This summer the people who lived and worked in the castle in 1385 will be brought to life through illustrations. Discover medieval clothes, what the castle would have looked like and how the rooms were used in a colourful display.
Step back in time
During the summer holidays, there will be fun for all the family as the Castle Steward patrols the courtyard and a Medieval Mop Fair gives children a chance to get a job at the castle with Sir Edward.
This summer, the Middle Ages are reclaiming Bodiam Castle. After 600 years some of the castle inhabitants have returned in the form of 8 colourful illustrations by Scarlett Woodman, local artist and member of the conservation team.
The illustrations offer a great photo opportunity for the family and include characters such as an archer, lady and servant. There are also dressing up boxes for children to become the characters themselves.
Our Castle Characters display will continue throughout the summer holidays so there will be plenty to keep younger visitors busy. Look out too for the Castle Steward who will be patrolling the courtyard everyday over the school holidays; setting missions for children, telling the castle’s history and helping visitors join the National Trust in conserving and caring for this special place.
Come and join our medieval workforce at the Mop Fair
A Medieval Mop Fair will also take place daily throughout the summer holidays. A Mop Fair was a chance to get a job and this summer children will have the opportunity to become one of the castle characters for the day as they complete activities to see if they can gain a job in the castle.
Activities on offer will include object handling including replica medieval armour, dressing up in costumes and enjoying some crafts.
The Castle Steward and Medieval Mop Fair will run 24 July to 4 September.
Bodiam Castle
National Trust / Heather Packham
Bodiam Castle
Test your skills
Archers would have been key to the defence of the castle and highly skilled at their job. During the school holidays and at weekends from April to October, you can see how you might shape up to this important role by having a go at some archery practice on site.
Archery sessions run at weekends and during every school holiday from 6 April to 3 November 2019
Available daily from 11am-4pm
£3.50 for 6 arrows
Payment is made directly to the staff from The Hawking Centre who run this activity on our behalf
Suitable for 5 - 99 year olds
No need to pre-book
Normal admission charges apply.
Make it a day out for all the family
There's plenty of space at Bodiam to have a great picnic. Set down your picnic rug and let the children head off to explore the nature in the grounds before taking them into the castle to do some more exploration and listen to one of our storytellers as they weave their tales of time gone by.
Our Castle View Cafè is close to the castle entrance so you can retreat back to your picnic rug and enjoy a delicious soft scoop ice cream or hot cup of coffee. If you forget something from your picnic, then the Cafè has a range of sandwiches, paninis, hot and cold drinks, cakes and scones on offer. Oh, and the Cafè is dog friendly too so your four-legged friend can enjoy a treat as well.
Enjoying a family picnic
National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra
Enjoying a family picnic
Family friendly checklist
Baby-changing facilities are available in the toilets at the main car park. Please note there are no facilities near to the castle
During peak season additional toilets are available next to Castle Cottage close to the castle
Children’s guide available from visitor reception and the castle gift shop
Children’s menu, high chairs, and a baby bottle and food-warming facility at The Wharf tea room
Pocket money priced toys and games on sale in the castle gift shop
Family-focussed events throughout the year
Hints and tips
Explore the towers, climb the ramparts and discover the masons’ marks throughout the castle ruins
See if you can find the wooden sculpture of Sir Edward Dallingridge in the grounds
Spot the ducks and fish in the moat
Ask at Visitor Reception for children’s trails and 50 things activities to make your visit even more fun!
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.
Visit the Castle gift shop and discover our great range of National Trust gifts, books and souvenirs. We also have some great local artisan produce and gifts.