Keep it local
Shop Manager, Heather Wiggins, is proud of her range of local products. She says, “Within the retail range at the National Trust, it is important to us, to support local producers, artists and craftsmen.” In support of this, there are a number of local products on sale here in our Castle Gift Shop.
Westerham Brewery ales
Hop gardens used to surround the castle but there are now a dwindling number of them throughout Kent & East Sussex.
At nearby National Trust property, Scotney Castle, the hop garden is tended by Ian Strang. The hops grown here are processed by Westerham Brewery to give some great local ales.
Lord Curzon (who left Bodiam Castle to National Trust in 1925 following his death) explored India with his friend, Francis Younghusband, who lived in Westerham. He wrote in his memoirs ‘as I rode down the grassy slopes, I saw coming towards me in the distance a solitary horseman. It was Younghusband’s native servant. At that moment I would have given a kingdom, not for champagne or hock or soda, or hot coffee but for a glass of beer! He approached and salaamed. I uttered but one word, ‘beer’. Without a moment’s hesitation, he put his hand in the fold of his tunic and drew therefrom a bottle… Happy Forethought! O Prince of hosts! Most glorious moment!’
Helping support the castle
And because so many of our products are exclusive to us and made in the UK, shopping with the National Trust at Bodiam Castle ensures that not only are you supporting a conservation charity, but every gift will be something a little bit different from what you’ll find on that busy high street.
