Address: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA, United Kingdom
Phone: +441580830196
Rating: 4.6
based on 112 reviews.
Scenery and Surroundings
Pros:
"This place is gorgeous. Even if you just visit from the outside using the public footpath you won't be disappointed."
"I love this gorgeous building set in an incredible moat and surrounded by beautiful trees."
"The surrounding moat is filled with large fish which swam to the moat banks as if gesturing to be fed."
"Well preserved castle in large moat."
"Grounds are lovely and there are plenty of parts to the castle to explore."
"Beautiful caste, was lucky to use National Trust summer promotion and got free entry for entire family, which was very nice."
"The view from the top of the castle is amazing too."
"Beautiful historic site, views from towers worth the effort of going up the spiral stone staircases."
Cons:
"Unfortunately, it’s just ruins and nothing more, yes, history which is beautiful. But nothing to see i.e.: rooms, bedrooms, something else."
"The castle is ruined which is fine in sunny weather but there isn't much cover if the weather isn't great."
"One big let down is the size of the car park and how awkward some of the spaces are to get into."
"The silly plastic things shouldn't be over the holes in the roof."
"Beautiful place, large picnic fields. Castle was interesting to see but far overpriced. It takes around half an hour to see everything inside so £11 per person is a bit too much for the visit."
"Most of the inside area closed for public."
"The only negative was the fact that the car park is £4. If you are arriving by motorbike, beware that there is no solid ground to park."
"Parking is quite high at £4 but for all day not ideal if you want a quick look round."
Staff and Guided Tours
Pros:
"Nice and really helpful guides at the entrance explaining where we should go etc."
"Volunteers excellent, a good film history and despite the inclement weather the top of the towers were open, giving some excellent views."
"The castle is steeped in history and Debby one of the National Trusts curators/guides is chock full of historical knowledge."
"A wonderful delve into the history of castle was provided by a mini documentary in one of the rooms."
"They offer guided tours as well."
"Staff is polite and helpful, all the way from the car park to the inside of the castle."
"One very kind gentlemen took the time to shoe my son the key to the castle."
"Our tour with Alan was fantastic. He was so interesting and really made the day."
Cons:
"This place is gorgeous. Even if you just visit from the outside using the public footpath you won't be disappointed."
"The NT staff in the castle were friendly and the castle itself was fun for the kids to explore. But not much else to do besides."
"The uncle who built it in 1380 with meticulousness and thoroughness sought to embody perfection. On this path, such trifles as cost, expediency or, God forbid, practicality are secondary."
"Such trifles as cost, expediency or, God forbid, practicality are secondary, the main thing is to embody the idea."
"The guided tour, if brief, is highly recommended as it will explain a lot ago the history and construction of the castle."
"The castle is owned by the National Trust so if you are not a member, you will need to pay to get in. However, it is well worth a visit."
"The guides at the castle are very kind and enthusiastic to share information about the castle."
"Tickets can be purchased at the location. The guides at the castle are very kind and enthusiastic to share information about the castle."
Family and Children Activities
Pros:
"The Halloween event was taking place. That was good fun, especially for the children."
"We went here on a Thursday, and it was busy but great fun and lots for the kids to do with the summer fair part."
"Caste and ground ware amazing, lots of space to have a picnic and there was a lots of entertaining for kids for a little extra charge but believe it was worth it."
"Great for kids with turrets to climb, rooms to explore, and medieval toilets to spot!"
"Fab castle! Great for kids with turrets to climb, rooms to explore, and medieval toilets to spot!"
"Kids enjoyed the half-term treasure hunt event. We always enjoy visiting the castle and grounds this with an added bonus of the steam train running a short distance away."
"It's a great castle to visit, with lots to see, so long as you are able bodied enough to enjoy it."
"Family visit whilst on a cottage holiday in East Sussex. A perfectly formed castle ruin set within a lake, with opportunities to climb staircases in the towers and many other photographic opportunities."
Cons:
"The castle view cafe was staffed by one person and after queuing at 1.30pm for 10 to 15 minutes we were told they only did adult sandwiches at this cafe and if we wanted kids lunch bags we would have to go back to the cafe at the entrance!?!"
"There are a few things to do when you get inside the castle but not much from a point of view of the children and staff could have been more friendly."
"If you don't fancy slim roads make sure you plan in advance so Google avoid lovely countryside roads that could be not ideal for new drivers."
"A lovely romantic looking castle with friendly and knowledgeable staff but I felt somewhat overpriced for what you get."
"The £2 kids 'dragon' activity fell short of what you might reasonably expect in 2022."
"We enjoyed a beautiful morning out at Bodiam castle. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable and tailored their information for the children."
"Surely THE classic 'castle' castle. Friendly staff, and enough to explore for a couple of hours, but also a few missed opportunities."
"We did lots of castles, cathedrals and abbeys on this years Road Trip through England and Scotland. And this here was one of the finest we've encountered."