrs) 6 Senior 6.25, Family of , Family of For Group Travel information, see p

8 Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum has been presented with the Guinness World Record Certificate for the largest collection of pedal-powered model vehicles on public display. The eclectic collections also include tin plate and die cast toys and much more from bygone times, why not come and visit us and take a trip down memory lane. Our tea room serves freshly made sandwiches & selection of cakes. Pashley Manor Gardens These award winning gardens offer a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings, fine trees, fountains and ponds. Whenever you visit there is something to delight the senses - from bluebells and tulips, to roses, sweet peas and lilies, then dahlias and asters. Allow time to sample the fabulous homemade food and warm hospitality at arguably the best garden café in the county, much of which is sourced from the abundant kitchen garden (L. Clapp in Sussex Life). Gift shop; sculpture and art exhibition; special events; Café with terrace. The Mill, Station Road, Northiam TN31 6QT Spring: 2 March to 21 July Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10am to 4pm. Closed Mon & Fri. Open Bank Holiday & School Holidays. Summer: 2 July to 1 September Open everyday: 10am to 5pm. Winter: 3 September to 31 October Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10am to 4pm. Closed Mon & Fri. For special events please go to our website Ticehurst, Near Wadhurst TN5 7HE Open: 1 April - 30 September, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Bank Holiday Mondays and Special Event Days, 11am 5pm Adult 9.50, Child under 16 5 Child under 6 FREE Tulip Festival Country in the palm of your hand The official 1066 Country app is the essential guide to Hastings, Battle, Bexhill, Rye, Pevensey and Herstmonceux. With sections covering Things to See and Do, Food & Drink, What On, Where to Stay and Shopping, the app contains listings for hundreds of businesses in the area. There s also a unique favourites function so you can build up your own personalised itinerary of places to visit, restaurants to dine at and things to do during your trip! Use your iphone to scan the code in the corner to begin the free download. Pevensey Castle Pevensey BN24 5LE Open: 1 April - 2 November daily 3 November - 31 March weekends only Adults 5.20, Child 3.10, Concessions 4.70, Family Pevensey Court House & Gaol Pevensey BN24 5LG Open: From 11am - 4pm Easter Weekend then daily between May & September Adults 1.50, Child Free, Concs 1 14 For Group Travel information, see p

9 1066 Country Attractions Heathfield Horam A267 TO LONDON/ M25 & GATWICK AIRPORT A265 Herstmonceux TO NEWHAVEN PEVENSEY AND BRIGHTON A Hurst Green 12 BODIAM Burwash 16 Northiam Robertsbridge 17 A A21 A Catsfield Hooe A259 8 Ninfield 11 Brightling 9 10 Sedlescombe BATTLE Westfield Crowhurst A BEXHILL-ON-SEA Normans Bay A A28 Peasmarsh Broad Oak Udimore Brede Icklesham A259 Pett HASTINGS A268 Playden Winchelsea Fairlight TO ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL STATION A RYE 58 Camber ENGLISH CHANNEL TO THE CHANNEL TUNNEL AND DOVER M20 My favourite beach. Sand, sand and more sand. What more can you want? - Camber Sands reviewed by vc180, Kingston upon Thames Plan your perfect 1066 Country trip. 1 Drusillas Park (follow A27) 2 Stone Cross Windmill 3 Pevensey Court House & Gaol 4 Pevensey Castle 5 Herstmonceux Castle Gardens & Grounds 6 The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux 7 Brick Farm Lakes Trout Fishery 8 Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst 9 Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest 10 Merriments Gardens, Hurst Green 11 Bewl Water 12 Bodiam Castle 13 King John s Nursery & Garden 14 Bateman s, Burwash 15 Fuller s Follies, Brightling 16 Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway, Northiam 17 Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam 18 The Mill Toy and Pedal Car Museum, Northiam 19 Battle Museum of Local History Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield Yesterday s World, Battle 22 Sedlescome Organic Vineyard 23 Sedlescombe Golf Club 24 James Andrews School of Golf, Sedlescombe 25 Giants of Brede (steam engines) 26 Carr Taylor Vineyards, Westfield 27 Bexhill Museum 28 Egerton Park 29 De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill 30 Beauport Park Golf Course 31 Alexandra Park 32 Hastings Museum & Art Gallery 33 Smugglers Adventure, Hastings 34 Clambers Play Centre & Battlezone Live Laser Outdoor Combat, Hastings 35 Bowling Greens & Putting Courses, Hastings 36 Shipwreck Museum, Hastings Old Town 37 Hastings Castle and 1066 Story 38 Hastings Adventure & Crazy