Address: Castle Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3DJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441787460261
Rating: 4.6
based on 165 reviews.
Accessibility
Pros:
"The staff were very friendly and helpful also, especially in these challenging times of COVID."
"Cards are accepted and a toilet outside beside the gardens."
Cons:
"Lots of stairs so keep not accessible for some although it probably wasn't a top priority Norman era!"
"No prizes for disability: no spaces to park near the castle."
"The castle does not have disabled access."
"Stairs leading to bushes, not sure if able to go inside, as there is no signs."
Events and Activities
Pros:
"Excellent day out for families with a better value family ticket available for events."
"Had a fantastic day here with the kids attending the Jousting event."
"The themed events and shows at Hedingham Castle are always brilliant."
"The children's battle re-enactment looked like the best fun for children and adults."
"A great family interactive day out rounded off by an ice cream."
"The jousting weekend was awesome."
"The Barbaric Battles were particularly entertaining!"
Cons:
"But the actual castle was disappointing... there was actually less to see."
"For a wedding venue this castle could look soo much more enjoyable and entertaining it’s very dull inside."
"Jousting weekend but where were the stalls? You'd think they'd be silversmiths, leather goods, basically something/anything medieval to compliment the show."
"The only refreshments to eat were cakes/sweets so as a Diabetic I couldn’t have any of it."
"No lunch type food looks to be available."
"The kids finished the Easter trail to then get a milky way bar each. I would have thought maybe Easter eggs."
"Just an overpriced stone building in a silver spooned persons back garden."
Wedding Venue
Pros:
"We were married here on 18th June 2022. Everything was perfect for our day."
"Absolutely incredible wedding venue!"
"Hedingham Castle was the most perfect venue for our Autumn wedding."
"The castle is the perfect setting and the marquee after for the reception is stunning…not the mention the beautiful keep of the castle we got to stay in on the night of our wedding!"
"Hedingham Castle was the perfect wedding venue, it didn't disappoint."
"The ceremony inside the castle is something dreams are made of."
"Stunning wedding venue with so much character with its medieval features."
Cons:
"A beautiful location, but the staff kept chivvying us along as they felt we were late for a wedding that didn't in fact start for another 45 minutes."
"Poor decoration very run down in urgent need for TLC."
"On the day it was raining and car parking was on grass which left lots of mud, so a good pair of walking shoes recommended for inside (lots of uneven steps) and out."
Staff and Service
Pros:
"From first viewing and falling in love with the venue, every member of staff has been amazing!"
"Every single staff member made so much effort with not just the larger details, but with the smaller ones as well (making me a cuppa, the bar staff learning our names etc)."
"Sarah, Jenny and all the team at Hedingham made the planning so easy."
"The planning process was seamless, with a dedicated team to answer our questions and guide us through each step."
"Top marks to everyone, especially the guys on the gate who looked after our bike gear."
"The staff were brilliant and very well organised."
"The staff were absolutely incredible from the very first time we went to view right up until our wedding day."
Cons:
"Horribly ill mannered personnel / management on site."
"Please update your website to reflect your actual opening times as your website states fees and opening times for FEB holiday, however you still rudely shouted at us and chased us away when we arrived because you were closed."
"Apparently the owner thinks he owns the airspace and feels it's OK to be rude to drone operators who are flying legally."
Facilities and Amenities
Pros:
"There is a cafe that sells soft drinks, snacks, cakes, tea and coffee."
"The bed and pillows were very comfortable, the ladies dressing room was very unusual but great."
"The castle grounds were beautiful and there were plenty of walks to see the gardens and beautiful lake."
"With coffee, cake and toilets available in the tower- Definitely worth a visit!"
"The service, facilities, food and drink (especially excellent wines from the local Toppesfield vineyard) were all first class."
"The castle and the grounds are absolutely beautiful and offer ample green room space, kitchen facilities and parking."
"Great day out at Easter Jousting Event, lots of displays to see and good food."
Cons:
"The signage around the grounds is a little vague but that adds to the mystery of the location."
"Only disappointment was the range of snacks available, only cake, crisps, biscuits and chocolate bars."
"Limited planting in the garden, poorly displayed information inside (laminated paper signs)."
"The house itself was in need of some TLC they definitely need new sofas in the lounge the ones that are there are very uncomfortable well past sell by date."
"I feel it is slightly over priced but I do understand the up keep wont be cheap."
"Entry price is reasonable at £15 for a couple."
Overall Experience
Pros:
"A real English castle that has survived the ages."
"This is a stunning site with one of the best preserved Norman Castle Keeps set in beautiful grounds."
"Absolutely gorgeous place went mid summer to see a summer nights dream we took the time to go round the castle as well which was well worth the time."
"Visited the castle for the first time and can't wait to go again :). Went to see the Excalibur event and it was a blast."
"Just in itself as a castle keep dating back to the early Norman period, and belonging to the De Vere clan, one of the oldest Aristocratic dynasties in England, Hedingham a fascinating place to visit."
"The entire process of working with Hedingham and general manager Simon Orr could not have been smoother or more pleasant."
"A lovely day out in beautiful surroundings."
Cons:
"Decided to fly my drone... the owner decided to come out be abusive and threaten to stamp on my drone."
"Don't go here if you're worried about COVID-19, none of the social distancing measures are enforced."
"We had looked on the website for events on the day we visited and found none, but when we arrived there was an educational day on for four or five local schools."
"Tragic that so much of it burned during a fire started accidentally by soldiers during the first world war."
"My mother was supposed to inherit the castle and house that belonged to her Grandfather, but by some cruel twist of fate became dis-inherited."
"However I will always cherish the time I spent staying at Hedingham as a child, staying in the gardeners cottage."