Get More From Your Bodiam Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Bodiam puts you right in the heart of East Sussex's most historic corner. This tiny village sits on the River Rother and draws visitors from across the country who come to see its famous medieval castle. The surrounding countryside offers ancient woodlands and quiet lanes perfect for walking.
A cottage with hot tub here gives you the perfect base for exploring castles and countryside whilst enjoying your own private retreat. You'll find everything from boutique cottages to large holiday houses that sleep big groups. Many properties are dog friendly too so your four-legged friends can join the adventure.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Bodiam
Bodiam sits in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where rolling hills meet ancient forests. The village itself dates back centuries and the castle has stood guard over the Rother Valley since 1385. You're only 12 miles from the coast at Hastings and Rye is just 8 miles east.
This location works brilliantly for hot tub breaks because you get proper seclusion without being isolated. The area offers brilliant walks straight from your door and major attractions within easy reach. After a day exploring you can sink into your private hot tub and watch the stars come out over the Sussex countryside.
Sightseeing in Bodiam
The village transformed from a quiet farming community into a tourist destination when the railway arrived in 1900. Today it welcomes visitors year-round who come for the castle and stay to explore the wider area. The Kent and East Sussex Railway still runs steam trains through the valley and connects several historic villages worth visiting.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Bodiam
Whether you're planning romantic breaks for 2 or family cottages sleeping a large family, these five attractions offer something for everyone. I've picked places that showcase the best of this corner of Sussex from medieval history to wildlife encounters.
Bodiam Castle
This 14th-century moated castle is one of Britain's most photographed fortresses. Built in 1385 to defend against French invasion it never saw battle but remains remarkably complete. You can climb the towers and walk the battlements whilst kids love exploring the spiral staircases and imagining life as a medieval knight.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
This heritage railway runs steam and diesel trains along 10.5 miles of track through the Rother Valley. The journey from Bodiam to Tenterden takes you through stunning countryside with stops at Northiam and Wittersham Road. Special events run throughout the year including dining trains and themed weekends that make brilliant getaways.
Great Dixter House and Gardens
Located 4 miles away this medieval manor house features some of England's most influential gardens. Christopher Lloyd transformed the grounds into experimental planting schemes that changed British gardening. The Long Border bursts with colour from spring through autumn and the exotic garden creates a jungle-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from Sussex.
Rye
This hilltop town 8 miles east looks like it's stepped from a storybook with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Mermaid Street is one of Britain's most photographed lanes and the town offers excellent independent shops and restaurants. The harbour area provides coastal walks and you can visit Camber Sands beach just 4 miles further on.
Bateman's
Rudyard Kipling's former home sits 3 miles north in Burwash. This 17th-century house is where he wrote some of his most famous works including Puck of Pook's Hill. The rooms remain much as Kipling left them and the gardens include a working watermill that still grinds flour on demonstration days.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bodiam Castle | Medieval fortress with towers to climb and moat to explore | Families |
| Kent and East Sussex Railway | Steam train journeys through beautiful countryside | Everyone |
| Great Dixter | Experimental gardens and medieval manor house | Couples |
| Rye | Historic hilltop town with cobbled streets and harbour | Everyone |
| Bateman's | Kipling's home with period rooms and working watermill | Families |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Bodiam?
The nearest station is Robertsbridge on the Hastings to London line 4 miles away. By car take the A21 then follow signs through Hurst Green. Most visitors hire a car or book rental properties that include parking since public transport is limited in rural areas.
What family activities are available near Bodiam?
Beyond the castle try Bewl Water 8 miles north for watersports and cycling. Drusillas Park near Alfriston offers a zoo and adventure playground. The beach at Camber Sands provides bucket-and-spade fun whilst forest holiday walks in Bedgebury Forest include Go Ape treetop adventures.
Where are the best romantic spots?
Walk the castle moat at sunset or book a dining experience on the steam railway. Rye offers intimate restaurants and antique shops perfect for browsing. Your own hot tub under the stars beats any hotel jacuzzi for romance though.
What shopping options exist?
Rye provides the best shopping with independent boutiques and galleries. Tenterden offers more high street names alongside local shops. For major retail visit Tunbridge Wells 18 miles north or book last minute deals that include a trip to the designer outlet at Ashford.
Are hot tub cottages suitable year-round?
Absolutely. Winter breaks feel magical when you can soak outdoors in the cold air. New year bookings are popular and many lodges offer swimming pool facilities alongside hot tubs. Pet friendly cottages with hot tubs work brilliantly since dogs can run in the countryside whatever the weather.
Cottages with hot tubs in Bodiam give you the perfect mix of history and relaxation. Whether you're after cheap cottages for a 1 night escape or luxury cottages for a large group, this corner of Sussex delivers. Book your cottage breaks here and you'll discover why visitors return year after year to this special part of England.