Walk in the footsteps of William The Conqueror A 1066 Adventure
Follow the tranquil waters of the Great Stour River
A quick intro
Step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of the Neolithic Age!
Join us for an unforgettable guided tour on the historic Neolithic Trail in Salisbury around Stonehenge, where mystery and legend meet breath-taking landscapes.
Over two days and two nights, you’ll journey through rolling hills and megalithic sites that reveal the stories of our ancestors. Along the way, our expert guides will share fascinating insights into the mysteries of the Neolithic people who once walked these very paths.
Whether you’re a history lover or a nature enthusiast, this Neolithic trail offers something for everyone. Enjoy peaceful countryside walks, stunning views, and the chance to connect with the past in a meaningful way. This weekend promises a unique blend of adventure, discovery, history and relaxation.
From Pevensey to Battle - walk the story that changed england forever
Step back into the summer of 1066 and join us on an unforgettable three-day adventure from Pevensey to Battle, following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and walking through the landscapes that witnessed one of the most extraordinary events in English history.
Over approximately 19 miles of beautiful Sussex countryside, you’ll hear the stories of kings, warriors and ordinary people caught up in the events of 1066, brought vividly to life by Ben Crozier, our History Walk Leader.
But this isn’t a history lesson or simply a long-distance walk. It’s an experience.
Two nights under canvas. Your own three-person tent. Meals around the fire. Dutch-oven cooking. Great company. Beautiful countryside. And a story that unfolds with every mile.
Then, as our journey reaches its climax, we’ll walk into Battle and onto the very landscape where William and Harold’s armies met in 1066, before exploring Battle Abbey and the famous battlefield.
We’ve taken care of the logistics, so you can concentrate on what really matters — walking, exploring, listening to the stories and enjoying the adventure.
Three days. Nineteen miles. One incredible story.
Are you ready to walk into 1066?
The Finer details and daily schedule
The details
Schedule
Date: 26-28 July 2027
Meet and Start Time: Friday from 17:00
Staff Member: Ben Crozier and Ian Henderson
Price
Standard price: £330
Loyality card holders: £299
Location
Meeting point: Battle railway station
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: Mixed
Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) over 3 days
Walk Type: Linear (with transfer from Battle to Pevensey)
how your days plan out
Monday 26th July 2027
Pevensey to Hailsham (Approximately 8 miles)
Your adventure begins at Battle railway station, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Boots On Adventures team before we arrange your transfer to Pevensey — the starting point for our journey into 1066.
From here, we lace up our boots and set off.
As we make our way through the beautiful Sussex countryside, Ben Crozier, our History Walk Leader, will weave stories of 1066 and the surrounding area into the walk, bringing the landscape to life as we go.
And there’s no need to carry all your overnight bags with you. Your personal baggage will be transported ahead to the campsite, leaving you free to enjoy the walking with just your daypack.
After approximately eight miles, we’ll arrive at Hailsham, where your tent will already be waiting for you.
Then it’s time to relax, enjoy the evening and settle into the adventure.
Tuesday 27th July 2027
Hailsham to Catsfield (Approximately 8 miles)
After breakfast, we’ll head back onto the trail for another day of walking, exploring more of the countryside and landscapes connected to the events of 1066.
As we go, Ben will continue to bring the story to life — weaving together the history of the places we’re passing through, the people who lived here and the events that shaped the country.
With your personal baggage once again transported ahead, you can concentrate on the trail, the scenery and the stories.
We’ll eventually reach Senlac Woods, our home for the second night.
Then comes one of the highlights of the adventure.
We’ll gather together for an evening meal cooked outdoors in Dutch ovens, with the fire going and the day’s stories still fresh in our minds.
Good food, good company and a Sussex evening around the fire — what’s not to like?
Wednesday 28th July 2027
Catsfield to Battle (Approximately 3 miles)
After breakfast, we pack up for the final stage of our journey.
It’s only around three miles to Battle, but this final stretch has a very special destination.
As we walk towards Battle, Ben will bring together the stories we’ve heard over the previous two days, helping us understand the people, places and events that led to that extraordinary day in October 1066.
And then we reach our destination.
The English Heritage site at Battle Abbey — the very landscape where the Battle of Hastings took place.
After walking from Pevensey and following the story for three days, we’ll finally stand on the battlefield itself, where William the Conqueror’s Norman army and Harold Godwinson’s English army met in 1066.
It’s the perfect way to finish the adventure.
What to knowabout the stonehenge walking holiday
getting to Battle
Battle is a historic market town in East Sussex, famous as the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and home to the English Heritage Battle Abbey and battlefield.
For the 1066 Adventure, Battle is our meeting point and the finish of the walking adventure.
Railway
Battle railway station is easily accessible by train, making it the ideal place to begin your adventure.
We’ll meet at Battle railway station, where the Boots On Adventures team will welcome you before arranging a group transfer to Pevensey, where our walk begins.
Car
If you’re travelling by car, there are parking options in and around Battle. We recommend checking local parking arrangements and allowing plenty of time to arrive for our morning meeting.
