Hedingham Castle from the grounds
  • Hedingham Castle from the grounds
  • Hedingham Castle
  • Hedingham Castle
  • Hedingham Castle
  • Hedingham Castle

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About

Hedingham Castle is the most iconic building in Essex.  Built 900 years ago, the ancient defensive landscape of the motte and bailey castle, along with the Norman keep form an impressive heritage treasure that is well worth a visit. Now inhabited by the Lindsay family, who are descended from the de Veres, the Earls of Oxford, who built the castle, it has the unique charm for visitors that goes with private ownership.  Surrounded by the formal gardens and undulating woods and stunning lake, it is a place to explore, picnic, and create your own adventure.  Visitors can discover history and relax with the only limitation being their own imagination.  Never has history been such fun.

Once you have been to the keep, which is the best preserved in the country, and admired the widest Norman arch in domestic architecture in Western Europe, spill out into the grounds.  It is beautiful all year round, with spectacular snowdrops in February, daffodils in March, bluebells in April, rhodedendrons in May, as well as glorious trees and autumn colour to enjoy, reflecting in the lake.  It is a photographer's dream.

The events programme is exciting and varied, from Jousts to carshows, and theatre to vintage fairs, outdoor cinema to medieval sieges.  There is something for everyone, and so often the best way to enjoy heritage.  The grounds and keep are also open during the week and at weekends for more peaceful and private enjoyment of the estate.

Hedingham Castle is also the most romantic wedding venue in England, hosting ceremonies in the keep, and banquets in the tapestry room, or receptions in the stunning Georgian country house.  People adore coming here for corporate events of all types, from feasts to photoshoots, as well as many other parties. 

It is also the perfect place for a staycation. The Medieval Lodge sleeps 17 and the Garden Cottage sleeps 4.  Anyone staying here can explore the grounds after hours and enjoy the stunning peace and quiet of the Essex countryside.  There is so much to discover just a stone's throw down the road.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hedingham Castle and sharing our beautiful home with you.  Please see our website for more details.

 

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Please see website for further details.

Events

Sunday, 3rd March 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

Spring Bulb WalksJoin us for Spring Bulb walks around the historic grounds, woodlands and ramparts, as nature springs to life on the estate. Explore the Castle and refuel in the tearooms.
more info

Sunday, 31st March 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Easter at Hedingham CastleEnjoy a whole host of egg-citing activities at Hedingham Castle this Easter!
more info

Saturday, 13th April 2024 - Saturday, 13th April 2024

Sunday, 14th April 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Knights of Middle England JoustStep back in time and immerse yourself in the thrill and majesty of medieval jousting at Hedingham Castle this April for our first joust of the year!
more info

Sunday, 21st April 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

Owls by CandlelightCome and join Eden Falconry for a magical evening with the Owls in the Castle.
more info

Sunday, 21st April 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

Owls by CandlelightCome and join the brilliant Eden Falconry for a magical evening with the Owls in the Castle.
more info

Saturday, 4th May 2024 - Saturday, 4th May 2024

Old Time SailorsArrr, me hearties! Old Time Sailors be an unbelievable musical spectacle set to whisk ye away on a time-travelin' journey back to the 19th century.
more info

Sunday, 5th May 2024 - Monday, 6th May 2024

May Day FairHedingham Castle will be bursting with life, with arena displays including Maypole dancing, Birds of Prey, and an hilarious performance by The Pantaloons of 'The Earls of Oxford'.
more info

Sunday, 2nd June 2024 - Sunday, 2nd June 2024

Sunday, 30th June 2024 - Sunday, 30th June 2024

Monday, 2nd September 2024 - Monday, 2nd September 2024

Hawks & Friends at Hedingham CastleJoin us in the Castle for a magical up close and personal evening with Eden Falconry and their beautiful kestrel, hawks, buzzards and everyone's favourite - the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Big Alice!
more info

Tuesday, 13th August 2024 - Tuesday, 13th August 2024

Adventure Cinema presents The Greatest Showman Sing-a-longThis is the greatest show! Get ready to watch and singalong with The Greatest Showman on a huge open-air screen.
more info

Wednesday, 14th August 2024 - Wednesday, 14th August 2024

Adventure Cinema presents Top Gun (Original)A blockbuster open-air showing of the original and absolute 80s classic, Top Gun! Feel the need...the need for speed!
more info

Thursday, 15th August 2024 - Thursday, 15th August 2024

Adventure Cinema presents Pretty WomanWatch a classic movie under the stars! Join us for an outdoor cinema experience like no other with a showing of Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
more info

Sunday, 18th August 2024 - Sunday, 18th August 2024

Classic & Vintage Car ShowAlways a highlight in the Hedingham calendar! Featuring a range of vintage, pre 1940s classic, classic and modern classic vehicles, this show is a must for all car lovers.
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access - Please let the person on the gate know as they will allow you to park close to the castle. Realistically Norman castles were built to keep people out! But the ground floor tapestry room is ramp accessible. We very much hope you can enjoy the essence of the castle from this room.

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted

Suitability

  • School Trips

Target Markets

  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By Road: Only 1.5 hours from London, 45 mins from Cambridge and Colchester it is located on the B1058 (1 mile off A1017) .  Follow the brown signs from 5 miles away.  

Public Transport Directions

By Public Transport: We are between two railway stations.  Sudbury and Braintree, which are about 7 miles away.  There is a limited bus service and lots of local taxis.

Hedingham Castle

Type:Castle

Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 271 reviews271 reviews
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Tel+44 (0)1787 460261

Opening Times

* Please see website for further details.

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