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. Step back into Medieval times as you cross the bridge and explore this ancient monument. With a variety of events throughout the year, there's always something to see and do. Upcoming activities include an Easter egg hunt, have-a-go archery, storytelling, crafts, living history performances, and a How to Train Your Dragon trail. Start planning your visit today!

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 events at Bodiam Castle

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.

What's on 2025

How to Train Your Dragon trail
24 May to 7 September | 10am–4pm

Get ready for a brand-new family trail inspired by the beloved How to Train Your Dragon book series by Cressida Cowell. Join Hiccup, his trusty dragon Toothless, and lots of other familiar friends. Do you have what it takes to be a dragon trainer? Channel your inner Viking and set off on an epic journey packed with exciting games and activities. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings – and so much more! £3 with admission.

Have-a-go archery
3–5 May | 1–31 August | 10.30am–4pm

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. £4 for 6 arrows.

Suitable for adults and children aged 7+. Any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This open-air activity is weather dependent, and occasionally may need to be changed or cancelled at short notice.

Demonstrations by Call to Arms
17 May | 21, 5, 6 July | 7 September | 10.30am–3.30pm, displays will be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm

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. Free with admission.

Medieval encampment at Bodiam Castle
Walk through a medieval encampment in the castle grounds, meet characters from the 1400s and discover more about the medieval way of life.

Company of the Phoenix

Saturday 24 May to Monday 26 May
Saturday 28 June to Sunday 29 June

10am–4pm

The House of Bayard

Saturday 26 July to Sunday 27 July

10am–4pm

Children's crafts: Dragons and Vikings
26, 28 May | 1 June | 12.30pm–4pm

Ideal for families, children can decorate their own ceramic dragons to take away. Little ones can imagine themselves becoming a knight or Viking as they decorate their own wooden shield. £2/£4/£5 per item, cash payment advised.

Summer of Play
19 July to 3 September | 10am–4pm
Back with a bang and bigger than ever, the return of Bodiam Castle’s popular family friendly Summer of Play! Free with admission.

Children’s summer crafts
19 July to 3 September | 1pm–4pm

Children can decorate their own ceramic dragons to take away. Little ones can imagine themselves becoming a knight or Viking as they decorate their own wooden shield. £3/£5 per item, cash payment advised.

Knights and Castles with Classroom Adventures
26 & 27 Jul | 9 & 10 Aug | 16 & 17 Aug | 30 & 31 Aug | 11am–3pm
Join Classroom Adventures for an interactive historical workshop filled with games and activities. Free, normal admission applies.

Circus skills with Circus Allstars
Weekdays only between; 28 Jul–30 Aug | 4– 8 Aug | 11 – 15 Aug | 18 – 20 Aug | 26– 29 Aug | 11pm–3pm
Experience the thrill of circus arts with the talented instructors from Circus All Stars. Learn fun circus skills such as juggling, spinning plates, and walking on stilts. Free with admission.

Knight and Viking School with Histrionics at Bodiam Castle
31 July to 3 August | 21 to 25 August | 10am–4.15pm, drop-in throughout the day.
Join us for a fun-filled day for the entire family as you discover what it takes to be a real knight or Viking! Free with admission.

See all events

A fabric dragon tail amongst the ruins of Bodiam Castle — Dragon tail at Bodiam Castle | © National Trust/Jennifer Coe

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. For those who love to get into character, a variety of dressing up clothes are available.

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.

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.