Golf Complex 39 RBE Trampolines Ltd, Hastings 40 Hastings Lifeboat 41 Flower Makers Museum, Hastings 42 Hastings History House 43 White Rock Theatre, Hastings 44 East & West Hill Lifts, Hastings Old Town 45 Fishermen s Museum, Hastings Old Town 46 Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings Old Town 47 Hastings Audio Tour of the Stade 48 Hastings Country Park & Nature Reserve 49 Hastings Old Town Hall Museum 50 Jerwood Gallery, Hastings Old Town 51 Bodiam Boating Station 52 The School Creative Centre, Rye 53 Rye Castle Museum Ypres Tower 54 Rye Heritage Centre 55 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve & Camber Castle 56 Full Throttle Boat Charters, Rye Harbour 57 Lamb House, Rye 58 Camber Sands Millions of reviews to help you choose 17

10 Events in Hastings & 1066 Country 2014 Regular Events Weekly: Rye - Farmers Market every Wednesday Hastings - Local Market every Thursday Rye - General Market every Thursday Brede - Farmers Market is held every Friday Monthly: Brightling Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month from March to November, 10am - 12noon, Brightling Village Hall Community Cinema, Battle Memorial Hall, Battle Last Wednesday of the month. Hello Kitty at Drusillas. May, June, July, August, Sept & Nov see for dates and times. February Sunday 2 Roast and Roam, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge, 11am arrival Saturday 8 Saturday 22 Anthony Richard Tiffin, Exhibition Surrealism, The blackshed Gallery, Robertsbridge Sat 8 & Sun 9 / Sat 15 & Sun 16 Great Dixter Winter Opening, Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam Friday 14 Valentine s Dinner, Bodiam Castle Saturday 15 Sunday 23 Rye Bay Scallop Week Saturday 15 Sunday 23 The Battle Quest, 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield Saturday 15 Sunday 23 Half-term Offer at Yesterday s World, Battle Thursday 27 NT Live Broadcast War Horse, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill Friday 28 Tuesday 4 March Hastings Fat Tuesday Like us on facebook.com /1066Country These are just some of the events taking place in For full listings, see March Monday Sunday throughout March Food and Wine, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 1 Bexhill Remembers Temporary Exhibition exploring Bexhill in the First World War, Bexhill Museum Saturday 1 8 National Astronomy Week (NAW2014), The Observatory Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 / Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 A Day Out With Thomas, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Friday 21 Saturday 22 Ale & Arty Real Ale & Music Festival, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill Sunday 23 Hastings Half Marathon Sunday 30 Mothering Sunday Tea, Bateman s, Burwash Follow us on Use your smart phone and scan this QR code to go directly to 1066 events. Sunday 30 Mothering Sunday, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Sunday 30 National Garden Scheme Opening, King John s Nursery, Etchingham Sunday 30 Mother s Day, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden April Tuesday 1 April Friday 31 October World War One Exhibition, Battle Museum, Battle Friday 4 Tuesday 22 Cadbury Easter Trail, Bateman s, Burwash Saturday 5 Sunday 6 Grandparents Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 5 Monday 21 Easter Activities at Yesterday World, Battle Saturday 5 Monday 21 Law and Outlaws, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 5 Wednesday 30 Alan Rankle, Exhibition Oils, The blackshed Gallery, Robertsbridge Monday 7 Thursday 17 inclusive Kids For A Quid, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Food Friday 18 April Battle Marbles Matches and Easter Bonnet Competition, Battle Abbey Green Wednesday 9 Peppa Pig & George, Drusillas Friday 18 Monday 21 Easter Children s Event, Battle Abbey Easter Sunday 20 Bexhill 100 Easter Bonnet Display & Car Run, Old Bathing Station, De La Warr Parade Easter Monday 21 Brede Steam Giants Come to Life, Brede Water Heritage Site, 10am - 4pm Wednesday 23 - Monday 5 May Tulip Festival, Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst May Friday 2 Monday 5 Jack in the Green Festival, Hastings Saturday 3 Monday 5 Medieval Merriments, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 17 Museums at Night, Bateman s, Burwash Saturday 17 Sunday 18 Anglo Continental Market, Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea Saturday 17 Sunday s WEEKEND, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Sunday 18 Open Day, Brownbread Horse Rescue, Ashburnham Saturday 24 Sunday 25 May Games and 50 Things, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 24 Monday 26 40th Anniversary