I‘ve always loved Bodiam. The 14th-century moated castle is situated not far from Robertsbridge and was built to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. It’s also just a twenty-minute drive from home.
We have visited in daylight, but it isn’t cheap and these days parking, plus two adult tickets is way beyond my means as a retired individual. I’ve had thoughts about popping down there for sunset, but have quickly dismissed the idea because of the cost.
It was only recently that I discovered you can enter for free after closing. This is due to a public footpath that runs round the grounds which must remain accessible. Once armed with this information, I hastily created a plan in PhotoPills. I wanted to stand at the far end of the castle, with the Milky Way showing to one side. Visibility isn’t great from this spot and the only suitable time was during September.
I think the first year came and went and we didn’t visit due to bad weather. Astrophotography is normally limited to a few days before and after a new moon, so there are locations where it has taken two or three years to get the image I wanted. However, early September 2023 turned out to be ideal and we set off after dinner. There is very little parking in the village and the spot I had in mind was full and so we had to turn round and park a bit further away. Once inside the grounds, we realised that a local photography club had chosen that night to have an outing. The place was full of people and unfortunately, none of them seemed able to use their gear in the dark. It’s something I’m used to because I don’t want to ruin my night vision and I can set everything up by touch alone.
The worst part was trying to find a clear ten seconds without someone pointing a torch in our direction, but eventually things calmed down and I was able to capture the photograph featured above. I have a mind to try a similar shot, but with star trails instead. I would want a clear 45-minutes for that though, so we really would need to have the place to ourselves.
Sid
22 Feb 2025Beautiful castle, wonderful image ♥️
Ciao
Sid
Zooey
22 Feb 2025Thank you Sid. We are lucky to have so many historic buildings to enjoy 🙂
Steve
23 Feb 2025Well worth the effort and a cracking shot 🙂
Zooey
24 Feb 2025Cheers Steve! 🙂