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Bodiam Castle in East Sussex

Plan your tour to Bodiam Castle

Category
Castles, Palaces & Stately Homes
Address
Bodiam
nr Robertsbridge
East Sussex
TN32 5UA
Opening times
1 Feb-8 Feb 09: 10:30am-4pm Sat and Sun
14 Feb-31 Oct 09: 10:30am-6pm Mon to Sun
1 Nov-20 Dec 09: 10:30am-4pm Weds to Sun
2 Jan-31 Jan 10: 10:30am-4pm Sat and Sun
Ticket prices
(Standard Admission prices in brackets): £5.80 (£5.20), child £2.90 (£2.60), family £14.50 (£13). Groups (£4.80).
Reduced rate when arriving by cycle, on public transport or for visitors arriving via Kent and East Sussex Railway; stations at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle, alongside the River Rother, could have come straight out of a fairytale complete with drawbridge and moat. It was built in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dalymgrigge as defence against invasion by the French and also as his family home. The castle remains much as he built it, being maintained by the National Trust.

Construction commenced four years after the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381 which Sir Edward had helped repress and two years before he was elected to the Merciless Parliament which launched armed rebellion against the king. Sir Edward switched sides in July 1389 and was retained as a king's knight, making him a leading figure in the royal administration within weeks. In 1392 the king appointed Sir Edward warden of the city of London following the mayor's arrest during a year of political upheaval. Sir Edward died a year later.

Research suggests that the castle was built more for show than as an effective defence: the walls of Bodiam Castle are only a couple of feet thick; the moat is relatively shallow and can be easily drained; and the towers contain too many windows to be considered militarily effective.
    • Mark Price
    • I recently went to Bodiam when we had the snow. EXQUISITE when bathed in white snow all around, just absolutely magcial. my wife and kids loved it.
    • 5 stars Mark Price
    • anonymous
    • Straight out of a fairytale, Bodiam rises from a moat in the middle of the Sussex country side. If you have ever wanted to experience a picture perfect English castle, this is it. The turrets can all be climbed (up a very steep narrow staircase) with vertigo inducing views as your rewards from the top.

      The inside of the castle has been savaged by time unfortunately but the exterior is a shining example of medieval engineering at it's finest.
    • 5 stars anonymous
    • Steve Moray
    • This is a nice place it is close to where i live and has that magical haunting sterotypical castle feel that you expect.
      Great day out!!
    • 5 stars Steve Moray


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