Belchamp Hall and Hedingham Castle

Enjoy exclusive private tours of two contrasting and beautiful historic properties, each with its own wow factor.

Discover Grade II* Belchamp Hall, a wonderful Queen Anne red brick country house housing the eclectic Raymond family collection of catholic taste. This tells the story of the family who have owned the house and the surrounding estate since 1611. The present mansion was built in 1710 on the site of the previous Tudor house. Bay windows forming powdering chambers were added to the two principal bedrooms on the north and south of the house during the Georgian era, when hair powdering and wigs were in fashion. The interior panelling is Elizabethan or Jacobean, probably from the original building. There are many family portraits painted by the local artist Thomas Gainsborough, relics captured in the battle against the Spanish Armada and the famous organ gifted by Handel. The house overlooks the fine 14th century parish church of St. Mary, with its medieval wall paintings. Outside, large lawns border the central drive with its circular sweep round an old sundial. The south terrace leads to a small, early Victorian summer house, with a formal marble floor and early coloured glass windows depicting pastoral scenes, flowers and vegetables. Belchamp Hall featured in the TV series Lovejoy and in the opening scenes of the Downton Abbey movie.

Hedingham Castle

Later visit Hedingham Castle, a remarkable example of Norman architecture, with a history dating back almost a millennium. Constructed by the first Earl of Oxford, Aubrey de Vere, the well-preserved keep is one of the best of its kind in the country. Aubrey was a prominent Norman nobleman who was granted the land by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This romantic, timeless and unique haven is owned by the Lindsay family, a majestic Norman castle standing in the heart of its ancient ramparts and medieval parkland which have evolved into beautiful landscaped gardens. Throughout its history, Hedingham Castle has witnessed various historical events, including the Anarchy, a civil war in the mid-12th century, and has welcomed many notable guests including Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I.

Tickets £80 including a two-course pub lunch at the Pheasant Inn, Gestingthorpe and tea/coffee with cake at Hedingham Castle.