Hedingham Castle

26/05/2026

NEW TRAIL OPENING TOMORROW! 🏰⛏

Step into the world of medieval builders at Hedingham Castle this summer!

Ever wondered how ancient castles were actually built? Follow our brand new Build-a-Castle Quest around the grounds and discover the secrets behind the stone walls, the amazing arches and the clever craftsmanship.

🔎 Hunt for facts around the gardens
🍫 Collect your prize
😎 Explore the Castle with your newfound knowledge

Open tomorrow, Wednesday 27th May, and selected dates throughout the summer.

🎟 Included with General Admission - one trail sheet & prize for every child
🚗 Free onsite parking
☀️ Tickets available on the gate

26/05/2026

Wow what a scorcher! 🔥

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the heatwave and joined us for the jousting at the weekend - what a wonderful time we had!

We are in complete awe of The Knights of Royal England who performed incredibly despite the heat - riders, horses and the rest of the team all did an amazing job of entertaining the crowd. Thank you all so much, we salute you!

A big thank you also to Eden Falconry for the beautiful displays, White Dragon Activity Centre for the brilliant archery shows and Colchester Waits for playing for us all. And of course, the wonderful The Mortimer Retinue for their medieval encampment and all the lovely stallholders who also joined us too 🤩

The last photo sums up how we all felt at the end of the day 😂

Just one more joust left for the year - 30th & 31st August - we hope to see you there!

📷 Young

22/05/2026

Fuelling your adventure this weekend! 💥

🐓 PECK Fried Chicken - buttermilk fried chicken
🍔 Smoke Truck UK - smash burgers
🥙 Silverside Grill - greek gyros & hog roast
🥧 The Cheese and Pie Man - picnic pies, deli & sausage rolls
🍪 Scoff Your Face - cookies, brownies & bakes
🍦 Whippy Bros - ice cream & lollies
🍩 Hot donuts, shakes & slushies

Plus Pimm's and Aperol Spritz at our Outdoor Bar to keep you cool 🍹☀️ cheers!

21/05/2026

Hear ye, hear ye! 📣

A small change to this weekend’s Joust programme...

Due to unforseen circumstances, the Knight School team are no longer able to attend, but we’re delighted to bring you an exciting archery & longbow demonstration in their stead with White Dragon Activity Centre - starting at 11.45am each day 🏹

The fabulous Colchester Waits will also be in the arena in the afternoon treating us to their authentic medieval music 🎶 and there will be the opportunity for all children to get involved in the action in Part I of the tournament with the The Knights of Royal England ⚔️

All the jousting tournaments and other activities will be going ahead as planned, including have a go at archery and axe throwing (included with tickets) and lots more to see and do ☀️🏰

If you'd like to join us, tickets can be booked here: https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/royal-england-joust

19/05/2026

Our wonderful local wine supplier Toppesfield Vineyard is putting on a fabulous Sculpture & Wine Festival next month and it looks set to be a gorgeous day out! Plus tickets include a vineyard tour with the lovely Peter! 🥂

🥂 Included with your Sculpture & Wine Festival ticket… a guided vineyard tour with Peter Moore 🥂

Join Peter at 3pm on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June for an informal walk through the vines at Toppesfield Vineyard, included as part of your Wine & Sculpture Festival ticket.

Discover:
✨ How the vineyard began
✨ The grape varieties grown here in Essex
✨ What makes English wine so special
✨ Insights into the winemaking process and vineyard life

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, Pete’s tours are always relaxed, informative and full of passion for the vineyard.

🎨 Toppesfield Sculpture & Wine Festival
📍 Toppesfield Vineyard
📅 12th–14th June 2026
🕒 Vineyard tours at 3pm on Saturday & Sunday
🎟️ Included in your ticket price

Book your tickets here:
https://www.ticketsource.com/toppesfield/toppesfield-sculpture-wine-festival/e-jzjxmp

17/05/2026

✨ SUMMER WEDDING SHOW ✨
Sunday 14th June

In partnership with Main Event Wedding Shows Ltd incorporating Absolute Bridal Magazine

Come along to view our unique and historic venue, and meet a range of quality suppliers. Also included:

✨ Amazing wedding inspiration for your big day
✨ FREE entry
✨ FREE copy of Absolute Bridal Magazine for engaged couples
✨ Special offers on the day
✨ Quality wedding suppliers
✨ Discover the latest trends

Register here: https://mainweddingsandevents.co.uk/Essex-Wedding-Shows/Hedingham-Castle-Wedding-Show/

14/05/2026

OPEN-AIR THEATRE THIS SUMMER! 😎

Pack a picnic, settle in under the sky and let the magic of theatre unfold in the historic grounds of Hedingham Castle 🍿

🕵️‍♂️ 9 July: Sherlock Holmes & the Hounds of the Baskervilles
The Pantaloons present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case!

🐅 28 July: The Jungle Book
Join Chameleon's Web Theatre Company for a new adaptation of the favourite tale starring Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera.

🇬🇧 7 August: The (Almost) Complete History of Britain
Join The Pantaloons for a fast-paced, delightfully inventive sprint through the story of Britain.

💘 23 August: Romeo & Juliet:
The Duke’s Theatre Company presents a bold reimagining of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy.

Book your tickets here: https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

10/05/2026

NEW DATE ADDED 🦉

Owls by Candlelight
🕯️ Sunday 7th June 🕯️

The Owls are back for one more date before their summer break! Join Eden Falconry in the Castle for a magical evening learning all about these beautiful birds of prey.

2-hour Experience includes:
✨ Meet a variety of stunning owls up close
✨ Flying displays in the Castle’s impressive Banquetting Hall
✨ Opportunity to fly a Barn Owl to your gloved fist
✨ Learn about each owl’s habitat, prey, survival skills & unique personality
✨ Hot or cold drink & a slice of cake on arrival

Find out more and book: https://tinyurl.com/m5d3jr22