#Visit1066 Country

If you're looking for the perfect day out this autumn, I've got just the thing. A little while ago now I was invited by the lovely #Visit1066 Country to test out one of their day out experiences, and of course, I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity - and I knew exactly what I wanted to do straight away. Although having experienced it quite a few times, I opted to ride the old Steam Train with Kent & East Sussex Railway from the quaint Tenterden to the picturesque Bodiam Castle. 

Having a soft spot for history, I absolutely loved the whole experience of the train, from the old station with its piles of vintage luggage suitcases and painted signage, to the original train carriages that are straight out of the 40s, 50s and 60s. When we arrived, the heavens opened, but I just think that just made the 10 mile journey even more memorable, and it even more welcoming when the trolley lady came over with teas & coffees! 

After the train crosses the border from Kent over into East Sussex, gliding through rows and rows of fields, you can spot Bodiam Castle in the distance. The castle itself is pretty special; still standing from the 14th century, it still showcases its battlements, portcullis, spiral staircase and a foggy moat. The huge impressive gatehouse is actually the castle's original wooden portcullis, and as you walk through it, you can just imagine what life must have been like over 700 years ago. 
Being a National Trust property, there's lots of interesting facts about the site, about the owners through its history and there were even characters authentically dressed that were sharing lots of interesting snippets about their day-to-day life that was surprisingly similar to ours!

The perfect way to round off a very cold and rainy Sunday afternoon? A roast dinner of course! Jamie and I popped into the warm and cosy Castle Inn that (as you could guess) sits very close to the Castle, and enjoyed a very welcome tasty dinner and cup of tea. And then, back on the steam train we went!

Thank you for a lovely day out #Visit1066 Country! I would so definitely recommend that you take a trip on the steam train, which even has Afternoon Tea journeys and special events this Hallowe'en, to visit Bodiam Castle - you can easily fit both into a day trip, along with a meal in the pub! 

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