Welcome to Battle’s Tourist Information Point
Located in the Almonry on Battle’s High Street, you will find the Tourist Information Point – your gateway to discovering the rich history and vibrant attractions of Battle, East Sussex. Nestled in the heart of this historic town, our team is here to ensure that your visit is as informative and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Battle has something to offer everyone. From providing insights into the famous Battle of Hastings to helping you explore the picturesque countryside, our service is designed to facilitate your visit.
The Almonry
Step into history and discover the captivating tale of The Almonry, a remarkable house nestled in the heart of Battle, England. This enchanting building, which now houses the Tourist Information Point and Battle Town Council offices, is a living testament to the town’s deep-rooted past, dating back to shortly after the historic Battle of 1066, from which Battle derives its name. Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Battle Abbey, The Almonry exudes an ageless charm, with its ancient walls echoing the stories of centuries gone by. Although it was never actually an Almonry, (the Almoner owned the land) this house has been a witness to the ebb and flow of time, its legacy woven into the fabric of Battle’s history. From the early Middle Ages, it bore the name “KNIGHT’s,” a nod to the influential family that once owned the surrounding lands, gifted to the Abbey by the Conqueror himself. Records reveal a complex history of tenants and ownership changes, ultimately returning to the Abbey’s fold in 1800 before finding its way into private hands in the 20th century. It was purchased by the Town council in 1987. Today, The Almonry is a cherished building which invites you in to explore the stories and secrets of Battle’s past that have been preserved within its historic walls.
The Almonry Gardens
The Almonry’s award-winning gardens are a haven of tranquillity away from the bustle of the Hight Street and the Market Square. The gardens, recognized for their horticultural excellence, demonstrate the timeless charm and allure of British gardens. The front garden contains herbaceous plants, spring bulbs and traditional shrubs and perhaps most notably, a Judas tree: each May, its blossom is admired by visitors and later in the year, their pods are collected and dried and the seeds are available for sale from the shop. The rear garden is currently being redeveloped into a cottage garden and also houses a loggia where visitors can shelter.
The Tourist Information Point, Almonry and Gardens are open all year from Monday to Saturday, 11am-2pm.
Battle Museum of Local History
The Museum collection, which covers the history of the area from pre-historic to modern times, grew from a local exhibition for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and has been housed in a variety of places in Battle, before moving to its current location in 2003. The museum features exhibits ranging from the age of the dinosaurs to the mid-20th Century and, to mark the coronation of King Charles III, the museum features a special exhibition charting Battle’s long association with royalty. Fully accredited by Arts Council England, the Museum is completely run by volunteers. It is much larger than it looks from the outside, covering 125 million years of history! The Museum shop has a range of books about the history of the area and associated topics for both adults and children; a line of bespoke hand-painted pottery, mugs, fridge magnets and badges; and for children, helmets and wooden swords, dinosaur models and eggs, to help keep them occupied during the holidays! There are also maps and guides for the area.
Battle Museum of Local History re-opens on Monday 1st April and will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.15pm until 31st October.