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
- Suitable walking attire
- Sleeping bag & Pillows etc
What’s included by us
- A fully guided 3-day 1066 Adventure, led by the Boots On Adventures team
- 2 nights camping under the stars in one of our spacious tents (air mattress included)
- Breakfast, lunch and evening meal on Tueasday and Breakfast and lunch on Wednesay
- Entry to English Heritage 1066 at Battle
What’s excluded
- Personal travel insurance (required)
- Getting to and from the event
- Sleeping bag & Pillows etc
- Lunch and evening meal on day 1 (we plan to eat at the Bull Inn in the evening)
Where will we be staying?
Accommodation Information
For two nights, we’ll be staying at two carefully selected campsites along our route, giving us the chance to experience the Sussex countryside properly and enjoy the adventure from the heart of the landscape we’re walking through.
Your accommodation will be in a spacious three-person tent, with one tent provided per person unless you’ve specifically chosen to share with a friend or partner.
And there’s no need to worry about arriving at the campsite tired after a day on the trail and then having to put your tent up. Boots On Adventures will erect your tent for you, so when you arrive, your accommodation will be ready and waiting.
We’ll also provide a camping ground mat. You’ll just need to bring your own sleeping bag, along with anything else that helps you get a comfortable night’s sleep.
A pillow, extra blanket and warm layers are well worth considering — especially as we’re camping in the great outdoors and we can’t guarantee what the British weather will have in store for us!
Campsite Facilities
Both campsites have the facilities you’ll need to make your two nights under canvas comfortable.
Showers & Toilets
You’ll have access to campsite shower and toilet facilities during your stay.
Your Own Tent
Everyone has their own spacious three-person tent as standard, giving you plenty of room to relax and keep your belongings organised.
Camp Life
The campsites give us the perfect opportunity to unwind at the end of each day’s walking, meet fellow adventurers and enjoy the atmosphere of being outdoors.
Baggage Transfer
You won’t need to carry your camping equipment along the trail. We’ll transport your personal baggage ahead to the campsite each day, leaving you free to walk with just the essentials in your daypack.
Two Nights Under Canvas
Camping is an important part of the 1066 Adventure. After a day spent walking through the landscapes connected with 1066, there’s something special about settling down for the night in the countryside itself.
It’s all part of what makes this more than just a walking holiday — you’re not simply passing through the story; for three days, you’re living the adventure.
Important notes
- If you have any COVID symptoms, please do not attend.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
- Cancellation policy states: Please note that all deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel your walking holiday within 60 days of the start date, the full balance is payable and no refund will be issued. Cancellations made between 60 and 90 days before the start date will receive a 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit. For cancellations made more than 90 days in advance, you will receive a full refund of any payments made, minus the deposit.
Learn more aboutWalk in the footsteps of William The Conqueror - A 1066 Adventure
The 1066 Trail takes you through some of the most important landscapes connected with the events of 1066 — a year that changed the course of English history forever.
Our 1066 Adventure follows sections of this historic route as we make our way from Pevensey to Battle, travelling through the Sussex countryside towards the site of the famous Battle of Hastings.
But this isn’t simply a case of following a line on a map.
As we walk, the landscape becomes part of the story.
A Story Written Across the Landscape
In September 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, landed at Pevensey following his invasion of England. From there, his army moved inland towards Hastings and prepared for the confrontation with Harold Godwinson, the English king.
A few weeks later, the two armies met on a ridge near what is now the town of Battle.
The events of that day would have enormous consequences for England.
William’s victory would eventually see him crowned William the Conqueror, beginning a new chapter in English history and transforming the country politically, culturally and architecturally.
But the story of 1066 isn’t just about two armies and two famous leaders.
It is also a story about the people who lived here.
Farmers, villagers, landowners, soldiers, monks and ordinary families all found themselves living through a period of extraordinary upheaval. The countryside we walk through today would have looked very different, but many of the places, landscapes and routes still give us clues about the world they knew.
Walking Through 1066
Over our three days, Ben Crozier, our Boots On Adventures History Walk Leader, will bring these stories to life as we walk.
Rather than simply stopping at historical points and giving a formal history talk, Ben will weave the story into the journey — explaining what happened, who was involved and why the places around us mattered.
You’ll hear about the invasion, the Norman army, Harold and his English forces, the landscape of Sussex and the events that ultimately led to the confrontation at Battle.
We’ll also explore the local history of the places we pass through, helping to put 1066 into the wider story of Sussex.
From Pevensey to Battle
Our journey begins at Pevensey, where William’s forces landed in 1066.
From there, we’ll walk approximately 19 miles over three days, travelling through the Sussex countryside before reaching our final destination at Battle.
The final stage brings us to the English Heritage Battle Abbey and Battlefield, where the Battle of Hastings took place.
Standing there after walking the journey from Pevensey gives the whole adventure a very different perspective.
You’ve followed the route.
You’ve heard the stories.
You’ve experienced the landscape.
And finally, you arrive at the place where the story reached its dramatic climax.
More Than a History Walk
The 1066 Adventure isn’t designed to be a history lecture with a walk attached.
It’s a chance to step into the story.
You’ll walk through beautiful countryside, spend two nights under canvas, enjoy meals around the fire, meet other adventurers and discover the history of one of the most famous years in English history.
By the time we reach Battle, you’ll have travelled through the story rather than simply read about it.
Pevensey. The journey. The landscape. The stories. Battle.
Walk the 1066 Trail with Boots On Adventures and experience the story for yourself.