It was only an hour drive from Leeds Castle to Hastings. The directions to our B&B were a bit vague and being re-directed away from a car accident didn't help. We found our way to the seafront and just when I was about to announce ourselves lost Robyn spotted the street we were looking for. We settled in and there were enough daylight hours left for us to venture into town. Ben experienced his first English pebble beach. Later on we went for a stroll around the old town. We finished up with fish and chips at a local restaurant, washed down with the odd glass of wine.

 Note: That pointy thing sticking up in the top left hand corner of the above photo is Hastings Castle.

We started the day at Hastings castle. A shot train ride up tot he top of the east hill and we were there. William the Conqueror built this castle soon after victory in the battle of Hastings in 1066. There were sweeping views of the town below.

At Robyn's behest we headed along the coast to Pevensey castle. Unfortunately for us it was English Heritage special events day. This meant archery demonstrations, sword fights, metal working etc. Sounds good but in practice was a bit amateurish and took away any feelings of being part of history we might have had. The castle itself was just a shell.

Though Pevensey Castle was disappointing, it led to the unexpected highlight of the weekend. The outdoor café situated next to the castle. It was well grassed and enclosed. This meant that Rachel could wander with little supervision needed. Trees provided shading from the sun, a cool breeze and the flowers made for a relaxing atmosphere. A spacious table with little other customers was also a bonus. We took our time and followed up the baked potatoes with an ample sized serving of creamed tea. Very civilized. Late in the piece a couple of families arrived. Ben soon became the center of attention. Something that he enjoyed very much and that I can envisage him becoming accustomed to.

 Our last port of call was Battle. As the name implies this was the actual location where the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. We entered though the Battle Abbey gates and I sensed a photo opportunity. I was lining Robyn up with the gates and backing up to ensure that everything was in shot. A good plan except for one minor detail. I forgot to look where I was going. I stumbled into a low fence and went sprawling backwards, crashing to the ground. The digital camera flew free and clunked and clattered along the stones and dirt.

What was my response?

To quickly jump to my feet, check that the camera was functional and … take the shot. Robyn later pointed to some blood on my elbow, it was but, just a minor scratch.

We had planned on taking the stroller only and for Rachel to walk. Ben however was restless and I returned to the car for the backpack. Luckily I didn't have it on earlier! I took a mental note to take care when photographing with the backpack on.

It was a good decision to retrieve the backpack as we ended up doing an hours walk around the battlefield. In the photo below Rachel and I are standing on the line where the Saxon army stood. The Norman army charged up the hill from the trees behind me.

In the photo below was the spot where King Harold fell during the battle in 1066. When William the Conqueror built the Battle Abbey its high altar was on this spot.

 We rounded out the weekend with a two hour drive home. This was not unreasonable despite some crawls along the A21.