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

Thursday, 12th October 2023 - Thursday, 12th October 2023

Folk Music Night with Winter WilsonSinging out for the underdog in glorious harmony, Winter Wilson bring original songs packed with punch and emotion that will get beneath your skin, and all delivered with great humour.
more info

Tuesday, 17th October 2023 - Tuesday, 17th October 2023

Folk Music Night with Stephen FearingStephen Fearing has been named as one of the finest songwriters in Canada performing across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe, including Reading Festival.
more info

Sunday, 22nd October 2023 - Thursday, 26th October 2023

Brightworth's School of MagicCalling all witches and wizards! Don't miss out on this sell out, magical event held in the beautiful Hedingham Castle.
more info

Sunday, 22nd October 2023 - Thursday, 26th October 2023

Brightworth's School of MagicDo you have a budding young Witch or Wizard? Brightworth's are opening their doors again this Halloween half term to welcome a new class into their School of Magic.
more info

Sunday, 22nd October 2023 - Thursday, 26th October 2023

Brightworth's School of MagicDo you have a young Witch or Wizard? Brightworth's are opening their doors again this Halloween half term to welcome a new class into their School of Magic.
more info

Friday, 27th October 2023 - Friday, 27th October 2023

Folk Music Night with Jo Beth YoungJo Beth Young is a true hidden gem rising in the prog and neo-folk scene. Teaming up with musician Serious Child, this promises to be an unforgettable night.
more info

Sunday, 29th October 2023 - Sunday, 29th October 2023

A Dragons Tale - Puppet ShowFoolishly, John throws the strange googly eyed fish back into the river. It grew and grew until… well, why not find out by watching Theatrix Arts perform this magical story.
more info

Sunday, 19th November 2023 - Sunday, 19th November 2023

Sunday, 3rd December 2023 - Sunday, 3rd December 2023

Owls by CandlelightDuring this fantastic candlelit encounter, you will witness a variety of owls and experience these beautiful birds demonstrating their natural abilities in the atmospheric Norman Castle.
more info

Thursday, 30th November 2023 - Thursday, 30th November 2023

Folk Music Night with Steve TilstonSteve Tilston is one of the country's most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised in the folk and contemporary music worlds. An enchanting gig in Tapestry Room on the Castle's ground floor.
more info

Friday, 8th December 2023 - Friday, 8th December 2023

Murder Mystery Evening: Murder at the Hedingham HotelJoin Moonstone Murder Mysteries and Hedingham Castle for plot-twists, suspicious suspects and plenty of red herrings! You are the detectives and it's your job to crack the case.
more info

Sunday, 10th December 2023 - Sunday, 10th December 2023

The Show Queen Puppet ShowThe Toy Maker is in his workshop, making toys for the children when all of a sudden they come to life to tell the story of The Snow Queen.
more info

Wednesday, 20th December 2023 - Wednesday, 20th December 2023

Thursday, 21st December 2023 - Thursday, 21st December 2023

Peter Pan - A Magical Pop-up Panto!Fly away on the adventure of a lifetime this Christmas as Peter Pan swoops into town! Join the Lost Boys in a battle against Captain Hook.
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 - 269 reviews269 reviews
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Tel+44 (0)1787 460261

Opening Times

* Please see website for further details.

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