Photographing Bodiam Castle in Late Autumn: A Journey Through the High Weald

Nestled in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most iconic medieval castles. Surrounded by autumnal woodland and rolling countryside, it offers photographers endless opportunities to capture its timeless charm. Over the course of three visits in November, I explored different viewpoints and lighting conditions, seeking to highlight the castle’s beauty as it transitions through late autumn. Here’s a detailed guide to photographing Bodiam Castle during this stunning season.

Ewhurst Green: A Perfect Starting Point

My journey began in Ewhurst Green, a small village just north of the castle. After a brief stop in nearby Northiam, I wound my way through country lanes until I caught sight of Bodiam Castle, framed by the warm hues of autumn. The elevated vantage point from Ewhurst Green provides one of the best distant views of the castle, nestled amidst the golden foliage of the High Weald.

For these scenes, I used a 70-200mm lens but realized that a longer focal length, such as a 100-400mm, would have compressed the perspective further and brought the castle closer to the viewer. With soft morning light or a touch of mist, this view could be even more atmospheric, adding depth to the layers of hills and woodland.

After admiring the view, I ventured onto the footpaths leading down from Ewhurst Green. While glimpses of the castle peeked through the trees, much of the path was obscured by woodland. Despite this, the walk itself was a rewarding experience, with golden leaves carpeting the trail. I wrapped up the day with a pint at The White Dog Inn, a cozy country pub that offered a fitting end to a day of photography.

Golden Hour Magic from Udiam Lane

On my second visit, I parked near Staplecross and explored footpaths along Udiam Lane, a holloway with medieval origins. My timing coincided with golden hour, and the light transformed the scene into something truly magical. From an east-facing viewpoint, I captured Bodiam Castle framed by rolling hills and the Sandhurst Windmill in the distance—a classic High Weald composition.

This time, I used a 100-400mm lens mounted on a monopod to handle the strong winds. The telephoto lens compressed the scene beautifully, making the castle and surrounding features feel closer together. The golden-hour light brought out the textures of the castle walls and accentuated the rich reds and oranges of the autumn foliage.

Post-processing presented some challenges, particularly in toning down the overpowering warmth of the light. Removing distractions such as cars on the road in the foreground further enhanced the scene’s timeless quality. I opted for a 4:3 crop to focus attention on the castle and surrounding landscape.

Despite the wind, this visit was one of the highlights of the season. The interplay of light and architecture, set against the serene High Weald countryside, made for a truly rewarding evening of photography.

Returning for Late Autumn Light

On my final visit, I parked opposite the castle and followed the paths over Knowle Hill, hoping for new perspectives. While this route didn’t offer fresh angles, it reinforced just how dominant Bodiam Castle is in the surrounding landscape. I eventually entered the castle grounds to photograph the moat and walls in the soft, golden light of late November.

Using only my phone camera this time, I focused on capturing reflections in the still water. The simplicity of the scene—a clear blue sky and the castle’s walls bathed in warm side lighting—worked beautifully without the need for additional elements such as clouds or long exposures.

Later, I stopped by the Bodiam Tea Rooms for a coffee and sausage roll, a delightful way to recharge before continuing my exploration. I also tried another footpath along Ewhurst Lane, which, while not revealing new views, allowed me to frame the castle through gaps in the trees.

Here, a 400mm lens compressed the scene dramatically, adding depth and dimension to the composition.

Reflections on Technique and Challenges

Photographing Bodiam Castle in late autumn is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The winding country lanes, historic holloways, and rolling hills provide a quintessential High Weald experience. Here are a few tips for those looking to capture the castle during this season:

• Lens Choices: A telephoto lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm) is ideal for compressing the landscape and isolating the castle.
• Golden Hour: Late afternoon light is perfect for emphasizing the textures of the stone walls and the warm hues of the surrounding woodland.
• Editing Tips: Autumn colors can sometimes feel overpowering. Consider toning them down slightly to create a more balanced composition.

A Brief History of Bodiam Castle

Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, Bodiam Castle was designed as both a defensive fortress and a comfortable home. Its wide moat, iconic towers, and symmetrical layout make it a favorite subject for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The castle was constructed during a time of political and social unrest, intended to defend against potential French invasions during the Hundred Years’ War.

Today, Bodiam Castle is managed by the National Trust and remains a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture. Its picturesque setting in the High Weald only enhances its appeal, especially during the vibrant autumn months.

Conclusion

Photographing Bodiam Castle in late autumn is a deeply rewarding experience, with the interplay of light, history, and nature creating scenes that feel both timeless and unique. Whether you’re exploring distant views from Ewhurst Green or capturing reflections in the castle’s moat, every angle tells a story of England’s medieval past and its enduring beauty.

Plan your visit during golden hour, pack a telephoto lens, and take the time to wander the surrounding footpaths. And don’t forget to stop for a pint or a snack at one of the local pubs or tea rooms—it’s the perfect way to end a day immersed in the High Weald’s autumnal splendour.