Gala, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 24 Saturday 31 Sculpture in Particular, Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst Saturday 24 Sunday 1 June Squire School, Battle Abbey Sunday 25 Monday 26 Battle Mediaeval Fayre, Battle Abbey Green Saturday 31 King John s Nursery Vintage Fair, King John s Nursery, Etchingham June Monday Sunday throughout June Uncovering Bodiam s Secret History, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Throughout June Bexhill Music Festival Saturday 7 Rat Race Trailblazer, Bedgebury Pinetum Tuesday 10 Saturday 21 Raspberries and Radishes A Celebration of Flowers and Fruits of the Garden, Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst Saturday 14 Camra Beer Festival, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 14 Sunday 15 Father s Day Offer at Yesterday s World, Battle 18 For Group Travel information, see p

11 Sunday 15 Father s Day BBQ, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Sunday 15 Father s Day, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Wednesday 18 Sussex Historical Day Seafront Walk Meet at Clock Tower, West Parade, Bexhill Friday 20 Jessie J in concert, Bedgebury Pinetum Saturday 21 Paul Weller in concert, Bedgebury Pinetum Friday 27 Saturday 28 Battle s Big Weekend, Battle Recreation Ground Saturday 28 Sunday 29 Pack Up Your Troublers A Great War Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Sunday 29 Seafront Display of Classic Cars, Old Bathing Station, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill July Monday Sunday throughout July All Things Herbal, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Tuesday Saturday throughout July Lily Time, Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst Tuesday 1 Saturday 19 Scarecrow Festival, Battle Saturday 12 Sunday 13 Wallace & Gromit Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Sunday 20 Saturday 26 Bexhill Carnival Week Saturday 26 2 August Hastings Old Town Carnival Week Monday 28 Great Dixter Study Day Succession Planting in the Mixed Border, Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam Saturday 19 Sunday 20 Creepy Crawlies Weekend, Drusillas Tuesday 29 Thursday 31 inclusive Half Price Travel For Kids, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Every Wednesday & Thursday 30 July 28 August Knights and Princesses Academy, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge August Monday Sunday throughout August Building Bodiam, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 2 Sunday 3 Grand Medieval Weekend, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Monday 4 1 September Bows, Arrows and Battle Tactics, Battle Abbey Saturday 16 Saturday 30 Rob Sample London s Leading Figurative Urban Artist, The blackshed Gallery, Robertsbridge Thursday 21 Monday 25 Rye International Jazz Festival 2014 Monday 25 Classic & Custom Car Show, Polegrove Recreation Ground, Bexhill Saturday 30 Craft Fair at King John s Nursery, Etchingham Sunday 31 Rye Maritime Festival, The Strand Quay, 12noon-5pm September Friday 5 Sunday 7 The Big Green Cardigan, Sedlescombe Friday 5 Sunday 7 Astronomy Festival Weekend, The Observatory, Herstmonceux Saturday 6 Sunday 7 Bexhill Festival of the Sea Sunday 7 bb10k, High Street, Battle Sunday 7 Triathlon, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Hop Pickers Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 13 Sunday 28 Rye Arts Festival 2014 Sunday 14 Wealden History Day at King John s Nursery, Etchingham Tuesday 16 Thursday 18 Pensioners Treat, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival October 4 October 12 Walk Festival Saturday 4 Sunday 5 Tenterden Folk Festival, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 Great Dixter Plant Fair, Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam Saturday 11 Sunday 12 Celebrate the Battle of Hastings at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield Saturday 11 Sunday 19 Hastngs Week Saturday 18 Hastings Bonfire Celebrations Saturday 18 National Town Criers Championship Saturday 25 Sunday 2 Nov Halloween Trail, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 25 Sunday 2 Nov Halloween Shriek Week, Drusillas Saturday 25 Sunday 2 Nov Wild Boar Week in Rye Medieval Food in a Medieval Town Monday 27 Friday 31 inclusive Halloween Fun Week, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Friday 31 Fright Night Train, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden November Monday Sunday throughout November Power and Parliament, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Saturday 1 Saturday 22 Wild Water Swimmer/Painter - Nick Snelling Exhibition, The blackshed Gallery, Robertsbridge Saturday 8 November Rye Fawkes