An autumn visit to Bodiam Castle

Autumn days at the 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.  A short DVD will give you a brief history of the castle and its founder, Sir Edward Dallingridge, and then you can choose where to go.  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.

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 minstrels' 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 ot be possibly the oldest in England and above the studded oak doors are the badge and shields of the Dallingridge family.