Bodiam Castle, A Remarkable Fortress In Sussex
Surrounded by a wide, reflective moat and rolling countryside, Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most iconic medieval ruins. Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, this impressive fortress was designed as much for show as for defense—with soaring towers, a working drawbridge, and picture-perfect symmetry.
Now cared for by the National Trust, Bodiam Castle is a favorite among families, history enthusiasts, and photographers alike. If you’re planning a day out in East Sussex, it’s a standout destination that blends history, scenery, and charm.
Whether you’re climbing its battlements or strolling the peaceful grounds, it’s a place where history and romance linger in every stone.
Planning Your Day Trip To Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle sits near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, close to the River Rother. This location makes it relatively easy to access from London and nearby counties.
The castle is open all year round, although its hours change with the seasons. You can drive there using the A265 or catch a train to Robertsbridge station nearby.
The castle lies approximately 10 miles from Hastings and 15 miles from Tunbridge Wells, making it easily accessible from major towns across East Sussex and Kent. We accessed it by car from West Sussex while staying with family.
Getting There: Directions And Travel Tips
By Car: The castle is located just off the A21 road with clear signage. An on-site car park is available, which charges a small fee. From London, take the A21 south through Kent. Then follow the signs to the A265 toward Bodiam. The journey typically takes 90 minutes from central London.
By Train: Robertsbridge station serves as the nearest railway stop, located approximately 3 miles from the castle. Direct trains run from London Charing Cross and London Bridge stations. From Robertsbridge, visitors can take a local bus service or arrange a taxi.
By Steam Train: The Kent & East Sussex Railway operates steam and diesel services to Bodiam Railway Station. This heritage railway offers a unique arrival experience, complete with countryside views during the journey.
Do note that wheelchair accessibility is limited. The grounds inside the curtain walls are composed of gravel and grass, with some sloping areas. The towers are not wheelchair accessible.
The History Of Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most recognizable medieval fortresses. This picturesque castle has adorned many chocolate boxes and has been seen across the web. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and day-trippers alike.
A former knight of the Hundred Years’ War, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, built the castle for defense and display. With permission from King Richard II, Dalyngrigge transformed Bodiam Manor into the moated masterpiece seen today.
The change was made to guard against a possible French invasion and to reflect his rising status.
Unlike many castles, Bodiam has no central keep. Instead, it features a square design with rounded towers at each corner, surrounded by a wide, scenic moat. Its dramatic silhouette and romantic setting make it feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Though built for defense, Bodiam saw little military action. It was taken with little resistance in 1484 during the Wars of the Roses. Over 150 years later, it surrendered during the English Civil War.
Parts of the castle were dismantled over time, leaving behind a striking ruin. Over the centuries, Bodiam was owned by several notable individuals before it was restored by Lord Curzon in the early 20th century. He then gifted it to the National Trust in 1926, securing its preservation for future generations.
Today, visitors can cross the charming wooden bridge and wander among the ruins. Climbing the towers offers lovely views of the countryside, while peaceful walks around the moat complete the experience.
With its storybook charm and rich history, Bodiam Castle offers a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Experiencing Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle’s medieval architecture creates an immersive journey through 14th-century life.
The Moat And Bridge Entrance
The moat completely surrounds Bodiam Castle, creating the classic romantic image of a moated fortress. The water reflects the castle walls, making the structure appear larger and more intimidating to approaching enemies.
As I crossed the wooden bridge, I reflected on its history, providing access to the castle from the 18th century. It now leads to the north side, replacing the original medieval stone bridge that once approached from the west bank.
The original medieval bridge made a sharp right turn before reaching the main gatehouse. This defensive design forced attackers to slow down and exposed them to arrow fire from the castle’s defenders.
Exploring The Towers
The castle features four main castellated towers connected by high stone walls. We climbed the narrow staircases within these towers to reach viewing platforms at the top.
From the battlements, panoramic views stretch across the East Sussex countryside. The vista includes the organized rows of Seddlescombe Organic Vineyard and the route of the Kent and East Sussex Railway.
Lucky visitors may spot a steam train winding through the landscape below. From this vantage point, the castle courtyard and the surrounding countryside present excellent photo opportunities.
Arrow slits in the castle’s 13-meter (43-foot) tower walls highlight its defensive design. These narrow openings allow archers to shoot while remaining protected.
The Great Hall And Inner Courtyard
The castle’s courtyard reveals the layout of medieval life. Stone foundations mark the Great Hall, the castle’s social hub. In the kitchen area, the large fireplaces and ovens hint at the scale of daily operations.
From the foundations, we could see the family quarters placed by key entrances and three of the four towers. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of an initial structure, comprising a chapel, cloisters, and servants’ quarters.
While much of the interior is in ruins, our diagram shows the initial layout.
The Historic Spiral Staircase
Stone spiral staircases wind upward within the castle towers, following medieval construction techniques. These staircases curve clockwise to disadvantage right-handed attackers climbing upward.
The worn stone steps show centuries of use, with smooth surfaces polished by countless footsteps. It’s important to note that the staircases are steep and narrow, and space on the tower’s top is limited.
