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Book Tickets Online
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.
