Hedingham Castle

#308 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

Hedingham Castle, with its imposing Norman keep, stands as a remarkable example of medieval architecture and history in the heart of Essex, United Kingdom. Built in the 12th century, this majestic stone fortress has withstood the test of time, offering a window into the past for visitors from around the globe.

The castle's most prominent feature, the keep, rises to a height of 110 feet and is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture in England. Its four floors are connected by a spiral staircase carved into the thick walls, and the grand Banqueting Hall on the second floor, with its impressive 28-foot high arch, is a sight to behold.

Hedingham Castle is not only a testament to medieval military construction but also a venue steeped in history. It was once the principal seat of the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford, for over three centuries. The castle has seen its fair share of historical events, including visits from kings and queens, and it played a role in the conflicts of the Middle Ages.

Today, Hedingham Castle is a popular tourist attraction and an enchanting location for events, including weddings and medieval fairs. The surrounding grounds, with lush woodlands and tranquil lakes, provide a picturesque setting for a day out, picnics, or leisurely walks.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 51°59'33"N, 0°36'5"E

Location

Bayley StreetEnglandUnited Kingdom

Contact

+44 1787 460261

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Day trips

Hedingham Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Colne Valley Railway, Sudbury Baptist Church, Sudbury Town Hall, Gainsborough's House.

0.8 miW
Museum, Scenic railroads, Tours
Colne Valley Railway
21 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Essex, the Colne Valley Railway is a cherished heritage railway that offers visitors a nostalgic journey back in time. This living museum, comprised of a preserved segment of the former Colne Valley and Halstead Railway, provides a unique...
6 miNE
Monastery
Sudbury Baptist Church, Sudbury
153 min walk • The Dominican Priory of Sudbury or Sudbury Priory, was a medieval priory of the Dominican Order, also known as the Order of Friar Preachers or "Black Friars", in the town of Sudbury, Suffolk, England.
6.4 miNE
City hall
Sudbury Town Hall, Sudbury
163 min walk • Sudbury Town Hall is a municipal building in Gaol Lane in Sudbury, Suffolk, England. The building, which was the headquarters of Sudbury Borough Council, is a Grade II listed building.
6.2 miNE
History museum, Art museum, Museum
Gainsborough's House, Sudbury
160 min walk • Gainsborough's House is the birthplace of the leading English painter Thomas Gainsborough. It is now a museum and gallery, located at 46 Gainsborough Street in Sudbury, Suffolk, England.
6.4 miNE
Church, Gothic architecture
St Peter's Church, Sudbury
163 min walk • St Peter's Church, Sudbury is a former Anglican church in the town of Sudbury, Suffolk, England, which now serves as a cultural venue. The building is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building, and is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
5.8 miNE
Church, Cemetery, Reportedly haunted
Borley Church
149 min walk • Borley Church is the parish church in Borley, Essex. The church is in the ecclesiastical parish of Borley and Liston, one of the Fifteen Churches of the North Hinckford Benefice in the Diocese of Chelmsford of the Church of England.
6.4 miSE
Monastery
Colne Priory, Earls Colne
163 min walk • Colne Priory at Earls Colne, Essex was a Benedictine priory, initially a dependent cell of Abingdon Abbey, Berkshire. It was founded by Aubrey de Vere I and his wife Beatrice in or before 1111.
4.3 miS
Park
Gosfield Hall
110 min walk • Gosfield Hall is a country house in Gosfield, near Braintree in Essex, England. It is a Grade I listed building. The house was built in 1545 by Sir John Wentworth, a member of Cardinal Wolsey’s household, and hosted royal visits by Queen Elizabeth I and her grand retinue throughout the middle of the 16th century.
6 miNE
Park
Sudbury Common Lands, Sudbury
154 min walk • Sudbury Common Lands is a 50.3 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Sudbury in Suffolk. It is owned and managed by the Sudbury Common Lands Charity.
6.5 miNE
52°3'32"N • 0°42'33"E
Long Melford Country Park, Long Melford
165 min walk • Park
6.3 miSE
Park
Brickfield and Long Meadow, Earls Colne
162 min walk • Brickfield and Long Meadow is a 3.9 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Earls Colne in Essex, England. There is access by footpaths from Park Lane, Church Hill and the Coggeshall Road.