Bodiam Castle

Iconic moated 14th-century castle on the River Rother — open year-round, 25 minutes drive from Rye and reachable by steam train.

When

Open most of the year — check the official website before travelling

Where

Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA

Info

Visit the official website or follow on Facebook for more details

Bodiam is the storybook castle — perfectly square, fully moated, with battlements and reflections that look as if a child drew them. Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, ostensibly to defend against French raids up the Rother but probably mostly as a statement of status, it survived largely intact through the Civil War to become one of the most-photographed castles in England.

Climb the spiral staircases to the towers for views over the Rother Valley, picnic by the moat, watch the ducks. The grounds host falconry displays, jousting and family events through the year. Allow at least two hours, then drop back into Rye for dinner by the quay. Stay riverside at The River Haven, just twenty-five minutes away — book early in summer.