Living history at Bodiam Castle
Embark on a journey through history at Bodiam Castle - where the past comes alive! Get involved with our living history events, where you'll meet historical figures and discover stories from long-ago.
What's on in 2024
Demonstrations by Call to Arms
Call to Arms is a group of volunteers with a passion for history and training in Historical European Martial Arts. Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, through showing weapons and explaining techniques.
- Saturday 18 May, 10.30am – 4.30pm
- Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June, 10.30am – 4.30pm
- Saturday 7 September, 10.30am – 4.30pm
- Saturday 12 October, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Free, normal admission applies.
The Harvey Buffs: WWII re-enactment group
Come and meet the WWII soldiers at the pill box to hear what life would have been like during war time. Find out why Bodiam Castle has a pill box, see what munitions they would have used and what a WWII encampment would have looked like.
- 18 – 19 May
- 15 – 16 June
- 10 – 11 August
10.00am to 4.00pm
Free, normal admission applies.
Medieval Encampment
Walk through a medieval encampment in the castle grounds, meet characters from the 1400s and discover more about the medieval way of life, from the boardgames people played to skills like weaving and leatherwork. Enter the arena to listen to weapons talks, dress the knight, watch sword demonstrations and more.
Company of the Phoenix
Saturday 25 – Monday 27 May
Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 June
10.00am to 4.00pm
The House of Bayard
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 July
10.00am to 4.00pm
Free, normal admission applies.
Have-a-go archery
Have a go at the medieval sport of longbow archery against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle. Learn how to get to grips with a bow and arrow from friendly instructors.
- Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June
- Thursday 1 August – Sunday 1 September
10.30am to 4.30pm
£4 for 6 arrows, normal admission applies.
Suitable for adults and children aged 6+.
This open-air activity is weather dependent, and occasionally may need to be changed or cancelled at short notice.
Stay up to date with the latest living history events at Bodiam Castle by regularly checking this page as more events will be added throughout the year.
A brief history of Bodiam Castle
Discover the history of Bodiam Castle. Find out who built it, its royal connections and what historic graffiti can tell us about the castle’s past.
Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle
Discover things to see and do on a family visit to Bodiam Castle. Join in with activities and let your imagination run riot in this Medieval setting.
The grounds of Bodiam Castle
Discover what to see and do in the grounds of Bodiam Castle. Take a riverside walk, stop for a picnic or look for wildlife – from rare bees to bats.