Bodiam Castle – A Fairytale Fortress

Just a short drive from Rye, Bodiam Castle is a picture-perfect 14th-century moated fortress that looks like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Built in 1385 to defend the realm and impress the neighbours, it’s now one of the most iconic medieval ruins in the country.

Cross the wooden bridge, wander the grounds, and climb the towers for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great family day out, especially when paired with a river trip or steam train ride.

📍 Bodiam, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA. 🌐 Visit Website

Northiam Station – Step Back in Time by Steam

Originally opened in 1900, Northiam Station is a beautifully restored stop on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, nestled between Tenterden and Bodiam. It offers a nostalgic way to travel through the Rother Valley aboard vintage steam and diesel trains. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just in the mood for a slower pace, it’s a lovely outing – especially when paired with a visit to nearby Bodiam Castle or a riverside walk.

📍 Northiam Station, Station Road, Northiam, TN31 6QT 🌐 Visit Website

🕗 Train times and opening hours vary – check website for current schedule

Great Dixter House & Gardens 

About a 20-minute drive from Rye, Great Dixter is one of the most celebrated gardens in England. It was the family home of gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, and today it’s managed as a trust dedicated to keeping his vision alive.

The house itself is a striking mix of a 15th-century medieval hall and Arts & Crafts additions by architect Edwin Lutyens. But it’s the gardens that draw visitors from all over the world: a patchwork of bold planting schemes, wildflower meadows, and colourful borders that change dramatically through the seasons. There’s also a well-stocked nursery if you’re inspired to take a little of the Great Dixter spirit home with you.

📍 Northiam, Rye, TN31 6PH🌐 greatdixter.co.uk

🕗 Gardens open daily, late March to late October, 11:00am–5:00pm

House open on selected days (check website)

Winchelsea Town Trail

Step into history with a self-guided walk through one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns. Explore ancient gates, St Thomas’ Church, and the remnants of a once-thriving port. The trail offers panoramic views over the Brede Valley and the sea, making it a must for history buffs and casual walkers alike.

📍 Start at Winchelsea Town Centre

🕓 Open year-round 📄 Visitor Map PDF.     🌐 winchelsea.com

Sissinghurst Castle Garden – World-Famous

Around a 35-minute drive from Rye, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is one of the most iconic gardens in the UK. Created in the 1930s by writer Vita Sackville-West and diplomat Harold Nicolson, it’s now cared for by the National Trust and attracts garden lovers from across the globe.

The design is a series of “garden rooms,” each with its own colour theme and planting style, connected by paths, walls, and hedges. The White Garden is perhaps the most famous, but the whole site offers changing displays throughout the year, from spring bulbs to summer roses.

You can also climb the tower for sweeping views across the Kent countryside, explore the moat and orchard, or enjoy local produce in the on-site café.

📍 Biddenden Road, Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

🌐 nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden

🕗 Gardens open daily (check National Trust site for seasonal hours)