If it isn’t just me that finds the idea of escaping the chaos of the capital and spending the day reenacting a scene fit for a fairytale incredibly appealing, please allow me to point you in the rather enchanting direction of Robertsbridge. Because that, my friends, is where you’ll find the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Bodiam Castle; a medieval fortress, surrounded almost entirely by water, which – quite literally – looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a children’s storybook.
Bodiam Castle
Picture-perfectly perched just 90 minutes from London; this 14th century castle certainly has its fair share of stories to tell. Bodiam Castle was built back in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge (a former knight of King Edward III), and its original purpose was to defend the area against invasion during the Hundred Years War. The possession of the fortress passed through many hands over the following years, until it was eventually left in ruins following the Civil War.
In the early 20th century, Bodiam Castle was snapped up by Lord Curzon (a prominent British statesman at the time), and he worked with an architect to repair the castle’s structure and preserve the ruins. Upon Curzon’s death, the castle was plonked in the reliable hands of the National Trust, and – well… the rest is history, really.
Visiting Bodiam Castle
Hailed one of the most romantic and picturesque ancient monuments in Britain; Bodiam Castle is well-worth a visit. Although much of the castle’s interior is lost, you can still take a peek inside once you actually manage to make it over to the castle. It’s almost entirely surrounded by a huge moat, and is only accessible via a long bridge that crosses to an original medieval stone platform. Stepping inside the castle is like travelling back in time, and visitors can climb the towers, walk the walls, and get up close and personal with many original features that have survived to tell the tale.
The sweeping landscape that surrounds the castle is equally as impressive, with wetlands, grasslands, trees, and archeological features to explore. There are two cafes on site as well as a gift shop. The castle also offers fairly regular interactive and educational activities, as well as guided history tours.
The castle itself is open daily from 11am-3.3pm, and tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children. There is also a car park on-site which costs just £3 for the entire day. Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA.