The village of Castle Hedingham in Essex is a truly breath-taking spot with an intriguing history
Tucked away in the picturesque Essex countryside lies a charming village with its very own ancient castle.
Nestled between Colchester and Cambridge, Castle Hedingham, named after its 900 year old castle, is a small village that boasts an array of medieval buildings.
The northern Essex beauty spot has previously been crowned one of the UK’s most beautiful villages by The Telegraph. Small but perfectly formed, the Castle is undoubtedly the heart of this village, with everything else built around it.
Thanks to its magical good looks, the castle has been a magnet for filmmakers over the years, reports Essex Live. Hedingham Castle, a popular venue for weddings and corporate events, has also served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows.
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Its unique blend of Norman Keep and 18th century Queen Anne Georgian House, coupled with its ancient defensive landscape, stunning gardens and hillside woods, make it an ideal location for period dramas.
This was certainly the case for the directors of the 2003 Tom Hardy horror film, The Reckoning who were drawn to the castle’s interiors for their medieval England setting. Filming took place in Autumn 2000.
Located just four miles west of Halstead and three miles southeast of Great Yeldham in the Colne Valley, the village sits on the ancient road from Colchester, Essex, to Cambridge.
Castle Hedingham is often hailed as arguably the best preserved Norman keep in England. Constructed in the year 1100 by the de Veres in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, the Keep – a type of tower built within castles – was added in the 1130s and 1140s.
While the castle remains a family residence, the Norman keep and grounds are open to the public from Easter to October.
It also hosts educational school visits throughout the year and serves as a venue for a variety of events, including re-enactment battles and vintage and classic car shows, to name but a few.
But the castle isn’t the only attraction in the village. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, including the Colne Valley Railway, which boasts an impressive collection of steam and diesel engines.
The village is also home to St Nicholas Church built in the late 12th century by the de Vere family. Featuring a grand Norman doorway and later Gothic additions, including a 15th-century tower, it remains a key religious and historical landmark in Essex.