We arrived at Bodiam Castle late morning and decided to go to the shop before we went up to the castle.

I noticed from the guide book that the castle was surrounded by water and you could only get into the castle from a bridge that went up to a big gate and portcullis (just like in the films...).

© The Attfield family

Mum and Dad took us to the small museum close to the castle and found that there was a pumpkin hunt for Peter to do and he also was given a small rucksack with loads of cool things inside it to borrow. The bag contained a guide that helped us as it was written so we could understand it and some of it was funny too.

Dad was taking loads of photos as we walked over the bridge and it was then that I saw the huge Koi fish smimming in the moat. We then decided to climb up the tower steps that were very steep. they curled all the way up to the top.

We looked out of the windows and holes as we came back down and Mum said she did not like it in the tower, we all thought it was cool and pretended to shoot arrows through the windows.

As we came back outside we saw a room where you could try on armour so Peter and I queued up to try some on. There was a lady inside the room who helped us put on the armour, it was very heavy and slowed us down when we walked about. We were allowed to go outside with the armour on and we both had swords and shields, people were looking at us as we came out of the doorway and took photos, it made us feel sort of special.

We took off the armour and continued to find out about the different parts of the castle, my favourite part was a room that had holes in the roof, these were called murder holes and if the castle was attacked burning fat or oil was poured down the holes onto the soldiers below, cool.....

Back to top

Peter found all of the pumpkins and on the way out of the castle we handed back the rucksack and were asked if we had enjoyed our visit.

We all very much enjoyed out visit to Bodiam and all had different favourite bits to chat about on the way home.

Dad liked how all the stone was carved and cut to fit walls and arches, he said you can still see the chip marks that made their shape and he also said how the old stepping stones and stone seats were worn smooth with use and age. Mum liked the views and especially the reflections on the water of the castle and trees, she also liked the large well next to the old kitchen area. Peter liked the pillbox at the front of the castle that was built to stop a new and more deadly army only 60 years ago. I liked the Battlements and towers with all the steep stairs and the MURDER HOLES.....