Located in the East Sussex countryside, Bodiam Castle has had a long and interesting history stretching over seven centuries, back to when it was first built in the 14th century.
Bodiam Castle has had a long and interesting history stretching over seven centuries.(Image: National Trust Images / Chris Lacey)
Doctor Who fans may recognise the castle from when it famously appeared in the hit BBC series in the 1983 episode The King’s Demons, featuring Peter Davison as the fifth Doctor.
Three decades later, the castle had its second appearance in the series in 2014, when it featured in the episode Robot of Sherwood, starring Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Doctor and Tom Riley as a swaggering Robin Hood.
In this episode Bodiam transformed into Nottingham Castle, home of the wicked Sheriff.
But aside from its Doctor Who links, the castle has other claims to fame, being one of the only castles in the region to never be attacked, and its wooden portcullis in Bodiam’s gatehouse is the only original one surviving in a National Trust castle.
Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge, the castle was both a family home and a statement of power during the 14th century.
Now owned by the National Trust, the castle remains untouched by time, with a wide moat and symmetric towers that give it a fairy-tale look.
Today the castle offers a fun family day out, with walks around the surrounding historic grounds as well as its fascinating interiors.
Inside, visitors can explore the remains of the Great Hall, kitchens, chapel, and Lord and Lady’s apartments, imagining medieval life within its walls.
The National Trust hosts a packed calendar of events, seasonal trails, and hands-on history, from medieval fairs to magical Halloween quests.
There’s even a new family map designed to help visitors explore everything from the moat’s giant fish to the best picnic spots.
But if the weather isn’t quite right for picnicking, you can visit the Wharf Tea-room for a riverside cream tea.
The castle grounds are also dog-friendly, with dogs on leads welcome if you fancy bringing your four legged friend out for the day.
For the full day out, the Kent & East Sussex Railway even offers a steam train journey to Bodiam station, bringing a bit of nostalgia to a day trip to the castle.
