ONE of Britain’s most important historical sites has been named in a list of Europe’s top “secret spot” locations.

Battle, has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well-known as the site of the Battle of Hastings.

Now travel guide Lonely Planet has included it in its list of 50 “undiscovered and overlooked” destinations in Europe.

The Lonely Planet Secret Europe mini-guide said: “The Battle of Hastings may be well-known as the bloody stand-off in 1066 that inspired the Bayeux tapestry, but few make the journey to see where it happened.”

The guide added: “Take a spin around the evocative fields where the arrows flew and complete your visit with shopping in the village’s deliciously quaint streets. Don’t miss out on rambling around the glorious Sussex countryside.”

Tourist attractions in Battle include the Yesterday’s World museum which has a replica trench exhibit to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War.

At the Battle Museum of Local History there is an exhibition of local connections with the two world wars including the story of Frank Hoad, one of the few soldiers to have been named in a First World War poem.

Frank Hoad, who was born in Battle, died at the Somme in 1916 and was mentioned in the poem Pill-Box by Edmund Blunden.

In 2016 Battle and Hastings will celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

There is an annual re-enactment of the battle which will take place on October 11 and 12.

Liz Honey, director of Saffron Gallery in Battle High Street and member of the Battle Marketing Group, said: “The recognition by a major global travel brand that Battle is so special and unique is just wonderful news.

“Battle’s independent shops, contemporary galleries, award-winning eateries and country pubs are all situated on one of England's most important historical sites, in the heart of the countryside and just minutes from the coast. It's something we in Battle have all known for a very long time but at last the secret is out.”