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.
"Bodiam Castle was built in the late 14th century by the knight Edward Dalyngrigge as a military fortress against invasion. Surrounded by a moat, its exterior still looks imposing and remarkably well preserved.
The reflection on the water is worth a moment before crossing the wooden bridge inside.The interior is mostly ruins, but you can still make out the old kitchen, great hall, and other parts of the original layout. During my visit, an event added the castle’s signature dragon display, which was a nice touch.
Climb the spiral stone stairs up the towers for wide views of the moat, nearby villages, and open fields, great medieval atmosphere all around.
A solid stop for anyone who enjoys classic English castles, history, or medieval architecture."
Moon Rabbit
"Fantastic place for a half-day trip, with parking space in front of the castle, restaurant, and souvenir shop. When it comes to the castle itself, it's a great piece of history. A few towers are open with the possibility to climb up and enjoy the views. Special thanks to the very friendly staff straight from the ticket shop. ;)"
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"It was my 1 year old's first castle (he's a tiny Yank, so not too many castles at home). He LOVED it despite his stoic face in the photos. I've been to dozens of castles in the UK and Europe and thoroughly enjoyed this one. But I want to give a huge shout-out to those who put up all the fun Halloween props--fantastic effort and well done! Family especially loved the photo of Little Man as a spooky cat. Great place for a family outing. Thank you!!!"
Scott B
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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