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Bodiam Castle
Step into history at Bodiam Castle. This 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis.
Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Opening times for 26 April 2025
Asset Opening time Castle 10:00 - 17:00 Car Park 09:45 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Wharf Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Castle grounds 10:00 - 17:00 Riverside Second-hand Bookshop 10:00 - 16:30 You don't need to book your visit in advance. Last admission to the castle is 30 minutes before closure. Castle View Café opens seasonally.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £13.20 £12.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.60 £6.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £33.00 £30.00 Family, one adult £19.80 £18.00 Whole property peak (from 21 July)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.40 £14.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.70 £7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £38.50 £35.00 Family, one adult £23.10 £21.00 Whole property standard (from 9 September)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £13.20 £12.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.60 £6.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £33.00 £30.00 Family, one adult £19.80 £18.00 Whole property peak (from 25 October)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.40 £14.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.70 £7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £38.50 £35.00 Family, one adult £23.10 £21.00 Whole property standard (from 3 November)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £13.20 £12.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.60 £6.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £33.00 £30.00 Family, one adult £19.80 £18.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs only in the castle, Wharf Tea-room and shop
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop by the river
- Café
Café opposite the castle entrance opens seasonally, serving drinks and snacks
- Car park
Free parking for National Trust members, non-members £5 per car.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads welcome in the grounds and Castle View Café. Assistance dogs only inside the castle
- Shop
Shop near the main car park for gifts, seasonal plants and a castle range
- Tea-room
Wharf Tea-room overlooking the river serves drinks, snacks and light lunches
- Toilet
Toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities by the car park. Mobile toilets opposite the castle open seasonally
- Accessible route and/or map
Gravel paths throughout the site with some slopes and undulating terrain. Level access to the castle courtyard only. The towers are reached by steep spiral staircases.
Accessible route and/or map - more information- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet by the main car park next to the tea-room
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides (SEB and VEB versions) available on request
- Designated parking
Five accessible parking spaces in the main car park, near the tea-room and shop
- Induction loop
Induction loops in visitor reception, tea-room and shop
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large print floorplan and castle guidebook available on request
- Level access to food outlet
Level access to the Wharf Tea-Room via gravel car park and paved area
- Level access to shop
One of the two entrances to the shop has level access via a paved area
- Steps/uneven terrain
Level access to the castle courtyard. The towers are reached by steep spiral staircases
- Transfer available
A buggy service is available for transfers between visitor reception and the castle.
- Wheelchairs available
Manual wheelchair available at visitor reception
- By road
1.5 miles (2.2km) east, off B2244, 3 miles (5.6km) south of Hawkhurst. Look out for The Curlew restaurant on crossroads opposite turning to Bodiam. 3 miles (5.6km) east of A21 at southern end of Hurst Green village, midway between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.
Parking: NT members free, non-members £5 per car. Pay onsite by cash or the 'Pay by Phone' app. £50 for un-booked coaches.
- By train
Seasonal steam railway from Tenterden to Bodiam station: 1/4 mile. Operated by Kent & East Sussex Railway (www.kesr.org.uk). Mainline railway stations at Robertsbridge, 5 miles; Battle, 10 miles. No public transport links from mainline railway stations, only private taxis. No taxi rank at Robertsbridge - need to pre-book taxis. Taxi rank at Battle.
- By bus
349 Stagecoach from Hastings train station to Hawkhurst, stops opposite Bodiam Castle car park entrance. Operates Monday to Saturday. A Sunday service will operate every Sunday until further notice.
- Cycling
Planning your visit
Article
Family-friendly days out at Bodiam Castle
Bring your little ones for a day of adventure at Bodiam Castle! Explore the castle and its grounds while enjoying a variety of family-friendly events. Upcoming activities include an Easter egg hunt, have-a-go archery, crafts, living history events, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
What's on at Bodiam Castle
Get involved with a variety of events throughout the year at Bodiam Castle! Upcoming activities include castle tours, an Easter egg hunt, conservation in action sessions, have-a-go archery, creative crafts, living history events, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail. Find out more...
Activity
Visiting Bodiam Castle with your dog
Bodiam Castle is a two pawprint rated place. Find out about visiting with your dog, where you can explore the castle grounds surrounding the moat together.
Article
Group visits to Bodiam Castle
Picturesque and romantic, Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is a great place to explore on a pre-booked group trip, or a school visit.
Article
Exploring Bodiam Castle
Discover what to see and do at Bodiam Castle. Climb the stone towers to take in the views, learn about defending a medieval castle and explore the impressive ruins.
Bodiam Castle map and guide
This map and guide will help you discover what remains of the medieval castle, and how it came to be preserved.
Highlights
Castle
Medieval castle with original moat, towers and portcullis. Scheduled ancient monument with open air interior.
Parkland and wider landscape
Landscape surrounding the castle includes wetland, grassland, veteran tree and deadwood habitats, alongside archaeological features. Nationally-significant bat maternity roost.
Eating
Wharf Tea-room overlooks the River Rother and serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches and homemade cakes. Castle View Café serves drinks and snacks.
