Although much of the internal structure of the castle/manor house has been destroyed through neglect and pilfering, the National Trust laminated maps (free to use whilst you’re in the castle) give really good guidance as to how things once would have been, and it’s not too difficult to "get a handle" on the layout of the place.

The chapel, even to this day, retains, despite its dilapidation, the features that you’d expect of such a room with its dominating arched window and evidence of its high ceilings still apparent. The manor house and the family quarters still have signs of the elaborate heating system with its chimneys and large and prominent fireplaces. But make no mistake about it, the best views of this impressive castle are from the rooftop battlements. The narrow winding staircase is not easy to maneuvre and the one above the family quarters has to be both ascended and descended. Tthere’s a one-way system in operation over the gate-house. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but the effort is well worth it as there are some stunning views across the surrounding countryside. Just imagine the hunting parties that would have been sent out from here in pursuit of the weekend venison.

Above the gatehouse, you can fully appreciate the murder holes from where cannon balls and molten oil could have been poured on any attackers, though in truth these were never ever used, and it was good to see the remains of the portcullis still intact. Over the gate, you’ll see the family heraldry of the Dalyngrigge/Wardeux/Radynden families, weather-worn but still evidence of the prestigious nature of this influential family. You’ll need to check this out on entering the castle.

As you wander the staircases and corridors keep an eye out for the medieval toilets. Apparently, there are 28 in total although I only just got into double figures. Another interesting feature of the castle is the fact that it was only one of a very small number that had its own indoor water supply. The well is still there, brimming full of water.

Bodiam has a couple of finely-crafted vaulted cellars from where I could easily imagine the kitchen staff collecting the wine or joints of meat for one of the many banquets that would have been held in the dining room. A family of such wealth had to regularly entertain to keep friends on their side and continue to court the royal approval.

Back on high, we were able to look down on the minute bodies scurrying around the grand grassy courtyard, some clearly wondering if they dare risk the climb to the castle’s summit. Although difficult to spot, there are a number of "builder's marks" carved into the stonework. The National Trust gives clues where you'll find them, but still it's not straightforward. These were the stonemason's "advertising" mark and his confirmation that he, at least was satisfied with his work. Bodiam's a real treat!

Outside the castle at the National Trust ticket office at the end of the causeway is a very small exhibition displaying artifacts that have been discovered in the renovation of the castle. It’s not particularly time-consuming but really interesting, so it’s worth the effort. There’s a super copy of Lord Curzon’s first sighting of the castle by his wife, in which she says "looking down on the castle was like looking down on another world, I can find no words to describe the beauty. George, more excited than I’ve ever seen him before described all that he hoped to do to restore Bodiam to its original magnificence, so that its beauty might last forever." I just reckon he succeeded, big time! Indeed, as Lady Curzon said, back in 1916, "I dared not take my eyes off it, for fear that when I looked again it would have disappeared in a mist - it could only be a fairy castle"

Then we took the long walk down the causeway to the castle. We couldn’t resist stopping to watch the antics of the "official guards" of the castle, the ducks of Bodiam. They’re well used to visitors and seem to pose in strategic places for their photo calls, but a lone drake just swam menacingly in the vicinicty of the bridge keeping an eye on all that crossed it.

Before fully exploring the castle, I’d strongly recommend that you take a few minutes out to watch the film shows that are on regularly looped videos. The first one, just next to the chapel, provides a 15-minute summary of the history of the castle, putting it into the context of European events of the time. It really helps to orientate you, and acts as a sound reminder about how lavish an affair this building really was.

The second video, at the opposite side of the courtyard, I found absolutely fascinating. It recounted the story of a knight and his armour, and showed armour being made, fitted, and worn. It disabused me of the belief that fully-clad knights had to be winched onto their horses and confirmed that they needed to fight proficiently and nimbly if they were knocked off their horse. All the joints had to be flexible and yet fully protective and, weighing in at around 56 pounds, the wearer had to be fit and fully-trained in fighting whilst "armoured up". This video is only about 10 minutes long and I’d strongly recommend it to you.

Whilst we were there, the National Trust had put on a period costume day when, for £5, you could dress up and pose as a 14th Century occupant. It is more aimed at children although they seemed to have a full wardrobe for adults as well. The Trust regularly put on "specials" to bring history alive, so its worth checking out their website if you’re likely to have a choice of dates for visiting Bodiam.