Pageant, Rye Town Sunday 9 Service of Remembrance, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 29 Battle Christmas Lights Switch-On, Memorial Hall Saturday 29 Sunday 30 Our Famous Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 29 Sunday 4 January Winter Wonderland Illuminations, Drusillas Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 Great Dixter Christmas Fair, Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam December Friday 5 Christmas Capers, High Street, Robertsbridge Saturday 6 Christmas Fair at King John s Nursery, Etchingham Saturday 6 Sunday 7 Our Famous Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday Sunday every weekend from 6 21 December Christmas in the Castle, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge Thursday 11 Gala Night, Battle Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Our Famous Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Our Famous Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 Our Famous Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden 12 3 January 2015 Pantomime Aladdin White Rock Theatre January 2014 Dates TBA - January th Chess Congress, Hastings For details of all English Heritage events, including Camber Castle and 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, visit For details of all National Trust events, including more at Bateman s and Bodiam Castle, visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve runs many educational and fun events every year. For full listings call or visit Details correct at time of printing. Any changes will be published at visit1066country.com or contact the relevant Tourist Information Centre. 20 For Group Travel information, see p

12 1066 Battle of Hastings 950 th Anniversary 14 October 2016 marks the 950th anniversary of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Keep this date free in your diary and watch this space for details of events now being planned to celebrate this momentous occasion that changed the course of English history for ever. Trails New and exciting ways of experiencing the best of this area. All the Information Centres offer a wide range of leaflets and booklets - a few are shown here Country Walk Guides 31 mile route from Pevensey to Rye retracing the steps of William the Conqueror. Free leaflet or comprehensive guides from 4.95 William the Conqueror Trail Follow the course of the 1066 invasion from Normandy to Hastings. 20p Haunted Hastings Tours A 50 page book with three spooky tours around St Leonards, the Town Centre and Old Town by Tina Lakin. With maps and photographs Foyle s Hastings The latest edition of a book taking Foyle s War fans through the locations made famous in the TV show WALK Hastings & 1066 Country Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror taking in historical sites on a walk through ancient towns and villages from Pevensey to Battle and onto Rye, over hillsides and through woodland, and passing oast houses and windmills. The route includes the Normans landing point at Pevensey and the battle site at Battle Abbey, and the castles at Pevensey and Herstmonceux. Established links from Hastings and Bexhill are included and these join the main route. For more information on the 1066 Country Walk or for information on places to stay in the area go to or telephone Battle Bexhill Hastings Herstmonceux Pevensey Rye Keane Trail Take a tour of Strangeland and discover the Battle and Bexhill of Keane s lyrics. Visit Hastings Stade Audio Tour A 16 point, 40 minute narrated tour of Hastings historic beach area, the Stade. Visit education to download free audio files for your mp3 player and a map. Ramblers Walks around Battle A series of walks planned by Battle Ramblers, ranging from 1 to 6 miles. 3 Battle Town Trail Detailed map of trail is available from both Market Square and Mount Street car parks. 1 The Cuckoo Trail A leisure route, 11 miles long, from Heathfield to Polegate, for walkers, cyclists and horseriders. Free Circular Cycle Rides Fully described and illustrated, the rides include Pevensey and the Levels, Herstmonceux, Brightling and Burwash. Free Rye Audio Walking Tours Historical or ghost walks around the cobbled streets of Rye, guided by personal stereo. Available for hire, deposit taken. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Discover the wildlife, history and landscape of this fascinating Nature Reserve, which surrounds Rye and Winchelsea For Group Travel information, see p

