Hadleigh Castle
Castle Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2AP
Access facilities:
- Accessible Car Parking
The romantic ruins of a royal castle overlooking the Essex marshes, set within Hadleigh Country Park. Hadleigh Castle was begun in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh, but extensively refortified by Edward III during the Hundred Years War, becoming a favourite residence of the ageing king.
The barbican and two striking drum towers, one later used by Georgian revenue men looking out for smugglers, are part of Edward’s substantial building works during the 1360s.
A charming and popular walking spot, providing stunning views of Southend, Canvey Island, the Thames Estuary and out towards Kent.