Battle & Merriments Gardens with a Cream Tea

Free time in Battle. The attractive town of Battle gets it name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. The town grew up around the Abbey of St Martin which was built by William the Conqueror after the battle. It is said that William vowed that should he win the battle he would build such an abbey. The abbey was built between 1070 and 1094, and the high altar is believed to have been placed on the spot where Harold fell. Today the Abbey ruins and the battlefield are cared for by English Heritage and are well worth a visit. The imposing Abbey gatehouse built circa 1338 can be seen as you look down the length of the High Street.

Merriments Gardens with a cream tea. 
Merriments Gardens consist of a beautiful 4-acre RHS Partner Garden, Plant Centre, Shop and Restaurant, all set amongst the rolling countryside of East Sussex. Many of the plants seen in the Garden are grown in our own Nursery, specialising in unusual Perennials, and are available to buy in the Plant Centre, which holds a complete range of plants from Alpines and Bedding to Shrubs and Trees. The Shop sells an excellent range of compost, tools and garden sundries, as well as a diverse range of gifts, cards and home accessories, many sourced from local producers.