Group visits to Bodiam Castle

Bridge over the moat to the castle in summer at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex — Bridge over the moat at Bodiam Castle | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Bring your group, or plan your school visit to explore its delights and you will receive a warm welcome from our staff and volunteers.

Group visits to Bodiam Castle

Set in the heart of a historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is a great place to bring your party. Pre-booked group visits are welcome all year round and throughout the winter season by prior arrangement.

Groups are welcome to picnic anywhere in the grounds, while the Wharf Tea-room serves snacks, hot drinks, sandwiches, light lunches, cream teas and cakes. The Castle gift shop sells souvenirs, postcards, gifts and books.

Two children playing wooden board games facing the camera with their mother sat behind and between them — Children discovering medieval games at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex. | © National Trust Images/Caroline Irby

Educational trips

Bodiam Castle is the perfect subject for school groups to learn about studying a historical site, the history of castles and medieval life. Enthuse your group with a self-led educational tour of the Castle. Bodiam Castle is a mainly outdoor site so please dress for the weather. At this time, we are only offering self-led sessions and tours. You are welcome to use our Teacher Resource Pack, created for educators and can be downloaded free of charge.

Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.

A group of people walking and laughing together at Lyme Park in Cheshire — Enthuse your school group with a self-led tour at Bodiam Castle | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

The benefits of pre-booking your visit

Please pre-book your group visit to Bodiam Castle. You’ll benefit from:

a discounted admission rate for pre-booked parties of 15 or more
free admission for National Trust members and group leaders
self-guided tours at no extra cost
free coach parking for two pre-booked coaches at any one time
£5 tea-room voucher for your coach driver

Unbooked groups are charged normal admission prices, plus £50 for two hours' coach parking, and will only be admitted if coach parking space is available.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

Get in touch about bringing a group to Bodiam Castle

Whether your group is small or large, we are here to help you plan a great day out for all your members. Call us on 01580 830196 or email us at bodiamgroups@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

A view of the classic pale stone Bodiam Castle with towers and crenellations surrounded a moat and greenery

Discover more at Bodiam Castle

Find out when Bodiam Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Education Group Access Pass

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Explorer Pass

If you're planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.