Bodiam Castle, England
Inside the Walls of a Medieval Castle
When I imagine a medieval castle, Bodiam Castle is exactly how I picture one. They say that there are only a few buildings that can rival its magnificent settings and I could not agree more. Located on a grassy estate, its solid fortifications are surrounded by a large moat (filled with huge fish) and the only access is by a long bridge positioned at the back of the castle.
The entrance bridge of Bodiam Castle, England
The 14th-century medieval castle is in the county of East Sussex, England, and was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge with permission from Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years War.
Read More – Cool facts about Tower Bridge, London England
The castle itself has been sold to various people over the years and was eventually Bodiam Castle was donated to the current owners, The National Trust, by Lord Curzon, who have maintained and opened it to the general public.
The entrance tower Bodiam Castle, England
Entering the Castle
As I walk across the bridge into the entrance of Bodiam Castle, I notice straight away how the castle is made to look larger and more formidable from the outside than it actually is. Most of the inside is now ruins and should only take you an hour or two to explore (not including the outside garden). Both the entrance and the corners of the castle are defended by towers and topped by crenellations.
You can still climb up the towers and overlook the inside and outside of the castle. If you listen closely when going from one tower to the next, you can hear the bats that live within the castle walls. Don’t worry though as the bats are more frightened of you than you of them.
Overlooking Bodiam Castle from the tower.
As I am about to leave, I close my eyes for a minute to listen to the medieval singers (who are there during the spring/summer period) playing in the grounds while children dressed up as knights and princesses run around giggling, and for a second I forget that we are in the 21st century.
Watching the performers in Bodiam Castle, England
How to get there
- It is about a 2hr drive (about 60miles) from central London to Bodiam Castle
- It is a mission to get here via public transport (around 3 & half hrs) and you will need to change serval times.
- I would suggest hiring a car for the day (zip car we used to use if you live in London)
- Take a day tour to Bodiam Castle.
The front of Bodiam Castle, England
Tips
- The car park and entrance is free to National Trust card holders
- There is not much shelter available and the English weather can be unpredictable so take an umbrella or coat.
- There are only toilets available near the entrance of the car park and the car park is about a 5-10 minute walk away
- If you have time, visit the pill-box, which you will pass on your way from the car-park.
Walking towards Bodiam Castle, England
Would I recommend it
I am a big fan of castles and palaces, not only because they are a great day out but you get to learn about history, whilst at the same time, escape for a little while, transporting yourself back in time with your surroundings.
The view of the surrounding area, Bodiam Castle, England
Bodiam Castle is one of those places that does exactly that and would appeal to both adults and children alike especially climbing up the castle towers and exploring the walls together.
Also during the Spring/Summer months, the castle arranges various activities inside the castle and within the outside gardens, which I think is an added bonus for both adults and children.
The moat around Bodiam Castle, England
It is a great idea to see the outside actives used to educate children to keep them interested and focused instead of being on their ipads and computers. And it is good to see such organisations as the National Trust and English Heritage safeguard these amazing places for future generations to explore and be educated by history.
The entrance & moat Bodiam Castle, England
Thank you for reading this article, I hope it helped you to decide on what day trips to take outside of London. It is truly a beautiful place. If you are interested in discovering more of England you can read my post about Pembroke Castle and Hampton Court Palace
A selfie Bodiam Castle, England
If there is anything more you would like to know, please do not hesitate to message me with your questions. Otherwise, you can get more information from the Bodiam Castle site.
Looking up at Bodiam Castle, England
Have you been to Bodiam Castle? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below, I would love to hear about it.🙂
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Here are some other amazing activities you can book while in London, England
Disclaimer: I paid to go to Bodiam Castle, England. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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We are very proud to be featured in this comprehensive blog. It’s informative, extensive and really inspires visitors. Thanks Mel.
You are more than welcome, I really enjoyed visiting and I hope that I have inspired others to go out there too 🙂
This looks amazing. I will likely be heading to the UK later in the year, and doing a road trip so will have to add this into our route somehow. 🙂
I’m a bit of a fan of castles as well. In fact anything that was built to last and has survived through the passage of time.