Narrow windows along the staircases offered limited light. The spiral staircase design appears throughout the castle, connecting ground-level chambers to upper floors and battlements.
Imposing Portcullis
The original portcullis guards the main entrance, representing one of Britain’s few surviving medieval examples. This heavy iron grating could be lowered quickly to seal the castle entrance.
The gatehouse above the portcullis contains murder holes where defenders poured boiling oil and water onto attackers. These defensive features demonstrate the castle’s serious military capabilities.
Today, the portcullis serves as home to one of Britain’s largest roosts of Daubenton bats. A colony of Natterer’s bats also inhabits the gatehouse, adding to the historical structure’s wildlife interest.
Family Activities And Events
Bodiam Castle offers engaging activities specifically designed for families visiting this historic fortress. The National Trust organizes guided experiences, hands-on learning opportunities, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Guided Tours By The National Trust
The National Trust offers structured tours that bring medieval history to life. Friendly staff and volunteers guide families through the castle ruins, explaining the significance of features like the original portcullis, murder holes, and gun loops.
These tours help children understand how medieval life functioned within the castle walls. Guides demonstrate the purpose of the Lord and Lady’s apartments while explaining how servants lived on stone floors in different areas.
Interactive elements include:
- Medieval bread oven demonstrations.
- Explanations of defensive features.
- Stories about the castle’s 14th-century inhabitants.
Tours are tailored to suit different age groups, ensuring that both children and adults remain engaged. Visitors can ask questions about any aspect of castle life. The tours provide context that enhances self-guided exploration of the towers and battlements.
Interactive Exhibits For Children
Children can learn about medieval history through hands-on activities throughout the castle grounds. Dressing up in clothes allows young visitors to imagine themselves as knights or medieval characters.
The castle features a family map highlighting key attractions such as the stone unicorn. This resource helps families locate the best picnic spots and discover hidden areas for exploration.
Seasonal Events And Educational Trails
Bodiam Castle hosts year-round events that combine education with entertainment. The How to Train Your Dragon trail runs until early September, featuring games and activities inspired by the book series.
In the summer, enjoy Knights and Castles workshops, circus skills training, and live medieval combat demos. In fall, follow the Spell Quest trail for magical games and beast encounters.
Local Cafés And Tearooms
In summer, a trip to Bodiam calls for a picnic outing. If you prefer to eat out, we found a few options. The Castleview Cafe at Bodiam Castle serves homemade light lunches, drinks, and sweet treats.
Castle Inn (formerly The Red Lion) sits directly across from Bodiam Castle, offering traditional pub fare and exceptional ales. The establishment dates to the 15th century when merchants visiting the castle stayed at the inn.
Beyond the Castle: Additional Attractions
Since it only takes an hour to explore the castle ruins of Bodiam, consider combining your visit with some other Sussex attractions. Here are some places of interest nearby.
Battle Abbey – Walk the grounds of one of Britain’s most famous battles, the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Nearby, visitors can explore the ruins of Battle Abbey, a memorial to those who lost their lives on the battlefield.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden – Sissinghurst Castle has a varied past and once served as a prison. Today, its gardens have been magnificently transformed into a horticultural paradise of international plants. The National Trust also owns this estate.
Brede Steam Giants – Located in the lovely Brede Valley, the facility displays a collection of bygone water pumping engines. While the original machines used steam, the exhibit documents the history of such engines to the modern day.
Bateman’s – A beautiful 17th-century Sussex estate that was once the home of Rudyard Kipling. Explore its gardens to see what influenced his writings.
Kent and East Sussex Railway – The Kent and East Sussex Railway operates vintage steam trains that terminate at Bodiam Railway Station. The railway covers 18 kilometers between Tenterden in Kent and Bodiam in East Sussex, taking approximately 50 minutes each way.
Smugglers Adventure is located in Hastings, an English seaside town worth visiting. The center documents the history of smuggling. The hills conceal old smugglers’ caves holding dark secrets of bootlegging and hardships of smuggling.
Hastings Castle – built by William the Conqueror, it’s mostly in ruins but provides some spectacular views of the Sussex countryside.
If you’re traveling with children, consider a child-friendly stay in a converted railway carriage, in nearby Northiam.
Why Bodiam Castle Is Worth the Trip
Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most photographed medieval castles. Owned by the National Trust, the castle offers an authentic experience, complete with four towering corner turrets and a moat that still surrounds it on all sides.
The setting is truly breathtaking. Whether you’re a keen photographer or just snapping on your phone, the views, especially the castle mirrored in the still moat are hard to resist.
Inside the ruins, you’ll find fascinating traces of medieval life, from the once-grand Great Hall to more quirky details. Among them: 28 toilets that amusingly emptied straight into the moat.
I was impressed by how well the National Trust has set things up. There’s a short film that brings the castle’s history to life, a cozy gift shop, and fun seasonal activities for all ages. The admission prices seemed fair, perfect for a family day trip from London or Brighton.