13 Information for Groups In this section of the guide you ll find information designed to help you plan your group visit to Hastings & 1066 Country. Use it in conjunction with our Groups pages on and we re sure you ll find it useful. Registered Guides Blue Badge Guides are professional tourist guides and experts in 1066 Country Tours. They have undertaken the South East England training course and successfully completed both written and practical examinations and members of the South East England Tourist Guides Association and/or the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Other qualified languages indicated (mother tongue in CAPITALS). Contact individuals for fees. Group Travel accommodation 1066 Country offers a range of establishments which cater for and welcome groups, from three star hotels to good basic fully inclusive accommodation, all set in stunning countryside or coastal locations. Their group rates are listed in this section. Prices quoted are net and non-commissionable rates per person unless otherwise stated, based on a minimum group of 10 or 20 persons. They are inclusive of service and VAT at the current rate. These rates should not be treated as firm quotations. They will vary according to circumstances and are always subject to negotiation and confirmation between agent and hotelier. Jane Fraser-Hay The Mill House, Udimore, Rye TN31 6AY Mobile: ENGLISH Françoise Haslam-Dodo 21 Wilbury Crescent, Brighton & Hove BN3 6FL Tel info@brightonrevisited.co.uk FRENCH - ENGLISH - GERMAN Wilf Jackson 7 Callao Quay Sovereign Harbour North Eastbourne BN23 5AA Tel/Fax wilf@callao.plus.com ENGLISH Themed itineraries Coaches See our group pages on for some suggestions of ready-made tours around 1066 Country. Many attractions listed in this guide have coach parking facilities for their group visitors and guests. Please refer to individual entries for details. The following towns in 1066 Country also provide specific coach parking areas. Maps showing the coach parks can be found at Battle Upper Market, top of High Street, next to Budgens supermarket. Space for 12 coaches FREE. Bexhill Official coach park at Wainright Close (off Beeching Road) FREE. Coach pick-up points at the De La Warr Pavilion and Manor Gardens in Bexhill Old Town. Pevensey None specifically allocated. Suggested drop off point at Pevensey Castle. Rye Rye Railway Station. From 12 all day. Hastings & St Leonards Coach parking facilities are in Falaise Road (TN34 1EU) and West Marina Gardens (TN38 0AG). Set down/ pick up points are provided in the Old Town on both sides of the A259, near to the boating lake. For further details call or see our group pages on for a map showing coach facilities. Coach pick-up points at Warrior Square (St Leonards), East Beach Street and East Parade (Old Town) and Priory Road (West Hill). Hotel Accommodation Bexhill: This elegant resort is the birthplace of British motor racing, home to the De La Warr Pavilion, one of the UK s finest examples of modernist architecture and now a major arts centre and also has a two mile stretch of level promenade and beach to enjoy. The Colonnade is just one of several fascinating architectural features along the seafront and promenade. You will also see elegant Victorian, Edwardian and Art deco buildings. West Parade is Next Wave; a revamped and modernised promenade. Enjoy the play areas, landscaped gardens all with a seaside theme. Bexhill: The Cooden Beach Hotel HHH Set directly on the beach in a quiet corner of Bexhill. 41 ensuite bedrooms, some with sea views; a selection of Conference rooms, Wedding specialists licensed for civil marriages and partnerships. The Beachside Restaurant with sea views, The Beachside Terrace for al fresco dining and The Cooden Tavern for great quality traditional pub food. Cream Teas and Afternoon Tea served throughout the hotel. Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill TN39 4TT Fax: sales@thecoodenbeachhotel.co.uk Rooms: 41 Prices from: 60 B&B pppn 24 25

14 Hotel Accommodation Battle: This charming market town grew up around Battle Abbey and takes its name from the famous battle between England s would be rulers William Duke of Normandy and the Saxon King Harold. On 14th October 1066, this area witnessed the most celebrated confrontation to take place on English soil the Battle of Hastings. Battle has a picturesque High Street, a wealth of intriguing architecture, twittens (passageways) and squares. Battle Town Trail, a self-guided tour, provides an interesting snapshot into the town s history. Battle: PowderMills Hotel HHH Powdermill Lane, Battle TN33 0SP Fax: reservations@thepowdermills.com Battle: The Brickwall Hotel HHH The Green, Sedlescombe, Battle TN33 0QA Fax: rooms@brickwallhotel.com Rooms: 48 Prices: B&B from per person DB&B from 90 per person Hotel Accommodation & Inns Rye: One of the best preserved medieval towns in England, Rye is home to the enchanting cobbled Mermaid Street, the impressive Norman Church of St Mary s, a rich selection of specialist shops and a thriving fishing fleet. The famous Mermaid Inn was once the haunt of notorious smugglers, the Hawkhurst Gang. Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII is located in the dramatic Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Rye has always been a magnet for writers and artists. Lamb House, a National Trust property, was once the home of Henry James and later E.F.Benson, creator of the Mapp and Lucia books. The artists Paul Nash, Edward Burra and Captain Pugwash creator, John Ryan all lived in Rye. Today a wealth of art and photography galleries thrives in the town. Rye: The Gallivant HHHH Escape to the Gallivant, opposite the dunes of Camber and miles of golden sand beyond. Our New England, shabby chic style is a reflection of our coastal location, offering a relaxing bolt hole to escape to. All our rooms feature large screen TV s, gorgeous beds, goodies from the kitchen and luxury toiletries. Our 2 rosette awarded restaurant is now headed up by chef Ben Fisher, who s previous roles include Sous Chef at the Michelin starred Tom Aikens along with over a years experience at the 3 Michelin Starred French Laundry in California. Rooms: 25 Prices: From 65 B&B per room per night Evening meal available New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB enquiries@thegallivanthotel.com Rooms: 20 Prices from: 57 pppn B&B DB&B Rye: Flackley Ash HHH Feel at home and enjoy the Georgian character and modern comfort at this country house retreat. All rooms at this Family run hotel benefit from complimentary wireless internet and DVD players. Rooms range from the traditional house rooms which date back the 19th century to the garden rooms with private patios. The restaurant with its views of the gardens offers the perfect setting to enjoy fine food from the menu using the finest locally sourced produce. The leisure centre boasts a 40ft indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hydro pool. River Haven Hotel, Rye HHH Quayside, Winchelsea Road, Rye TN31 7EL Fax: info@riverhaven.co.uk Hotel Accommodation Hastings: This cosmopolitan town is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror, a preserved Old Town and a strong local arts community. Hastings: Best Western Royal Victoria Hotel HHH The Best Western Royal Victoria Hotel, built in 1828 as the focal point of Burtons St Leonards, derives its name from Queen Victoria, who ranks among the hotel s many famous visitors including King George V, Prince Albert, Edward VII, Gladstone, Palmerston and Tennyson. Prominently situated along the picturesque Hastings seafront with high standards of comfort and hospitality. Spectacular views across the English Channel adorn the elegantly spacious bedrooms, popular Sea Terrace Restaurant & Piano Bar Carlisle Parade, Hastings TN34 1JG Fax: info@chatsworthhotel.com Marina, St Leonards TN38 0BD Fax: reception@royalvichotel.co.uk Hastings: Chatsworth Hotel HHH White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JU Fax: info@thewhiterockhotel.com Peasmarsh, Nr Rye TN31 6YH fax: enquiries@flackleyashhotel.co.uk Rooms: 45 Prices: Rooms: 22 Prices: B&B pppn Rooms: 50 Prices: B&B pppn 35 DB&B from 39/ 42 pppn sharing Single supplement 15 per person Rooms: 52 Prices from: 28 B&B pppn Hastings: White Rock Hotel Awaiting grading Rooms: 40 Prices from:

15 Group rates and information These rates should be treated as a guide only. Booking in advance for some attractions is essential and rates can sometimes be more favourable. Contact the attraction to confirm details directly. /groups Like us on facebook.com /1066Country Follow us on 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield See page 4 15% discount on group parties of 11 or more. Group Leader goes free. Free entrance for schools provided at least two weeks notice is given. Joint ticket prices including Yesterday s World. See page 4 and 5 Group Rate 11+ Must be booked in advance Adult 12.65, Senior 10.85, Child 7.60 Student Bateman s, Burwash See page 11 Group rates: Adult 7.70 Child 3.85 Beauport Park Golf Course, Battle See page 4 Group prices available on request Contact for details. Bexhill Museum See page 5 Adult group rate 2.50 ( 1.75 disabled/oap) Schools from 1, Language Schools 1 Free entry for drivers/tour operators. Bodiam Castle See page 11 Adult: 6.40 (pre-booked) Child: 3.20 (pre-booked) Carr Taylor Vineyards See page 12 Wine Tours for groups of 15+ by arrangement adults, 5.50 concessions. Groups of 14 or less, 69 total. De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill See page 5 Gallery tours by arrangement East & West Hill Lifts, Hastings See page 7 Group rates available