Hey Kaine, I am a big fan of castles and palaces too 🙂 Let me know if you need anymore ideas or tips on other castles when you are here, as there are plenty in the area. Where is your road trip taking you?
Hola! I’ve been following your weblog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas!
Just wanted to say keep up the good job!
Such beautiful countryside! Stunning photos of the castle Mel!
Absolutely beautiful photos. Here in the states we lack castles, which of course means I am fascinated with them. Excited to visit the UK later this year and get to view castles in person, and this one is now on my to-do list!
I am originally from Australia, so we lack castles too. I am real big Castle fan and try to go to one every couple of weeks. Drop me a line, when you are here and I will be happy to help out with any tips if you like. Thanks in regards to the pictures and post too.
Oh my goodness, how amazing is this! I absolutely love it. I love castles too.
There is so many wonderful castles in the UK. This is definitely one of my favorite ones to visit 🙂
What a cool place! I may need to add this to the list for my London trip next year.
This is definitely worth a visit and it is only about an hour and half just out of London. Let me know when you are coming to London and I will be happy to give any tips on Castles to visit.
This is 100% now on my list of places to photograph. Thank you!
I took so many photos too. My problem in the end was deciding which ones to use 🙂
How beautiful! If I can find time in my next visit to London, I’ll definitely put this on my list of things to check out. As much as I love the City, there are so many great things just outside it, too. Great post!
I concur, Shereen. I live just outside of London city and I am always off exploring castles and palaces. Thanks for your kind words
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Thank you very much for your kind words… What is your company? I love writing about history
Oh I love to hear that its a great activity for families and that kids can participate. I am sure my little one would love to visit and venture around this castle!
This is such a great place for children to go to and run around. They would love playing in the grounds and up on the walls.
I love that such a historic treasure has since been donated to the National Trust who have maintained and opened it to the general public. I’m fascinated by British royal history, so trying to tick off as many castles and fortified medieval buildings as I can. This one remains on my list. I love that you can still climb up the towers and overlook the inside and outside of the castle. Seriously cool view!
I am a huge fan of history especially British history too. I have a National Trust card, so it allows you to go to the properties for free.
Embarrassed to say I’m British and never heard of this. Even worse I love castles. It looks fabulous
It is part of the National Trust properties that is how I was able to find it.
Well it is great to know that this unique piece of history is open to public now. Being a history buff, it would be amazing to have a look inside this beautiful and well maintained castle. Thanks for the info Mel. Cheers.
This is a great day trip from London, it is one of my favourite castles
I really want to visit more castles and love reading posts on different ones around Europe. Crazy that there are bats living in this castle. Good tip about the bathrooms being at the entrance! That’s very useful info for families with little ones 🙂
It is a great place to visit and looks super grant with the moat around the outside.
Bodiam Castle seems the type of medieval castle that I love so much. In fact, I am in love with medieval architecture since I studied it in university. This castle is very well preserved and transmits the atmosphere of that period very well. Unfortunately I haven’t been to England but I will do it some day !
Definitely, add this to your list when you come to London, it is definitely worth it. Such a pretty castle.
I’ve never even heard of this castle, but it certainly looks positively picturesque! I love the moat and the drawbridge. I can just picture knights riding horses in and out across it. Thanks for the info about public transport taking a long time. I’ll definitely look into hiring a car instead!
It is a wonderful castle to explore and looks so grand with the moat around the outside. I definitely recommend it
Good to note about having weather-suitable gear on you at all time! I always assume that historic sites have provisions for shelter in case the weather changes but that never is the case!
This is a ruins castle so no shelter expect in the little gift shop.
This castle evokes memories of romantic books read years ago about castles, princes, knights etc..It looks like it has emerged from the pages of a fairy tale. Was not aware of this castle but I do think that many such castles dot England.
You would love the castle it is so cool, exploring it