Last Alteration: Thursday 02 June 2016
Bodiam Castle
GPS Coordinates
51°00'10", 00°32'30" show decimal
Google Earth
Streetmap
AA Road Atlas
Page 10, K11
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Built in 1385, the now ruined castle has become one of the most celebrated buildings in England. Originally thought to be part of defences against French invasion, it is now believed to be a status symbol of its builder, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge. The National Trust were bequeathed the castle in 1926.
How to get here:
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Road: A21 (south) - Follow the A21 past Hurst Green, then take the turn-off towards Bodiam on the left (near Silver Hill). This bears left again and continue, crossing Junction Road into The Elms and then bearing right into Bodiam. The castle is to the south of the village, on the left. Parking: included in admission fee. +
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Road: A21 (north) - Follow the A21 from Hastings; at the B2089 turn right (signposted Rye). Continue onto Cripp's Corner, and then turn left onto the B2165 towards Staplecross. As the road turns right, carry straight on, and this eventually reaches Dagg Lane, where you bear left towards Bodiam. The castle is just after the railway bridge on the right. Parking: included in admission fee. +
Castle car park (free to NT members)
Access: publicStatus: recognisableCastle (south)
The King's Demons (1)
Filmed: 6 Dec 1982
Fitzwilliam Castle.
Access: publicStatus: recognisableCastle Gatehouse (north)
The King's Demons (1)
Filmed: 5 Dec 1982
The TARDIS is brought into the castle.
The King's Demons (1)
Filmed: 5 Dec 1982
The TARDIS is brought into the castle.
The King's Demons (1)
Filmed: 5 Dec 1982
The TARDIS is brought into the castle.
Additional Notes:
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Though not visible on screen, the castle is surrounded by a moat, and filming for the castle entrance was very tight on the bridge leading to the entrance! The scene with Sir Geoffrey riding away and then killed after leaving the castle was in a different part of the grounds!
Access: publicStatus: recognisableCastle (east)
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»Photograph taken: 24th March 2008 by Chuck Foster
"The east wing of the castle is undergoing restoration work."
The King's Demons (1)
Filmed: 6/7 Dec 1982
The joust.
The King's Demons (2)
Filmed: 6/7 Dec 1982
Sir Geoffrey meets the Doctor at the jousting spot.
Photograph taken: 24th March 2008 by Chuck Foster
"Unfortunately it was a busy day and an overflow car park was established on the field."
The King's Demons (2)
Filmed: 6/7 Dec 1982
Sir Geoffrey is killed when leaving to contact the real King.
Other nearby locations:
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St Lawrence's Church (The Curse of Fenric). Road (3.3 miles, 8m) : Exit the castle and turn right, then bear left through Bodiam onto The Elms. Turn right onto the B2244 (Junction Road) towards Hawkhurst, and when you reach The Moor the church is on the left. Parking: roadside.
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Camber Sands (The Chase, The Trial of a Time Lord ("The Ultimate Foe")). Road (16.6 miles, 37m) : Exit the castle and turn right. Head through Bodiam, bearing right on
Bodiam Road. At the end of the road (Sandhurst), turn right onto the A268
to Rye, and continue onward until you eventually reach Rye.
Once here, cross over the railway bridge and then bear left and left
again onto the A259 heading east.
When you reach East Guideford, turn right
onto Camber Road and this will take you to the village. The beach car park
will be on the right as you enter the village. Parking: car park (in season). Access to the beach is via a large public car park near to
Rye Golf Club. However, the car park is closed out of season, but it is
possible to park on the roadside nearby.
Additional locations as the crow flies:
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Lillesden School for Girls (The Curse of Fenric): 2.66 miles. 
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Yew Tree Farm (The Curse of Fenric): 4.66 miles.
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Roses Farm (The Curse of Fenric): 4.78 miles.
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Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (The Trial of a Time Lord ("The Ultimate Foe")): 11.10 miles.
Production Notes:
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15 Aug 2010: Michael J. Jackson: "It was freezing on location, which I think showed on screen! I had said in my interview - as actors do - that yes I could ride a horse, then promptly went for lessons at the horse centre in Richmond Park. It was a different experience between there and at the castle, though, with the horse I had to ride constantly wanting to do its own thing rather than what the director wanted! I just held on as best I could!"
Further links about the location:
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The National Trust - Bodiam Castle
Also seen in:
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3 Apr 1975: Monty Python and the Holy Grail - The castle makes a brief appearance as the establishing shot of the castle of the Swamp King.
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5 Apr 1986: Robin of Sherwood Series Three - The exterior of Huntingdon Castle
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1987-1994: Knightmare - The castle made occasional appearances during the quests undertaken in the popular children's show presented by Hugo Myatt as the Dungeon Master.
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4 Nov 2007: Joe's Palace - Elliott's castle.
Related Stories
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The King's Demons [5-7 Dec 1982]
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Robot of Sherwood [related, stock]: Outside Nottingham Castle
Information, downloads, photographs and other media are provided for reference and for personal use only (planning visits etc.) - they remain the copyright of their respective authors and may not be duplicated on any other website or media without prior permission.
All screen captures are the copyright of the BBC and appear here as reference to illustrate the location in comparison with how it looked at the time of filming and the present day; no attempt is made to supercede this or any other copyright.
