Archive update, 15 October 2026: The Battle Abbey reenactment on 10–11 October has now taken place. This article is retained as a historical record, not a current ticket listing.
The restored 1966 film: a remarkable time capsule
English Heritage shared press material on a restored colour film of the first regular Battle of Hastings reenactment, staged for the 900th anniversary in 1966. The original film was shot by Alan Wootton and his team, commissioned to document the celebrations by Hastings Town Council. After Alan’s death, his wife Mary passed around 300 reels to their son Cliff Wootton, who has been reviewing, processing and enhancing the footage. Cliff and his brother Den assisted as sound recordists in 1966. The restored film has a soundtrack by historical musician Jonny Dyer. English Heritage planned a screening at Battle Abbey during the October 2026 reenactment. Film and restoration credits should remain attached to any future approved media use.
Source: English Heritage press information supplied by Sara Whines, October 2026. This is a historical film story, not an announcement of a future reenactment.
The Battle of Hastings reenactment took place at Battle Abbey on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, marking 960 years since the battle of 1066.
The programme advertised more than 500 reenactors recreating the clash between the Saxon and Norman armies on the historic battlefield, alongside living-history camps, cavalry, archery, falconry, traditional music, Battle’s Jester, a performance telling the story of the Bayeux Tapestry and a sword school for younger visitors.
New for 2026: the lost 1966 reenactment film
There is an extra bit of history to this year’s weekend. English Heritage has announced that restored colour footage of the 1966 Battle of Hastings reenactment was scheduled to be shown at Battle Abbey during the event. The film was made by Alan Wootton and his team for the 900th anniversary celebrations and captures the event that helped establish the regular reenactment tradition. Sixty years later, the footage was scheduled to return to Battle Abbey for the reenactment’s 60th year.
The restored film was scheduled to be shown in the school library during the 2026 reenactment. English Heritage also sought to trace people who took part in the 1966 event.
Battle of Hastings 2026 — Quick Look
- Where: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AE
- When: Saturday 10–Sunday 11 October 2026
- Time: 10am–5pm
- Suitable for: Everyone
- Advance non-member tickets: Adult £24; child 5–17 £12; concession £21; family (2 adults) £60; family (1 adult) £36.
- On-the-day non-member tickets: Adult £30; child £15; concession £27; family (2 adults) £75; family (1 adult) £45.
- Advance saving: 20% compared with on-the-day event admission.
What’s Happening?
The main draw was the large-scale reenactment on the site of the historic battle. The programme was designed as a full-day event rather than just an afternoon battle. Visitors could also explore the armies’ living-history camps, watch falconry, hear traditional music and see family entertainment throughout the day. English Heritage provided a separate event timetable for the weekend.
British Sign Language
English Heritage advertised BSL battlefield tours on both days with Deaf Guide Peter Brown. BSL interpreters were also scheduled to be on site on both days, beginning with a meet and greet at the gatehouse entrance from 10am–10.45am.
Getting There
English Heritage recommended public transport for this event. Battle station has regular rail connections and is around a 10–15 minute walk from the site. Visitors arriving by train were advised to use the normal gatehouse entrance rather than Powdermill Lane.
Special event parking on Powdermill Lane was first come, first served; an event ticket did not guarantee parking. Alternative public car parks include Battle station, Mount Street and Market Square. Blue Badge parking was available in the normal Abbey car park.
Accessibility — What to Know
The site has accessible toilets, Blue Badge parking, wheelchair loans, mobility scooters and rest points. Assistance dogs are welcome. However, this is a historic outdoor site: routes include gravel and grass, some steep gradients and uneven ground. The battlefield itself is particularly rough and can instead be viewed from the Lower Terrace. Some ruined abbey buildings involve steps, while parts of the dormitory range have ramp access.
Wet weather can make grass slippery, so wet conditions may affect accessibility on future visits.
Food, Toilets & Dogs
Battle Abbey has a year-round café with indoor and outdoor seating, picnic areas, toilets including facilities for visitors with limited mobility, and a shop. The event itself also advertised a wider range of hot and cold food and drink stalls. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site.
Make a Day of It
Battle Abbey is the anchor here rather than something to squeeze between several attractions. For a longer East Sussex stay, Clarissa’s Corner can connect Battle with Hastings and other nearby heritage, culture and darker-history finds without pretending they all fit comfortably into the reenactment day itself.
Archived 15 October 2026. Historic prices and programmes are retained for reference only, not for booking.
