Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle

Family playing on thrones in the courtyard at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex — Family playing in the courtyard at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular family attractions in 1066 country. Families visit to experience the feeling of walking over the bridge, through the gatehouse and stepping back into Medieval times as they discover this beautiful ancient monument.

Planning your family visit

You don't need to book in advance – tickets are available at reception.
Bodiam Castle has wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities by the car park, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths.
Some areas of the castle are not accessible with a buggy or wheelchair – such as the spiral staircases to the top of the towers.

Family-friendly things to do in the castle

Children love spotting the 50-year-old carp in the moat, climbing the steep towers, walking across the battlements and running in the wide-open spaces. Their imaginations are sparked when they see the original portcullis, ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops and medieval bread oven. Children learn about Medieval life as they explore the remains of the Lord and Lady’s apartments and see where the servants would have slept on the stone floor of the castle.

Bodiam Castle offers the perfect outing for families looking for a fun day out, and for children learning about castles at school. Friendly staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any tricky history questions. Bodiam Castle has a natural beauty and the atmosphere is relaxed so you can feel free to explore in your own way at your own pace.

Sleigh and decorated Christmas tree at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex — Christmas sleigh at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex | © National Trust/Jennifer Coe

A Bodiam Castle Christmas

Enjoy a magical Christmas at Bodiam Castle. You’ll find Father Christmas’s sleigh in the courtyard where you can jump on and get dressed up in festive costumes to take the perfect Christmas photo. Families can write a letter to Father Christmas in the grotto tower room. Saturday 25 November – Monday 1 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am–3pm.

Join the family-friendly Christmas Trail. A naughty elf has left gifts lying around the castle and Father Christmas needs your help to spot the presents. Saturday 25 November – Monday 1 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am–2:30pm. £2 with a festive prize.

From 19–23 December, have a go at some creative Christmas crafts, perfect to take away with you and display at home.

Family-friendly things to do in the grounds

In the historic landscape that surrounds the castle, have a go at archery on selected dates and meet characters from the 1400s, dress the knight and discover the medieval way of life in a medieval encampment on selected weekends. Throughout the summer holidays there's all the fun of the Medieval Fair. You can pick up an illustrated spotter sheet for each season with wildlife to look out for as you explore - just ask at visitor reception.

The Wharf Tea-room and Castle View Café sell children’s lunch boxes and a selection of drinks, light meals, home-made cakes and ice creams. Treat yourselves to a freshly prepared lunch or cream tea in the Wharf Tea-room beside the river or in the summer, bring your own picnic and rug and relax on the grass as you enjoy the breath-taking views of the Sussex countryside.

Child trying on replica medieval armour — Trying on armour at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex | © National Trust/Jennifer Coe

Family-friendly things to do throughout the year

Bodiam Castle offers seasonal history and nature themed family friendly activities such as crafts, trails, quests, Medieval costumed characters, storytelling, and armour demonstrations. Bodiam Castle shop has a children’s section with books and quality castle-themed gifts such as swords, shields and dressing up costumes as well as pocket money souvenirs.

During spring, children can climb the gatehouse tower to hear the resident bats chattering. At Easter time, children race about the grounds at the popular Easter egg hunt and at Christmas time Father and Mother Christmas and other winter characters have been known to visit the castle courtyard or medieval grotto to give children a magical story or gift. To find out more, check out What's on.