Bodiam, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle, alongside the River Rother, could have come straight out of a fairytale complete with drawbridge and moat. It was built in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dalymgriggenot as defence against invasion by the French and also as his family home. The castle remains much as he built it, being maintained by the National Trust.

At the beginning of the last century the area around Bodiam was full of hop gardens, producing hops for Guinness. It was where Londoners would look forward to come with their children in the late summer and early autumn to harvest the bines in beautiful countryside.

The church of St Giles is situated in the centre of Bodiam village, but the village pub, which dates back to the 14th century, was built to provide accommodation for visitors to the castle and is opposite the castle entrance. Steam trains of the Kent and East Sussex Railway from Tenterden and Northiam stop at the recently refurbished Bodiam station which is a short walk from the castle.