A summer's day out at Bodiam Castle

Visitors at Bodiam Castle

Visit Bodiam Castle this summer and take time to look at the features of this fortress and family home or have fun outdoors with medieval games and activities.

A medieval castle

The impressive and beautiful symmetry of Bodiam Castle with its tall towers and broad moat is the perfect example of a 14th century medieval castle. A great place to explore and imagine yourself back in the past, making your way across the bridge for a maginificent feast in the Great Hall.

Bodiam Castle
A view to the gatehouse entrance from the courtyard at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex
Bodiam Castle
A view across the bridge at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex

Summer events 

Come and enjoy the castle in the summer sunshine. There's the chance to take a tour and discover more about the people who built, lived and worked at Bodiam Castle through the ages. You could take a look at medieval armour up close or decorate your own crown or shield in a craft workshop. Bring a picnic and make it a great day out with the family.

Look and explore

Once inside the castle there's lots to explore. Climb up the steep spiral staircases to get to the top of the towers and be rewarded with incredible views across the River Rother valley towards Ewhurst Green and east towards Newenden. 

Spiral staircase, Bodiam Castle
A view looking up one of the steep stone spiral staircases at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex
Spiral staircase, Bodiam Castle

As well as climbing up, you can take a few steps down from the castle courtyard and see the well room. The water would have been used in the nearby kitchens, but only ale from the buttery would have been drunk at the table. Perhaps you can see why? Before you leave this room, take a look up for a bird's eye view.

Bodiam Castle
A boy standing beside the well at Bodiam Castle points up to the dovecote above.
Bodiam Castle

Take a seat on the dais and survey the Great Hall before you imagine looking up to the minstrel's gallery at the far end above the arches to the buttery, pantry and kitchen. This room with its great vaulted roof and impressive arched window, probably glazed with stained glass, would have seen many a feast and celebration.

As you leave the castle, look up and see the murder holes above you in the gatehouse tower. All manner of unpleasant things could have rained down on any unwelcome visitors in the past. There's also the remains of the iron-clad oak portcullis, thought to be possibly the oldest in England and above the studded oak doors are the badge and shields of the Dallingridge family.

Bodiam Castle
The portcullis and badge and shields of the Dallingridge family above the entrance to Bodiam Castle in East Sussex
Bodiam Castle

Feeling peckish or after the perfect gift or memento?

A visit to the castle wouldn't be complete without a stop for something delicious to eat. Our Wharf Tea-room near the car park offers tasty treats and light lunch options whilst our dog-friendly Castle View Café, as its name suggests, overlooks the castle and offers snacks and our traditional cakes and scones. Make sure to stop by the Castle gift shop and discover a great range of castle-themed gifts and souvenirs for you to take home after your day out.

A slice of National Trust cake

Wharf tea-room and Castle View café at Bodiam Castle 

Planning on staying for lunch? Want to know where you can grab a quick drink or treat yourself to some homemade cake? At Bodiam Castle you can enjoy seasonal food, freshly prepared in the Wharf tea-room or the Castle View café.

Bodiam Castle bag, mug and notebook available from the Bodiam Castle shop

Shopping at Bodiam Castle 

Visit the Castle gift shop and discover our range of National Trust gifts, books and souvenirs. We also have some great local artisan produce and gifts.