Bodiam Castle - National Trust
Robertsbridge, East Sussex
About Bodiam Castle - National Trust
Bodiam Castle is a fantastic family day out in East Sussex, with a fairytale moated castle, towering battlements and plenty of hands-on history to spark young imaginations.
Families can climb spiral staircases, explore the castle ruins, spot fish and ducks in the moat, and take part in seasonal trails and family activities throughout the year. With wide open grounds for picnics and adventure, Bodiam Castle is a great place for children to play, adventure and step back in time.
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WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER
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Summer fo Play
Date: 18 July–2 September
Time: 10am–4pm
Price: Included with normal admission (free for National Trust members)
Summer of Play returns to Bodiam Castle with a season packed full of fun, imagination and adventure. Step back in time with medieval inspired games such as castle building, hobby horse racing and quoits, try your hand at circus skills, or join our Knight School led by professional performers.
New for 2026, let your imagination soar as you climb aboard a pirate ship and set sail for the seven seas!
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How to Train Your Dragon: How to be a Pirate trail
Date: 16 July–5 September
Time: 10am–4pm
Price: £3.50 with normal admission
This summer, How to Train Your Dragon swoops back into Bodiam Castle with a brand-new quest inspired by How to be a Pirate, the second book in Cressida Cowell’s much-loved series.
Grab a treasure map, rally your crew, pick your dragon, and set sail on an action-packed adventure trail bursting with pirate‑themed challenges and mischief. Along the way, hunt for hidden treasure, crack riddles, and try your hand at games like cannonball bowling, sword fighting, and pirate ring toss.
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Summer Storytelling Sessions
Date: 19, 24, 26 & 30 July. 2, 9, 13, 16, 18 & 23 August. 2 September.
Time: 11.30am–2.30pm
Price: Included with normal admission (free for National Trust members)
Fuel the imagination of young children, with tales that are perfect short drop-in sessions for families. Running throughout the day and 15–20 minutes in length, the storytelling sessions are held in the castle first-floor tower room.
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Have-a-go archery
Date: 19, 24, 26 & 30 July. 2, 9, 13, 16, 18 & 23 August. 2 September.
Time: 11am–3pm
Price: £5 for 6 arrows. Normal admission applies.
Have-a-go at the medieval sport of longbow archery against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle. Learn how to get to grips with a bow and arrow from friendly instructors.
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Children's crafts: Dragons, Vikings and Pirates
Date: 26, 27, 29, 31 July, 3, 4, 8, 10, 15, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 31 August, 1 September
Time: 11am–3pm
Price: £2/£3/£5 per item, cash payment advised. Normal admission applies.
Children can decorate their own ceramic dragons to take away. Little ones can imagine themselves becoming a knight or Viking as they decorate their own wooden shield or pirate ship! Drop-in first-come-first-served entry throughout the session.
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Circus Skills with Circus Allstars
Date: 6-10 Aug, 13-17 Aug, 20-24 Aug
Time: 11am–3pm
Price: Included with normal admission (free for National Trust members)
Step right up and discover circus skills with the brilliant instructors from Circus Allstars. Learn the ropes of circus performance and try your hand at a range of exciting skills, from juggling and diabolo to plate spinning, stilt walking and more.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or keen to show off your talents, these lively, hands-on sessions are perfect for building confidence, coordination and having plenty of fun along the way.
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Family Bat Walks
Date: 18 August at 7:45pm, 25 August at 7:30pm & 12 September at 7pm
Time: 11am–3pm
Price: Adults £12:00 | Child £6:00 | Family (1+2) £20:00 | Family (2+2) £30:00
Join our National Trust Ranger for a magical evening discovering the secret world of bats at Bodiam Castle. As dusk falls over the castle and surrounding landscape, we’ll explore the habitats these fascinating nocturnal mammals call home. Using bat detectors, you’ll be able to hear their echolocation calls and learn how to identify different species. Walk duration: approximately one hour.
One of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments
Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a lookout and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.
A wide moat encircles the seemingly untouched Medieval exterior
Beautiful parkland and wider landscape around the castle
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Last admission to the castle is 30 minutes before closure.
Closes 15:30 in winter, 3rd January to 7th February & 28th October to 31st December.
Please check their website for more detailed information.
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (17-18+) : £13.20
- Child (5-17) : £6.60
National Trust members - Free
Under 5's - Free.
Family ticket valid (2 adults and up to 3 children [5-17 years]) - £33
Family ticket valid (1 adult and up to 3 children [5-17 years]) - £19.80
Please see our website for the full breakdown of prices for peak and off-peak times.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Choose from children’s lunch boxes and a selection of drinks, light meals, homemade cakes and ice creams.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Bodiam
Robertsbridge
East Sussex
TN32 5UA
England
Look out for The Curlew restaurant on crossroads opposite turning to Bodiam.
Tel: 01580830196
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By train: seasonal steam railway from Tenterden to Bodiam station: 1/4 mile. Operated by Kent & East Sussex Railway (www.kesr.org.uk). Mainline railway stations at Robertsbridge, 5 miles; Battle, 10 miles. No public transport links from mainline railway stations, only private taxis. No taxi rank at Robertsbridge - need to pre-book taxis. Taxi rank at Battle.
By bus: 349 Stagecoach from Hastings train station to Hawkhurst, stops opposite Bodiam Castle car park entrance. Operates Monday to Saturday. A Sunday service will operate every Sunday until further notice.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 08:55 22/07/2026
Bodiam Castle - National Trust Reviews
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