A ‘hidden gem’ of Europe

BATTLE has been named as one of the top 10 ‘hidden gems’ of Europe for visitors to go to, according to travel experts.

Lonely Planet, known for its extensive range of guidebooks for independent travellers, said the town was noted for its ‘deliciously quaint streets’ in a report published on May 24, on its highly regarded website.

Battle is listed as one of 10 towns and cities in Europe that see fewer tourists but still offer beauty and charm, according to Lonely Planet writer Anita Isalska.

Other places in the list include Luxembourg city in Luxembourg and Haarlem in The Netherlands.

In her piece, Anita says visitors can ‘take a spin around the evocative fields where the arrows flew and complete (their) visit with shopping through (Battle’s) deliciously quaint streets’.

Dale Cromwell, chairman of Battle Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is amazing news, but in the same vein, it does not surprise me, as Battle is a great local community.

“It is one of the few places where people say ‘good morning’ to you in the street, whether they know you or not.

“Battle is unique and I do not think there are many towns it with similar quirkiness and personality.

“A high street like Battle’s is the sort of thing that is dying these days. But there are not many towns in the country where the community gets involved in to the extend that it does in Battle, what with events like the Medieval Fayre and the annual Good Friday Battle Marbles event.

“A lot of visitors to Battle remark on this.”

Jane Ellis, tourism PR and travel trade officer for 1066 Country Marketing, said: “Battle is one of the high points of 1066 Country because that’s where the whole battle took place.

“This is a great draw to the area. The Battle Marketing Group is working to bring out the more contemporary side to Battle as well, such as the Saffron Gallery and the Keane connection.

“The community spirit in Battle is really strong and the whole town is involved in promoting the town as a great place to visit, Chamber of Commerce, town council, Battle Marketing Group and various community groups.

“Beautiful Battle should be singled out as the group of volunteers who keep the town’s flower beds and baskets looking great and a Jubilee Garden was opened recently, a culmination of two years work.”

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