A family visit to Bodiam Castle

Visitors playing games at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 country. Families visit to experience the feeling of walking over the bridge, through the gatehouse and stepping back into medieval England as they discover this beautiful ancient monument.

Family visits

Children love spotting the 50-year-old carp in the moat, climbing the steep towers, walking across the battlements and running in the wide-open spaces.  Their imaginations are sparked when they see the original portcullis, ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops and medieval bread oven. Children learn about medieval life as they explore the remains of the Lord and Lady’s apartments and see where the servants would have slept on the stone floor of the castle.

Bodiam Castle offers the perfect outing for families looking for a fun day out, and for children learning about castles at school. Friendly staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any tricky history questions. Bodiam Castle has a natural beauty and the atmosphere is relaxed so you can feel free to explore in your own way at your own pace. 

Carp and ducks on Bodiam Castle moat
carp and ducks in the moat of Bodiam Castle
Carp and ducks on Bodiam Castle moat

Feeling peckish?

The Wharf tea-room and Castle View café sell ice creams, children’s picnic boxes and tea, coffee and home-made cakes for adults. Treat yourselves to a freshly prepared lunch or cream tea in the Wharf tea-room beside the river or bring your own picnic and relax on the grass as you enjoy the breath-taking views of the Sussex countryside.  

Good to know

Bodiam Castle has wide parking spaces, baby change toilets, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths. Bodiam Castle shop has a children’s section with children’s books and quality castle themed gifts such as swords, shields, trebuchets and dressing up costumes as well as National Trust pocket money souvenirs. 

Climb the towers and see the castle from above
Family visitors at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Climb the towers and see the castle from above

Family activities

Throughout the year, Bodiam Castle offers seasonal history and nature themed family friendly activities such as archery, stocks, trails, quests, medieval costumed characters, storytelling, and armour demonstrations. During Spring, children can climb the gatehouse tower to hear the resident bats chattering. At Easter time, children race about the grounds at the popular Easter Egg trail and at Christmas time Father and Mother Christmas and other winter characters have been known to visit the castle courtyard or medieval grotto to give children a magical story or gift. To find out more, check the What's on page.