THE ESTATE
People have been kind enough to say that Hedingham Castle boasts the best landscape views in Essex.
The grounds encompass over 1000 years of defensive ramparts, medieval husbandry, classical sweeping landscapes and romantic gardens. Whether you are on the motte and bailey looking out over Essex or wandering through the lime avenue by the lake, there is a tangible sense of history.
Each season is spectacular.
Throughout the year, there are exquisite trees, flower drifts and wildlife to see. In spring, the magnolias, daffodils and bluebells steal the show, until the rhododendrons come out to welcome summer and with it the bird activity on the lake. The autumn colour is stunning which then blows away to reveal the mature trees and the famous snowdrop collection in the winter.
Explore the seasons in Hedingham in all their glory by clicking on the images below to showcase each season. All images in our seasonal Gallery are by the wonderfully talented Mark Draper Photography and Jane Donaghy Photography.
Huge thanks to them both for braving all the elements to capture these fantastic shots.
Help us protect this legacy.
Be a green visitor – the world is in our hands. We work hard to be sustainable and our ambition is to be at least carbon neutral.
We have invested in photovoltaics to produce electricity, we have a biomass boiler heating both the house and the keep, and will soon have our own water from the medieval well. We aim to reduce our impact on the environment, stimulate local economy and support local community through all our activities. If the village of Castle Hedingham and the county of Essex do not thrive then neither do we.
We are committed to supporting local suppliers & businesses and employing local people.
“I remember Hedingham Castle as crumbling with lots of dust and gaping holes – it was like a Miss Havisham’s house in Great Expectations.”
Hedingham Castle is a magnificent place with the keep nearly 900 years old and the House now over 300 years old.
Both buildings and the landscape are in need of constant attention.
All admission charges are invested back into these ongoing restoration and conservation projects that keep the place glorious. “When you know about the good work your predecessors have done over history, it makes you want to try your best.”
There is so much history.
It is hard to know what to mention: From Romans to Royal visits; Earls to archaeological finds; Power to patronage; Warriors to World Wars; Horrible history to Homeopathic history; Kings to Cold War listening Posts; Domesday book to day time tv…The custodians have changed but the history continues. Walk through time and discover the tales and stories of this thoroughly modern ancient castle.
