A summer's day out at Bodiam Castle

Visit our medieval castle

The impressive and beautiful symmetry of Bodiam Castle with its massive 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 and coming across the bridge for a maginificent feast in the great hall.

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 massive towers and be rewarded with the most incredible views across the River Rother valley towards Ewhurst Green and east towards Newenden. The views are ever changing with the seasons and the state of the river.

Following a winter of conservation work you can also climb the gatehouse and north-west towers again this summer. Head up from just inside the great castle gates to see the rooms above the gatehouse entrance and then head out across a short stretch of battlement towards the north-west tower. As you enter the tower it's just a few steps up onto the roof of this circular tower with views up to the ridge behind the castle and the village of Bodiam.

As you can see from the picture below, the spiral stairs are really steep and the tread is very high and narrow. Whilst the views from the top are stunning, we ask visitors to ensure that they are fit and able to make the journey up (and down) these testing stairs. They are not really suitable for those with reduced mobility, the elderly or very young children.  

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.

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 would 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.

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.