Bodiam Castle - National Trust

Easter egg hunt at Bodiam Castle

5 Apr to 21 Apr | 10am–4pm

Have a quacking time at Bodiam Castle this spring with a family-friendly trail inspired by the cheeky castle ducks. Follow the trail and have a go at fun-filled games including hook-a-duck, egg and spoon and much more. £3.50 with admission (includes an Easter trail sheet, a pair of bunny ears and either a chocolate egg or vegan and Free From chocolate egg).

Have-a-go archery

5–21 Apr | 3–5 May | 1–31 Aug | 10.30am–4pm

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. £4 for 6 arrows. Suitable for adults and children aged 7+. Any child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This open-air activity is weather dependent, and occasionally may need to be changed or cancelled at short notice.

Storytelling sessions

6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16 & 20 Apr | 11.30am–2.30pm

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. Held in the castle first-floor tower room. Free with admission.

Easter crafts

7, 8, 11, 14, 15 & 18 April | 12.30pm–4pm

In this craft activity for families, children can be inspired by the Bodiam Castle ducks and paint a ceramic duck flowerpot or decorate their own wooden egg cups to take away. £2/£4 per item, cash payment advised. Normal admission applies.

Demonstrations by Call to Arms

12 Apr | 17 May | 21, 5, 6 Jul | 7 Sep | 10.30am–3.30pm, displays will be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Call to Arms is a group of volunteers with a passion for history and training in Historical European Martial Arts. Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, by showing weapons and explaining techniques. Members of Call to Arms will be available to answer questions. Free with admission.

How to Train Your Dragon trail

24 May to 7 Sep | 10am–4pm

Get ready for a brand-new family trail inspired by the beloved How to Train Your Dragon book series by Cressida Cowell. Join Hiccup, his trusty dragon Toothless, and lots of other familiar friends. Do you have what it takes to be a dragon trainer? Channel your inner Viking and set off on an epic journey packed with exciting games and activities. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings – and so much more! £3 with admission.

About Bodiam Castle

Set in the heart of a historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements, and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is 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. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind. In the courtyard, enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life.

Things To Do

Children love spotting the 50-year-old carp in the moat, climbing the steep towers, walking across the battlements and running in the wide-open spaces. Their imaginations are sparked when they see the original portcullis, ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops and medieval bread oven. Children learn about Medieval life as they explore the remains of the Lord and Lady’s apartments and see where the servants would have slept on the stone floor of the castle.

Bodiam Castle offers the perfect outing for families looking for a fun day out and for children learning about castles at school. Friendly staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any tricky history questions. Bodiam Castle is a natural beauty, and the atmosphere is relaxed, so you can feel free to explore in your own way at your own pace.

Castle Grounds

In the historic landscape surrounding the beautiful castle, you can try archery on selected dates, meet characters from the 1400s, dress the knight, and discover the medieval way of life in a medieval encampment on selected weekends. Throughout the summer holidays, there's all the fun of the Medieval Fair. You can pick up an illustrated spotter sheet for each season with wildlife to look out for as you explore—just ask at visitor reception.

Food & Drink

The Wharf Tea Room and Castle View Café sell children’s lunch boxes and a selection of drinks, light meals, homemade cakes and ice creams. Treat yourselves to a freshly prepared lunch or cream tea in the Wharf tea room beside the river or in the summer, bring your own picnic and rug and relax on the grass as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sussex countryside.

Why We Recommend Bodiam Castle

- You'll find delicious food at the Wharf tea room!

- It's a 14th Century Castle brimming with amazing history!

- Step back in time and take a glimpse into medieval splendour!