Bodiam Castle
A 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is a quintessential medieval fortress offering a fairytale setting and historical explorati...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bodiam Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is a quintessential medieval fortress offering a fairytale setting and historical exploration.
"This must be one of the most picturesque castles in National Trust care."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your Bodiam Castle tickets in advance online. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore the Moat Walk
Enjoy stunning views of the castle from the circular moat walk. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Moat
Surrounding the castle
A perfectly reflected medieval fortress, the expansive moat is Bodiam's most striking feature, creating a fairytale-like setting.
Castle Ruins Exploration
Inside the castle walls
Wander through the atmospheric ruins, climb towers for panoramic views, and imagine life within these historic walls.
National Trust Events
Castle grounds and interior
From historical reenactments to family-friendly activities, check the schedule for engaging events that bring history to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your Bodiam Castle tickets in advance online. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore the Moat Walk
Enjoy stunning views of the castle from the circular moat walk. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Family Fun Activities
Look out for kids' activities and trails, especially during school holidays. :child:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads around the grounds and moat. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your Bodiam Castle tickets in advance online. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore the Moat Walk
Enjoy stunning views of the castle from the circular moat walk. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Family Fun Activities
Look out for kids' activities and trails, especially during school holidays. :child:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads around the grounds and moat. :dog:
☕ Cafe for Refreshments
Grab a bite or a drink at the onsite cafe with views of the castle. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bodiam Castle is widely praised for its stunning exterior and picturesque moat, often described as a fairytale fortress. Visitors enjoy exploring the ruins, climbing towers for views, and the family-friendly activities. While the interior is less preserved, the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical charm and scenic beauty.
"A brilliant, well-preserved castle. You can either walk round the outside (round the moat) paying no more than the cost of parking but, if you want to go into the interior, then you have to obtain your tickets from the Visitor Centre. There's a fairly large car park (free to National Trust members) and the usual NT refreshments are available from the onsite cafe. In warmer weather, the grounds round the Castle are conducive to sitting back and admiring the Castle from afar.
Our tour of Bodies Castle with Jonathan was absolutely excellent. Lots of history, very clear and lots of interesting details. One of the best we've done! Thank you."
Keith Dredge
"This must be one of the most picturesque castles in National Trust care. The image of the castle and the moat is iconic. It is a little less impressive once we get inside the castle, but also here there is plenty to admire. A short film in one room gives the history of the castle. And two of the towers are open and gives great views over the surrounding area, if you have the strength to climb up. As our visit was during the school holidays, there were various activities for kids around the grounds"
T Hartberg
"Once you've seen one Castle, you've seen 'em all? Wrong.
With activities for kids and families, dog friendly walks along a picturesque river where you can also kayak. Spitfire planes, hot air balloons, and hang-gliders overhead... and of course, a scenic steam engine train ride.... there is plenty for the kids to actually enjoy themselves, and the adults as well.
It is the busiest castle I have visited in my travels, and worth it."
Megan Gale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodiam Castle is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from London. You can also reach it by public transport: take a direct train from London Bridge or London Charing Cross to Robertsbridge station (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes), then a taxi to the castle.
Yes, Bodiam Castle is accessible by public transport. Trains run to Robertsbridge station, followed by a taxi ride.
The address for Bodiam Castle is Bodiam, East Sussex, TN32 5UA.
Yes, there is a fairly large car park at Bodiam Castle. It's free for National Trust members. For non-members, parking is £4.
Absolutely! Bodiam Castle is a popular day trip destination from London, often described as a 'UK hidden gem'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Bodiam Castle are approximately £10, or free for National Trust members.
Yes, National Trust members receive free entry to Bodiam Castle and often free parking as well.
Bodiam Castle opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on Bodiam Castle opening times.
You can obtain your tickets from the Visitor Centre upon arrival, but booking online in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Yes, Bodiam Castle frequently hosts events, especially during summer and holidays, such as archery, family activities, and historical reenactments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While much of Bodiam Castle is in ruins, you can explore the interior, climb towers for views, and see a short film about its history. The moat and exterior are particularly impressive.
Bodiam Castle is very family-friendly, with activities, games, and trails often available, especially during school holidays.+1 Kids can enjoy exploring the ruins and imagining medieval life.
Yes, there's a picturesque walk around the moat offering fantastic views of the castle and its reflection.
Bodiam Castle is dog-friendly! Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the grounds and the moat area.
Climbing the towers of Bodiam Castle offers great views over the surrounding countryside and the moat.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an onsite cafe at Bodiam Castle offering refreshments and treats with views of the castle.
While not explicitly stated as a regular offering, the cafe provides refreshments, and some visitors mention enjoying treats with a view.
There are a couple of nearby cafes and options in the surrounding villages for dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The moat, with its reflection of the castle, is the most iconic photo spot.
Bodiam Castle is renowned for its picturesque beauty, often described as a fairytale castle.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' offer beautiful light for photography, with fewer crowds.
Drone usage is generally restricted at National Trust properties for safety and conservation reasons. It's best to check specific guidelines before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full castle and moat. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the ruins. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing the moat's reflection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids can explore the ruins, climb towers, and let their imaginations run wild in this medieval setting. The moat walk is also a hit, with opportunities to spot ducks.Don't forget to check the events calendar for specific activities like archery or historical reenactments.
The onsite cafe provides convenient refreshments, and the grounds are dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds can save on food costs. While there's a cafe, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a common practice for many visitors looking to keep expenses down.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+1 The moat walk provides the best vantage points for capturing the castle's grandeur and its mirror image.Explore the ruins for atmospheric shots and climb the towers for unique perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legend of Bodiam Castle
+1 Its strategic location on the River Rother was crucial for controlling the area. Despite its imposing military architecture, legend also suggests it was built as a romantic gesture for Dalyngrigge's wife. This blend of military purpose and romantic lore adds to the castle's mystique.The castle is a classic example of a late medieval concentric castle, featuring imposing towers, a barbican, and a vast moat. While the exterior remains remarkably intact, the interior is largely in ruins, inviting visitors to imagine its former grandeur.
Eerie tales also surround Bodiam Castle, with stories of ghosts and ancient protection marks etched into the stonework.
These legends, combined with its fairytale appearance, contribute to its captivating atmosphere, making it a place where history and folklore intertwine.Visiting Bodiam Castle with Family
+1 These activities help bring the medieval period to life in an interactive way.Kids can enjoy exploring the castle ruins, climbing the towers for panoramic views, and imagining themselves as knights or royalty. The expansive grounds and the moat provide ample space for running around and discovering hidden corners.
Practical considerations for families include the availability of a cafe for snacks and meals, and the dog-friendly nature of the grounds, allowing the whole family, including furry members, to enjoy the visit.
Photography at Bodiam Castle
The most iconic shot is undoubtedly the castle reflected in its vast, surrounding moat, creating a stunning mirror image. This view is particularly magical during the 'golden hour' of early morning or late afternoon, when the light casts a warm glow on the stone.Beyond the classic moat shot, exploring the castle's interior ruins offers opportunities for atmospheric photography. Climbing the towers provides elevated perspectives of the castle and the surrounding Sussex countryside.
For the best results, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the castle and its setting. A polarizing filter can enhance the reflections in the moat. Remember to check for any restrictions on drone photography before your visit. The castle's fairytale appearance also lends itself well to creative shots, perhaps with a model or a themed outfit.
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