Fairytale Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle at the village of Bodiam, East Sussex can only be described as a fairytale castle.

With its four towers and moat, the only thing that is missing is an imprisoned Princess. Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to protect the Rother area from French invasion, the castle never actually saw warfare but was besieged twice and 'ruined' during the English Civil War.

Bequeathed

In 1916 the castle was bought by Lord Curzon who continued an ongoing restoration. On his death in 1925 the castle was bequeathed to the National Trust who maintain it today. At the site is a large car park, shop and café with numerous walks along the river Rother and into the countryside. Just past the castle, heading south, is Bodiam Station on the Kent and East Sussex railway.

Up, up and away

Bodiam Castle is also a popular take-off site for hot air balloon enthusiasts. These colourful aircraft can be seen taking off during the light summer evenings on various days.