Bodiam Castle visit

Near Rye, East Sussex

LocationNear Rye, East Sussex
CostTypically about £12 to £15 for adults. Free for National Trust members.
Best timeSpring to autumn.
How long1.5 to 2.5 hours

What to expect

Bodiam is a perfect 14th-century moated castle, built by a knight returning from the Hundred Years' War, with round towers, battlements and a gatehouse reflected in the water. It is run by the National Trust, and visitors can climb the spiral stairs to the ramparts and look out across the Rother Valley. The Kent and East Sussex Railway stops nearby.

Tips before you go

Book or plan it

Tours, tickets and places to stay

Prices and availability change, so compare. These are affiliate links.

Where to base yourself

A weekend in RyeEast Sussex

A hilltop cinque port town of cobbles and smugglers' pubs

What to pack

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Wet-weather gear Walking gear Dog travel gear

Related activities

Canterbury Cathedral visitCanterbury, Kent

Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seven Sisters cliff walkSeven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne.

Stonehenge visitNear Salisbury, Wiltshire

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bodiam Castle worth a visit?

Yes. It is one of the most perfect medieval castles in England, and good for families.

Plan a weekend around this

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.

Tours, tickets and stays