Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with Facebook
Pro
A beautfully preserved example of a medieval moated castle
Con
Transport links
In a nutshell
a time tunnel to a medieval time in england!
sue_stone Says: During a short trip to East Sussex with friends, we stopped off at Bodiam Castle. I had read that it looked like the sort of castle you imagine when you think of a castle, and being a bit of a castle lover I just had to stop off and have a look for myself.Initial impressions...
kit_mc Says: As well as checking out the castle, wandering the grounds about 5 minutes walk away you can catch the Kent and East Sussex Railway. These steam trains don't exactly go very far, only through a few of the neighbouring villages such as Tenterden, Northian and Bodiam, but if...
Fen Says: At Bodiam castle you can explore and see the wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers.
Fen Says: One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385, as both a defence and a comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle...
The White Dog Inn: Fabulous food in a delightful pub
crazyman2 Says: Imagine a pub where the food is delicious, the service is good and the environment is enchanting.Yes, there are the wooden beams. Yes, there is a dining area. Yes, there is a large garden (with tables) to the back and large tables to the front. Yes, there is a large carpark....
The White Dog in Ewhurst Green: Good Food and Fine Views
Kettleman Says: In a neighbouring village and overlooking Bodiam Castle is the White Dog PH and restaurant.You will need to book early for key dates (Mother’s Day etc) as the restaurant is highly regarded. We often take friends and relatives there.In the summer you can sit outside with a...
sue_stone Says: Located just inside the entrance gate to the Bodiam Castle estate is the Wharf Tearoom. This is a relaxed feeling café which sells a selection of light lunch-type meals and plenty of sweet treats. It has outdoor seating at the front and at the rear, plus tables inside as...
Kettleman Says: As well as the KESR steam train there is also a bus. In common with most bus services in rural part sof the UK, there are no services on Sundays and Public Holidays.So if you want to go you'll need to go in the week or on a Saturday. Even then the service looks rubbishCheck...
Kettleman Says: You could incorporate a visit to the Castle with a ride in a steam railway ride and enjoy the ride from Tenterden on the Kent and East Sussex Railway.Not all trains make the entire journey so you should check ahead.For up to date information go the railway’s own website:...
National Trust Shop: If you are looking for a childs Medieval headdress
Mariajoy Says: This is the place you will find it. All the usual NT merchandise can be bought here.. from mugs saying "Head Gardener" to clotted cream fudge and sheep soap. It's always expensive in these shops.... so be prepared.
Sedlescombe English Organic Wine: English Wine? Wine? English?
kit_mc Says: Advertised at Bodiam Castle is a local business with vineyards that produces its own organic wine. The novelty of this was too much, so we ventured another 3 miles down the road to Sedlescombe to take a look.In summer it may well be worth taking one of their tours which...
kit_mc Says: Be aware that if you're a wheelchair user or mobility difficulties, then you'll be restricted to the ground level here. There are lots of levels, but getting to them means negotiating steps that in some cases even the most able bodied will have difficulty managing.According...
kit_mc Says: They sure weren't that tall in stature in the olden days... So keep your head down as you negotiate the various doorways!
Helpfulness
At the entrance to the grounds are two outbuildings containing a shop and a cafe. The cafe is a rather school canteen-like affair, overpriced too by the looks of it, as these things tend to be. Main meals seemed to be around the 7 pound point. A small pot of coffee will set you back nearly 2 pounds.
The shop next door is a fairly generic National Trust gift shop, smelling of pot pourri. You can pick up a small glossy guide book on the castle for 3 pounds which wasn't bad value, or a dvd history for 5 pounds.
Unique Suggestions: Make sure you get a seat outside as close to the river as possible and keep an eye out for the local vintage steam engine making it's way across the nearby fields.
Fun Alternatives: Watch a version of the dvd showing in a room inside the castle. Pack some sandwiches and a thermos full of tea and pretend that you're actually on holiday as a kid with your family in the 1970's... Rain will add the full British childhood effect.
Updated May 20, 2007
Helpfulness
Luggage and bags: Dress for all weathers here. The weather changes quite quickly in England. We always dress more warm than cold. Bring a backpack with water and your camera of course! I have never been one to take photos, but since I have joined Virtualtourist, I might just have to start :-)
Written Jun 13, 2007
Helpfulness
There are some lovely walks to be had in this area, but a short stroll up the hill behind the castle, over a wooden stile (some steps over a fence) brings you to a great vantage point overlooking the castle and the surrounding countryside.
I wandered up this way to take a closer look at a house that I'd glimpsed, with 3 cone towers, a style that is quite frequent in this region of the country. Unfortunately this day in early spring the visibility wasn't great so the landscape shots didn't come out so well, but in summer I reckon you wouldn't be the only person standing up here.
Written Apr 1, 2007
Jenniflower Says: Due to the castle being in fine condition you can see superb examples of old English architecture with rounded corner towers, battlements, portcullis and an extensive moat. Essentially a ruin, there is enough still there to imagine bygone days...
Jenniflower Says: Bodiam is a fairytale medieval castle, one of the most famous in Britain. Rising from the moat which is filled with huge carp.It was built in anticipation of a French Invasion in 1385 which never happened.
Jenniflower Says: The moat is full of large carp!But not for fishing I am afraid - these fish are protected and it is a criminal offence to fish them.
Jenniflower Says: Bodiam is open from 17 February - 31 October: daily 10am-6pm (last admission 5pm) or dusk; and then it changes it's times and is open from 10am-4pm or dusk fro the 3 November - mid February 2002: Saturday & Sunday.
Down in East Sussex, south east of London you'll find the kind of castle epitomised in Robin Hood films. This medieval castle, built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, this is a dramatic fairytale...
I took my German guests to spend the day at the medieval Bodiam Castle. They loved it. It's a beautiful place for an afternoon out. There are often other events going on in the grounds surrounding it...
As a castle lover, I am always on the look out for an interesting one to visit, and from what I had read of Bodiam Castle, it ticked the boxes of the classic castle. So when arranging a short visit to...
Build your own Bodiam page
Comments