on request Fishermen s Museum, Hastings See page 7 Talks available by arrangement - 20 Flower Makers Museum, Hastings See page 8 Groups by appointment from 25 for a group 15 Giants of Brede See page 12 Groups welcome by prior arrangement. Free but donations welcome. Great Dixter, Northiam See page 13 House & Gardens 2-5pm entry: 8.50 person based on group of 25 or more. Other price and garden tour packages available. See website for details. Deposit (deducted from final entry fee) for group bookings 40. Hastings Museum & Art Gallery See page 9 Free entry. Hastings Old Town Hall Museum See page 9 Max group size 35. Free entry story in Hastings Castle See page 7 Pre-booked - 3 Smugglers Adventure See page 9 Pre-booked Smugglers Adventure & Hastings Castle See page 7 and 9 Pre-booked Smugglers Adventure & Blue Reef Aquarium See page 6 and 9 Pre-booked Smugglers Adventure/Blue Reef Aquarium/Hastings Castle See page 6, 7 and 9 Pre-booked Hastings History House See page 8 Groups welcome by arrangement. Gardens and Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle See page 12 Tel: Open daily 30 March - 27 October (closed 23 August) 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm) Closes at 5pm during October (15+): Adults 4.50 Children under 15 2 Concessions 4 The castle is not open to the public; however guided tours are conducted at an extra charge and subject to availability. Phone for confirmation of times before your visit. We can also arrange castle tours and any catering requirements more efficiently. Visit the Tea Room, Visitor s Centre, Children s Woodland Play Area and Nature Trail. Kent & East Sussex Railway See page 13 Group Rate 10% discount on all fares for groups of 20 or more. (not applicable with combined visits) 28 29

16 Merriments, Hurst Green See page 13 Adult price 5 Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux See page 13 Cost for pre-booked groups 15+ (excluding school groups) Adults 7 Children 5 Seniors 5.25 Private Telescope Tour or Science Show 1 pp Workshops from 75 pence pp Coach driver FREE entry Special Needs Groups 1-1 FREE entry (ID required) for essential carers of registered disabled visitors. We have disabled facilities and access to most areas; please contact The Observatory for more information. For more information go to Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst See page 14 There are special rates for pre-booked groups of per person. Arrival before 11am: 1 extra per person. Tulip Festival 24 April 6 May inclusive: 9.50 per person Free entry and refreshment voucher for coach drivers. Pevensey Castle See page 14 15% discount on group parties of 11 or more - Group Leader goes free. Free entrance for schools provided at least two weeks notice is given. Rye Castle Museum See page 10 Groups welcome - special rates apply. Out of hours opening can be arranged. Guides available for both sites Please phone or info@ryemuseum.co.uk for details. Rye Heritage Centre See page or more 1 each. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyards See page 5 Tour Operators and coach drivers are advised that coaches should drop off and collect their party at the vineyard entrance - NOTE there is not enough space to turn large vehicles in the vineyard car park! Guided tour and tasting: persons 9.50 each, 30+ persons 9 each Booking essential. Shipwreck Museum, Hastings See page 8 Amsterdam Tours 6 adult, 3 children. Booking essential. Yesterdays World, Battle See page 5 Group Rate 11+ Must be booked in advance Adult 6.85, Senior 5.75, Child 4.95 Student 5.75, Special Needs 4.95 (Carer FREE) Driver & Organiser FREE School groups welcome, discounted rates are available. Please call or visit for details. Joint ticket prices including 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield. See page 4 and 5 Group Rate 11+ Must be booked in advance Adult 12.65, Senior 10.85, Child 7.60 Student Win a 1066 Country Attractions Pass 1066 Country are offering a pass for loads of great attractions to be used from September March For a full list of attractions included in this competition and to enter go to: /prize Closing date: 31 August The winner will be picked by random and informed via . Discounts vary and terms & conditions apply

17 Great Southeastern off-peak offers 3 or 4 people travel for the price of 2 adults so long as you all travel together off-peak. No need to buy 2 single tickets. Travel on Friday or Saturday and return Saturday or Sunday. Up to 4 children can travel for only 1 each when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. DMC5527 Scan to visit southeasternrailway.co.uk to buy tickets, plan your journey and for more great offers. 32 For Group Travel information, see p24-31