Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle

In the Creativity Zone, performance and art collide. Dress up and take to the stage, practise your jester skills, or design a shining shield.

Dates: Available daily until Wednesday 3 September
Times: 10am to 4pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

In the Active Zone, test your aim with games like skittles, soft-play archery, and quoits, leap over straw bale hurdles, or gallop to the finish line on your trusty steed.

Dates: Available daily until Wednesday 3 September
Times: 10am to 4pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

In the Chill Out Zone, get comfy on a giant beanbag and enjoy soft play building blocks you can stack, sort, and build to your heart’s content! Build your own castle, tower, or anything your imagination dreams up.

Dates: Available daily until Wednesday 3 September
Times: 10am to 4pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

In the Nature Zone, wander through the winding grass maze and enjoy a moment surrounded by nature. Take your time as you follow the twists and turns. Don’t forget to look closely — can you spot any insects hiding among the grass?

Dates: Available daily until Wednesday 3 September
Times: 10am to 4pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

Join Sir Stephen de Blenerhayset and Lady Eleanor for an unforgettable journey into the 'high life' of the Middle Ages. This family-friendly event at Bodiam Castle offers a unique blend of history and interactive fun, perfect for visitors of all ages.

During this event, learn about the rigorous training and lifestyle of a knight, try medieval games, and experience interactive shows where you feel like you are part of the story.

Dates: 26 & 27 Jul | 9 & 10 Aug | 16 & 17 Aug | 30 & 31 Aug
Times: 11am to 4pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

Experience the thrill of circus arts with the talented instructors from Circus Allstars. Learn fun circus skills such as juggling, spinning plates, and walking on stilts.

Dates: Weekdays only between; 28–30 Jul | 4–8 Aug | 11–15 Aug | 18–20 Aug | 26–29 Aug
Times: 11am to 3pm
Price: Free, normal admission applies

Join us for a fun-filled day for the entire family as you discover what it takes to be a real knight or Viking!

Experience action-packed tournament duels, arming a knight and get involved with storytelling shows and armour handling throughout the day, as performers from Histrionics present this interactive, family-friendly event. Perfect for those aged 3+.

Dates: 31 July to 3 August & 21 to 25 August
Times: 10am–4.15pm, drop-in throughout the day
Price: Free, normal admission applies

In this craft activity for families, children can decorate their own ceramic dragon, wooden shield, or wooden goblet to take home.

Dates: Available daily until Sunday 31 August
Times: 1pm-4pm, drop-in first-come-first-served entry
Price: £2/£4/£5 per item, cash payment advised

Fuel the imagination of young children, with tales that are perfect short drop-in sessions for families. Running throughout the day and 15–20 minutes in length, the storytelling sessions are held in the castle first-floor tower room.

Dates: 5, 13, 19, 26 & 31 July. 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 28 & 31 August
Times: 11.30am–2.30pm
Prices: Free, normal admission applies

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: 30 July–31 August
Times: 10.30am–4pm
Prices: £5 for 6 arrows, admission applies

10am–5pm, last entry 4.30pm.

The Wharf Tea-room overlooks the river and wherever you sit, there's a great view across the Rother valley towards Bodiam station. Pop in to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and slice of home-made cake or stop for a light lunch, freshly prepared on site.

The Castle View Café opens seasonally and serves cakes, scones and sandwiches for a quick lunch stop alongside hot and cold drinks.

Gravel paths throughout the site with some slopes and undulating terrain. Many Summer of Play activites take place in the Mill Pond, which has step free access.

A buggy service is available for transfers between visitor reception and the castle. Subject to volunteer availability.

Accessible route and/or map - more information.

Toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities by the car park. Mobile toilets opposite the castle open seasonally.

Accessible toilet by the main car park next to the tea-room.

Free parking for National Trust members, non-members £5 per car.

Five accessible parking spaces in the main car park, near the tea-room and shop.

No need to book entry to Bodiam Castle. Free for National Trust members. Admission and parking charges apply for non-members. Under 5’s go free.

The majority of Summer of Play activities are included with admission.

A small number of tents/marquees will be provided for shelter from the sun/rain.