This is the second post in my blog series exploring the lovely villages in the Weald and showcasing local businesses & suppliers. I am hoping to entice you to visit these areas, shop locally and enjoy the area as much as I do!
Please feel free to comment and feedback on what you have enjoyed on your travels with me!
⭐️The official bit…lots of facts I didn’t know!
Bodiam (/ˈboʊdiəm/) is a small village and in East Sussex, in the valley of the River Rother near to the villages of Sandhurst and Ewhurst Green. There is a 12th-century church, which contains a brass of a knight with the arms of the de Bodeham family, one of the first lords of the manor.
Originally it was a port and crossing point from Battle to North Kent. During the medieval period a great moated castle Bodiam Castle, was built which is now a popular National Trust visitor attraction.
Although famous for its castle, Bodiam was also in a main hop-growing area in the last century and was famous for growing hops for Guinness. Reginald B. Levett of Court Lodge Farm would sell part of his land to Guinness to grow hops.
A railway was built to provide transport for the hoppers, the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which is now another tourist attraction.
There is a small primary school, Bodiam CE School with a Good Ofsted rating.
⭐️What’s there for the kids?
Bodiam Castle NT – the crown jewels of castles!
Recently coming 2nd in the Top Ten Best-loved Castles; we all know why! Anyone who has seen the 14th century Bodiam castle falls instantly in love with the fantastic ruin surrounded by a moat. It is so picturesque and since being taken over by the National Trust 90 years ago, offers loads of activities for kids of all ages!
There is so much to explore, towers to climb, ducks to feed and cream teas to share. If you want, you can picnic on the lawn around the moat and often see falconry or archery going on.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Go back in time and travel on this amazing piece of track between Tenterden, Rolvenden, Northiam, Bodiam & Wittersham Road. There are Santa Specials and Thomas and Friends regularly can be seen for the little ones! Next Thomas visit is 22nd-24th July – book online now! Make a picnic or enjoy a cuppa onboard and just relax and enjoy the sound of the train and the view from the windows.
Website: https://www.kesr.org.uk/
⭐️Focus on a local business – The Hub at Quarry Farm
The Hub at Quarry Farm can be found just over the railway line and past the station from the Castle. As a visitor, you are unaware of what really lies down the track until you have parked and you wander around.
Eating
First up there is a fantastic cafe and shop open all day serving great coffee, breakfast, lunch and lovely cakes. The cafe is totally family friendly and kids are encouraged to play with Mr Potato Head or the train track and leave their parents to have a little me-time! There is plenty of seating outside for you to enjoy a bit of sunshine and you can bring your dog along too. There are delicious breakfast options like Eggs Benedict and plenty of lunch choices including soup, lunch platters, paninis and sandwiches. The rocky road cake is totally delicious and way too big for one and kids can wash it down with a hot chocolate with marshmallows for that total sugar rush!
In the evenings there are occasionally pop-up events so keep an eye on the website for information about those.
The great thing about the Hub is that it is home to a few different businesses, with other people using the versatile space for regular or one-off classes or events.
Sleeping
The Original Hut Company http://www.original-huts.co.uk/ has 8 beautiful handcrafted huts on site as well as glamping bell tents and additional camping options for bringing your own. The huts are often used by wedding guests, hen parties wanting something different away from the cheesy nightclub and tourists wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of their normal lives. The huts are along the river bank and the site has fantastic views over Bodiam castle and beyond. Perfect for a restful break in the beautiful Wealden countryside.
Get active
Quarry Farm is home to one of the other on-site businesses, Adventure Activities Sussex www.adventureactivitiessussex.co.uk which offers many activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, archery & bushcraft. There are also kid’s holiday and after-school clubs which are guaranteed to give your child a sense of adventure. My kids and their friends enjoyed an hour of archery at half term and the instructor was brilliant! We followed with a delicious lunch in the cafe!
Next on my list to try is paddleboarding!
If you want to be active whilst staying, why not hire an electric bike on site and explore the area further!
Relaxing
There is a shepherd’s hut currently being developed into a Spa with The Natural Spa Factory which will offer treatments and holistic therapies – perfect for some mum relaxation time!
Spa treatments will be a great addition to a hen party here where you can then add on an evening with Wild Feast and their popup wild cocktail bar and the weekend is sorted.
Creative
Bring the kids to enjoy a range of different classes on offer from pottery by Bekky May or Jitterbugz, a new music and dance activity class from 4 months.
There is so much going on at the Hub and this focus just scratches the surface. Anna is doing a fantastic job making the Hub a place to meet the needs of the local community as well as a great destination for visitors to the Weald!
⭐️Shop Local & other businesses:
There are a few local businesses around Bodiam which are well worth a visit:
Mad Hatters Fancy Dress – an amazing emporium of fancy dress items! There are original and reproduction items to ensure you look fantastic for that special party. There are also period costumes for all eras and film outfits for young and older! You can visit the shop by calling ahead or shop online but I would say it is well worth the visit to see their full range! You will find it just passed the railway on the left hand side opp. The Hub
Web Site : https://www.madhattersfancydress.com/
National Trust Cafe and shop Bodiam Castle – a lovely cafe full of the usual NT foodie options and it can be visited without castle entry although parking isn’t free. The shop always has some lovely books, gifts, blankets and local products for sale.
The Castle Inn
A local Shepherd Neame pub in the heart of the village on the green. Offers breakfast and lunch and has a garden for those summer days.
The Curlew
My favourite restaurant in the Weald!
In a previous life The Curlew Restaurant at Bodiam, was a coaching inn where travellers rested their weary, moustachioed heads and warmed their spirits while on rain-sodden route from Hastings to London.
Now it is Modern British dining for the Modern British diner. Recently it had a change of ownership and Gary Jarvis has taken over as Head Chef; we look forward to many more stunning evenings here. Enjoy a G&T in the cosy seating area with a wood-burner in the winter and high-backed tweed and leather armchairs. Eat canapés whilst deciding what you want from the locally sourced menu which is cleverly thought-out and creative. The locally sourced cheeseboard is a great choice to end the meal.
Web Site : http://www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk/
Sean’s Swim School – teaching children who are complete beginners through to an advanced level, after which they are able to be considered for entry into a swimming club or continue on the Rookie lifeguard courses. The aim is to have no more than 8 pupils per class; ensuring that the teachers are able to give each pupil the individual attention they deserve.
Website: http://www.seansswimschool.co.uk/
Claremont School
Claremont School in Bodiam is an independent Senior School founded in 2011 in the heart of the village.
Web Site : http://www.claremontschool.co.uk/senior/
If you are quick and want an extra excuse to visit Bodiam and I haven’t given you enough reason already, then visit the Bodiam School Fun Day and Dog Show!
The boring bit: All views are my own and I cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information.
Soon to be merged with Marden Tennis Club
the living weald 