Bodiam Castle East Sussex

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle looks almost too romantic to be true. Nine miles north of Hastings, Bodiam Castle, was begun in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to protect the area from possible French raids.

Built on a square plan with rounded turrets at the corners and a moat, Bodiam was a state of the art defensive structure when completed but was rendered uninhabitable by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War.

Largely neglected since, the castle was partially restored by Lord Curzon, a former Viceroy of India. Bodiam Castle passed to the National Trust on Curzon's death in 1925.

The castle stages various events including archery, armoury displays and storytelling.

History

Bodiam Castle was built between 1380 and 1385 on the orders of Sir Edward Dalyngrigge who had spent much of his adult life fighting and pillaging in France during the Hundred Years' War.

King Richard II gave his permission for the construction. Actually, the king allowed Dalyngrigge to refortify and crenellate his existing manor house. Dalyngrigge, however, came up with something far more grand.

The castle remained in the Dalyngrigge family until it passed to the Lewknor family who held it until the 16th century.

During the English Civil War (1642-1651) Bodiam was in the hands of the Royalist Lord Thanet. He sold the castle to pay off debts and the castle was slighted (intentionally damaged) to leave the castle in a semi-ruined state.

Later owners including John 'Mad Jack' Fuller and later Lord Curzon restored parts of the castle which is now a Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust.

Curzon declared: "so rare a treasure should neither be lost to our country nor desecrated by irreverent hands" as his reason for buying the pile.

The castle was slighted after the English Civil War. — The castle was slighted after the English Civil War but the impressive walls, towers, portcullis and drawbridge remain intact

The rounded towers and moat make for a truly classic, British castle. — The rounded towers and moat make for a truly classic, British castle

Things to See & Do

Bodiam Castle puts on various, fun events throughout the year in particular during the summer and during half-term for schools.

These events include the popular Bodiam Bats trail and Christmas sleigh.

The National Trust operates two places to eat at the castle, the Wharf tea-room and Castle View café. Both serve a traditional cream tea.

A NT shop also sells books, food gifts and souvenirs.

Bodiam Castle was bequeathed to the National Trust by Lord Curzon. — Bodiam Castle was bequeathed to the National Trust by Lord Curzon

Nearby

Bodiam is close to the superb Great Dixter House & Gardens.

It was the former home of master gardener and prolific gardening writer, the late Christopher Lloyd. It was built in 1450 and boasts one of the largest surviving timber-framed halls in the country, complete with antique furniture and a needlework collection.

Famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens was employed to restore the house and gardens in 1910. Planted up by Lloyd with great innovation and creativity, they now boast a variety of clipped topiary, wild meadow flowers, mixed borders, ponds and the colourful Exotic Garden.

Access - Getting to Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle (nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle)
Near Robertsbridge
East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Tel: 01580 830 196

The castle is just north of the River Rother 11 miles from Hastings on the coast. The quickest route by car is on the A21 and B2244.

Bodiam is also about 20 miles southwest of Tunbridge Wells on the A21 passing another castle, Scotney Castle.

Bodiam Station is a heritage railway station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway less than 15 minutes on foot from the castle.

Tunbridge Wells Station has trains to London Charing Cross in London as does Hastings.

A seasonal passenger ferry (April to September) from Newenden Bridge, Newenden village on the A28 is operated by Bodiam Boating Station.

On foot follow the Sussex Border Path between Hawkhurst and Ewhurst Green.

Book a hire car for your holiday in Britain - pick up at the airport or in the major cities

Accommodation

Places to stay nearby include Meadow Cottage, a pleasant bed and breakfast, the Queen's Inn in nearby Hawkhurst with splendid rooms along with a restaurant and bar or the George Inn, a traditional coaching inn dating back to the 18th century.

See a listing of accommodation near Bodiam Castle