The 14th century castle offers a glimpse of medieval splendour with spiral staircases, battlements and an original wooden portcullis, with just enough of the ruined interior remaining to give an impression of castle life. Beneath its turrets winds the Kent & East Sussex Railway, its steam and diesel engines travelling 10 miles from the immaculately restored Bodiam Station to Tenterden, stopping along the way at Rolvenden, Wittersham and Northiam.
But beautiful Bodiam isn’t only about history, there’s also lots to do on the River Rother, from kayaking and rowing to stand-up paddleboarding and boat rides. Camp on the riverbank at Bodiam Boating Station and huddle around a campfire to cook dinner or watch the stars. Or stay in a hand-built shepherd’s hut at The Original Hut Company and try your hand at bushcraft, archery or ceramics at The Hub at Quarry Farm.
This is also great walking country, with the railway adding even more options. Why not walk from Bodiam to Northiam, taking in the 15th century manor house Great Dixter, then return by train? Great Dixter’s beautiful gardens were created in 1910 by architect Edwin Lutyens, and were further developed by gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd.
Not far from Northiam is the UK’s largest organic vineyard, Oxney Organic Estate, which grows pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay and seyval blanc vines to make award-winning English sparkling wines. Tours are available on Fridays and every other Saturday, and you can even stay on site in a converted barn or shepherd’s hut.
High above it all, set in a wooded glade overlooking the valley, stands the medieval parish church of St Giles, a predominantly 13th-century building whose tower is home to a series of medieval brasses.
