Bodiam Castle
Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour
Bodiam Castle
Facilities and access
Bodiam Castle
Overview
Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour
Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Windows where arrows were once shot, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.
In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind. Enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life and gruesome and surprising tales can often be heard from our webster, forester and other colourful characters from the past. Plus we have lots of seasonal events throughout the year.
Please note: Entry to the grounds is included in our admission prices. Tickets must be purchased to enter the castle and/or the grounds. See our current admission prices here
- Telephone
- +441580830196
- bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
Bodiam Castle
How to get here
- Address
- Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
- By cycle
- Cycle route information
- By ferry
- Seasonal passenger ferry (April to September) from Newenden Bridge, Newenden village on A28 - operated by Bodiam Boating Station (www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk). Booking advisable.
- By bus
- 349 Stagecoach from Hastings train station to Hawkhurst, stops opposite main car park entrance. Operates Monday to Saturday. A new Sunday service will operate every Sunday until further notice. 2 for 1 entry for those arriving by bus on presentation of downloadable voucher and bus ticket. Visit Stagecoach website for details.
- By train
- Seasonal steam railway from Tenterden town to Bodiam station: 1/4 mile. Operated by Kent & East Sussex Railway (www.kesr.org.uk). Mainline railway stations at Robertsbridge, 5 miles; Battle, 10 miles (London Charing Cross to Hastings route) No public transport links from mainline railway stations, only private taxis. No taxi rank at Robertsbridge - need to pre-book taxis. Taxi rank at Battle.
- By road
- 1.5 miles (2.2km) east, off B2244, 3 miles (5.6km) south of Hawkhurst. Look out for The Curlew restaurant on crossroads opposite turning to Bodiam. 3 miles (5.6km) east of A21 at southern end of Hurst Green village, midway between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.
- Parking: In main car park next to shop and tea room at bottom of site. Car park is approximately 400 yards from castle entrance. Free parking for NT members. Non members: £3 for cars, £1 for motorcycles, £5 for coaches.
- On foot
- Sussex Border Path between Hawkhurst and Ewhurst Green goes through the grounds of the castle.
Bodiam Castle
Prices
Whole property
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £10.30 | £9.30 |
| Child | £5.15 | £4.65 |
| Family | £25.75 | £23.25 |
| Group Adult | N/A | £8.10 |
| Group Child | N/A | £4.05 |
Car Parking
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars | N/A | £3.00 |
| Coaches (unless pre-booked) | N/A | £5.00 |
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Bodiam Castle
Opening times
Please note...
Closes at dusk, if earlier. Castle opens at 10:30. Closed 24 and 25 December.
Sunday 20 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Monday 21 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 22 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 23 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday 24 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Friday 25 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 26 August
- Castle 10:30 - 17:00
- Car Park 09:45 - 18:00
- Shop 10:00 - 17:00
- Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00