Travel into the heart of East Sussex and discover 1066 country, and the history of William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion. Better still, travel to Sussex by rail, hop off the train to see iconic landmarks and some of the most historic towns in Sussex. Be moved by cliff top views, and echoing ruins and follow in the footsteps of the invaders who changed history. All in less than 2 hours from London.
This Sussex by Rail: Discover 1066 Country itinerary comes with two options.
Option 1.
Catch the train to Pevensey and then travel along the coast by train to Rye (deviating to Battle) and visiting Hastings on the way. Then catch the train home from Rye.
Option 2.
Catch the train to Pevensey, walk to Rye via the 1066 Country Walk, then catch the train from there to Hastings and then back to Pevensey.
Option 1. Pevensey to Rye
Travel the East Sussex coast by rail.
Pevensey
Direct trains from London Victoria to Pevensey & Westham take just over 1 hour 30 mins and a number of trains run throughout the day. From the train station is it 0.6 km to Pevensey Castle and the start of the 1066 Country Walk. This is where William the Conqueror landed to begin his invasion.
Pevensey Castle actually dates back to the Roman period and the 4th century but William the Conqueror turned the Roman ruins into a castle and used it as a base before heading off inland. It’s now run by English Heritage and really has to be the starting point of your 1066 adventure.
While you’re in Pevensey, there are plenty of other things to see like the Mint House and the historic jail: Things to do in Pevensey
Hastings
Hop back on the train. Journey times from Pevensey and Westham to Hastings are about 30 mins and there is a really regular service. From Hastings station, it’s about 1.5 km to Hastings Castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1067. It has amazing views of the coast and lots of information boards.
While you’re in Hastings there is plenty more to explore, like the smugglers’ caves, the shipwreck museum, the sculpture of a Norman boat on the seafront and the narrow twittens of Old Town Hastings: Things to do in Hastings
Battle
Trains from Hastings to Battle takes about 16 mins and there is a frequent service. Battle is, of course, home of Battle Abbey and the battlefield where the famous Battle of Hastings is said to have happened in October of 1066. It’s an English Heritage site and open to the public.
Have a good look around Battle before you leave: Things to do in Battle.
Rye
From Battle to Rye, you can hop on a train and it will take about an 1 hour and 15 minutes to Rye (via Hastings) or you can hop on a bus which takes about 2 hours.
Rye is a Cinque Port and has a history that dates back to the Romans but it was given to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy by King Æthelred and then came under William’s control after the invasion. Strategically it was an important base for trade.
There is lots to explore in Rye, from the Ypres Tower and museum to Mermaid Street, Lamb House and Rye Harbour: Things to to in Rye.
Trains from Rye back to London take just over an hour and you normally have to change once at Ashford International Station.
Option 2. Walk the 1066 Trail
Combine rail travel and walking to really get off the beaten track.
For option 2, catch the train to Pevensey, walk to Rye via the 1066 Country Walk, then catch the train from there to Hastings and then back to Pevensey. Should you wish to, you can catch the train home from Rye or from Hastings (trains to London take about 1 hour and 22 mins).
1066 Country Walk
This is a 50 km walk from Pevensey Castle to Herstmonceux Castle, Battle Abbey and battlefield, Winchelsea, and ending in Rye. It follows the route of William the Conquer and along the way you’ll find a number of sculptures. If you don’t want to do the whole walk, there are links from it to Bexhill and Hastings.
Read more: 1066 Country Walk.
When you have reached Rye, travel back using the option 1 itinerary in reverse order and leaving out Battle.
Top tips
For option 1, stay overnight in Hastings Old Town at The Laindons or at The White Rock Hotel. If you have time, stay overnight in Rye. If you’re walking the 1066 County Walk, good places to stay overnight are Herstmonceux and Battle.
Local vineyards that might be worth a detour include: Henners, Carr Taylor Wines and Oastbrook Estate.
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