Shopping
The shop is filled with gifts, homeware, a castle range and seasonal selection of plants. Riverside bookshop is stocked with pre-loved books.
Spotlight events
How to Train Your Dragon trail
Let your imagination run wild and channel your inner Viking as you pick up tips and tricks to master the art of dragon training. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings – and so much more! Do you have what it takes to become a dragon trainer? The How to Train Your Dragon series is written and illustrated by Cressida Cowell, and published by Hodder Children’s Books. Text and illustrations © Cressida Cowell. Dates: 24 May to 7 September | Time: 10am to 4pm Price: £3 with admission.
Have-a-go Archery
Have-a-go at the medieval sport of longbow archery against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle. Learn how to get to grips with a bow and arrow from friendly instructors. Dates: 5–21 Apr, 3–5 May & 1–31 Aug | Time: 10.30am–4pm | Price: £4 for 6 arrows
Conservation in Action
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to look after the collection at Bodiam Castle? Join the Bodiam Castle conservation team as they clean and maintain objects from the collection, from medieval tiles to 19th-century prints of the castle. When? One Thursday a month, April to October, 11am–4pm
Demonstrations by Call to Arms
Call to Arms is a group of volunteers with a passion for history and training in Historical European Martial Arts. Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, by showing weapons and explaining techniques. Members of Call to Arms will be available to answer questions. Dates: 17 May, 21 Jun, 5 & 6 Jul, 7 Sep | Time: 10.30am–3.30pm, displays will be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm | Price: Free with admission
Graffiti tours
New for 2025, join a member of the conservation team as they take you on a tour round Bodiam Castle. Discover the secrets of the historic graffiti, from stone mason to witches marks, left by voices gone by. When? One Thursday a month, April to October, 1pm–1.45pm
Things to see and do
There’s plenty of things to see and do waiting to be discovered at Bodiam Castle. Step into history and take part in a host of family-friendly events all year round, including a medieval fair, re-enactment groups, activity trails, and more!
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle
Discover things to see and do on a family visit to Bodiam Castle. Join in with activities and let your imagination run riot in this Medieval setting.
Article
Exploring Bodiam Castle
Discover what to see and do at Bodiam Castle. Climb the stone towers to take in the views, learn about defending a medieval castle and explore the impressive ruins.
Article
The grounds of Bodiam Castle
Discover what to see and do in the grounds of Bodiam Castle. Take a riverside walk, stop for a picnic or look for wildlife – from rare bees to bats.
Activity
Visiting Bodiam Castle with your dog
Bodiam Castle is a two pawprint rated place. Find out about visiting with your dog, where you can explore the castle grounds surrounding the moat together.
Article
Archaeology at Bodiam Castle
Discover the remnants of the past at Bodiam Castle through the work of recent archaeology digs.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Bodiam Castle
Enjoy food and drink with a view at Bodiam Castle. Shop for gifts or a souvenir of your visit and browse for the perfect pre-loved book.
Upcoming events
Event
Bodiam Castle tour
Discover the story of Bodiam Castle and the people who built, lived and worked in it through the ages.
Event
Medieval armour display
Take a look at the medieval armour display in the castle and learn from our volunteer experts about how armour evolved during the Middle Ages.
Event
The Harvey Buffs: WWII re-enactment group
Be transported back in time to the Second World War with local historical group The Harvey Buffs.
Event
Demonstrations by Call to Arms
Be transported back in time and onto the Medieval battlefield with expert demonstrations.
Event
Medieval encampment
See 15th century re-enactment groups visit Bodiam Castle and bring medieval history to life.
Event
How to Train Your Dragon trail
Join Hiccup and Toothless the dragon on an adventure around Bodiam Castle!
Event
Conservation in Action
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to look after the collection at Bodiam Castle?
About Bodiam Castle
Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.
A wide moat encircles the seemingly untouched Medieval exterior. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind. In the courtyard, enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life.
History
Article
A brief history of Bodiam Castle
Discover the history of Bodiam Castle. Find out who built it, its royal connections and what historic graffiti can tell us about the castle’s past.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Bodiam Castle
Would you like to volunteer at Bodiam Castle? Come and join our friendly team, which helps to look after this 14th-century moated castle in tranquil East Sussex.
Join your local Sussex supporter group
Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you in Sussex? Members of National Trust supporter groups across Sussex help to raise funds for Bodiam Castle and other local properties, while also getting together for days out, talks and volunteering at their local places. Discover how you can get involved.
Art and collections
Bodiam Castle's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Bodiam Castle on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
Article
Our work at Bodiam Castle
Discover the National Trust's work to look after Bodiam Castle and the surrounding historic landscape.
Article
Archaeology at Bodiam Castle
Discover the remnants of the past at Bodiam Castle through the work of recent archaeology digs.
Creating wildflower meadows at Bodiam Castle
Reintroducing meadows around Bodiam Castle isn’t just going to make for an attractive landscape, it also creates an abundant new environment for wildlife and wildflowers.