Bodiam Castle

Bodiam was built in 1385 and is one of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Although it appears never to have seen a battle, records indicate that it was besieged on two occasions, during the Wars of the Roses and the Civil War. It is assumed that the castle was deliberately ruined after the latter. Little is recorded of the castle until the18th century when Bodiam was in the hands of the Webster family.

Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. There are spiral staircases and battlements to explore and wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind.

Education groups often use Bodiam Castle in term time. The only WC is located in the car park, 400yds from the castle entrance. There are audio/visual presentations that brings to life the fascinating story of the castle and its inhabitants, and audio interpretation explains the Second World War pill box