Sussex Village Day Trip: Bodiam Castle and Steam Train

If you are looking for a weekend escape from Brighton, the historic village of Bodiam in the Rother Valley offers a great mix of medieval history and heritage travel. Located within the High Weald National Landscape near the Kent border, this quiet spot dates back to Roman times when it served as a key crossing point. Today, it is a popular destination for hikers and dog walkers who enjoy the rolling hills, ancient woodland, and riverside paths. The village is about a 90-minute journey from London, making it an easy day trip for anyone wanting to explore the Sussex countryside.

The main draw here is Bodiam Castle, a 14th-century moated fortress built between 1385 and 1388 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to defend against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Now managed by the National Trust, this Grade I listed quadrangular castle features corner towers, a double-arched gatehouse with a portcullis, and a wide moat averaging five feet in depth. Over the centuries, the castle passed through several families, survived a siege during the Wars of the Roses, and was partially dismantled after the Civil War before being restored by figures like Lord Curzon in the early 20th century. Today, visitors can climb the stone towers, explore the ruins, and try activities like archery or the 'Medieval Game of Life'. Adult entry is £9.30, children pay £4.65, and dogs are welcome on the grounds surrounding the moat.

You can combine your castle visit with a ride on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, a volunteer-run heritage line operating restored steam and diesel trains. The railway runs for over ten miles through the Rother Valley between Bodiam and Tenterden. Tickets booked online are cheaper, costing £30.00 for adults and £5.00 for children, compared to £33.00 and £15.00 at the station. The railway features an Art Deco tearoom and a museum at Tenterden, and it regularly hosts themed events like murder mystery evenings and summer family activities. To complete the day, you can visit the 14th-century St Giles’ Church on the hill north of the village, or stop by the Castle Inn, a traditional pub dating back to the 15th century that serves seasonal dishes right opposite the castle.