Exclusive Invitation: A Unique Opportunity to Experience Hedingham Castle as Guests of the De Vere Family

Hosted by Jason and Demetra Lindsay, direct descendants of the De Veres (also known as the Earls of Oxford) and owners of Hedingham Castle, for the very first time you are invited to stay at their private family home within the Hedingham Estate, one of the oldest strongholds in England.

Focusing on the heritage of the Earls of Oxford, this very special De Vere Tour will take place from Sunday 7 - Friday 12 September 2025, staying in the luxurious bedrooms within the Georgian House. During your stay, you will enjoy a full itinerary of fascinating excursions to historic places linked to the De Veres, exploring picturesque villages and market towns along the way, as well as taking part in authentic English traditions, such as afternoon tea and falconry.

Celtic Castles' founder Roger Masterson says:

"There is something very special about spending time with the owners of a property, I should know, I have the pleasure of doing this regularly. You are not only staying in one of the oldest strongholds in England, you get to spend time with the direct descendants of Earls of Oxford, Jason and Demetra Lindsay, descendants of the De Veres are going to give you an insight to their lives, historical connections and a lot more. Both are great hosts. They can share first hand their family stories, show you historical artifacts that others do not see and create a memorable experience you can treasure for a lifetime."

This unique opportunity is strictly limited to twelve guests. Secure your place on the De Vere Tour and experience a legacy that has shaped England’s history.

Hedingham Castle is located just over an hour from London!

The tour will be led by expert Blue Badge Guides who will accompany you throughout the week as you venture out across East Anglia. All travel to each venue on the itinerary will be by luxury private minibus. Due to the nature and activities of this tour, it is not suitable for under 18s.

The Georgian House

Sitting proudly at the heart of the Hedingham Estate, you will find this 17th-century mansion. Built by Sir William Ashhurst, the Georgian House is the epitome of stately elegance, from its shimmering, symmetrically-arranged sash windows to its luscious, exquisitely designed interiors.

Five nights’ accommodation in the Georgian House at Hedingham Castle plus:

• Welcome dinner with Jason & Demetra Lindsay, owners of Hedingham Castle
• Formal black tie dinner with Jason & Demetra Lindsay
• A dinner at an outstanding local restaurant
• Exclusive excursions and activities
• All activities on the estate
• All meals, including vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options
• All drinks (including alcohol)
• Travel in luxury minibus between tour venues
• Services of Blue Badge Tour Guide, who will accompany the guests on excursions

Day 1 - Arrive at Hedingham Castle

On arrival in the UK, guests will make their way to Hedingham Castle in Essex to arrive at approximately 2 pm.

Upon arrival at Hedingham, you will be met by the Tour Manager and your hosts Jason & Demetra Lindsay, direct descendants of the De Veres. Refreshments of tea and cake will be served in the Norman Keep upon arrival while luggage is taken to your room. Guests are given time to rest and settle into their new surroundings within the historic estate before a guided tour of the Norman Keep and Georgian House will take place.

Enjoy a welcome dinner with Jason & Demetra in the Georgian House before a peaceful night’s sleep in readiness for the week ahead.

Day 2 - Lavenham

After breakfast, board the private minibus and head off to the pretty and historic village of Lavenham, just across the border from Essex in Suffolk, for a guided walk with your knowledgeable tour guide. Visit De Vere House, a 14th-century hall house once owned by the De Veres, followed by lunch at The Swan.

Explore the church and look for De Vere symbols, then browse the quaint antique shops before returning to Hedingham Castle.

The evening is spent at the beautiful Layer Marney Tower, dating back to the 16th century, for a very special private tour and dinner with the owners.

Day 3 - Cambridge

After breakfast, you will depart for the historic city of Cambridge, the home of the University of Cambridge, founded in the early 13th century. The day will include a tour of the Royal Colleges, including the world-famous Kings College Chapel and Queen’s College, where Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, studied.

After the tour, enjoy a quintessential English tradition: an exquisite afternoon tea, followed by punting on the River Cam or some free time to explore the beautiful city.

Return to Hedingham for supper in the Georgian House with Jason and Demetra.

Day 4 - Hedingham Castle & Bury St Edmunds

After a leisurely breakfast, head out into the estate grounds for a masterclass in the popular medieval sport, Archery. Learn how to shoot a traditional longbow and take part in a ‘hunt’ in the woodlands (using rubber targets; no animals will be harmed). Lunch will be served in the castle.

In the afternoon, you will venture over to the picturesque city of Bury St Edmunds for a fascinating tour of the cathedral and the abbey ruins. The De Veres had strong links with the Abbotts of St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the same ashlar stone sourced for the abbey was also used to build Hedingham Castle.

In the evening, you will dine at an outstanding local restaurant within the city before heading back to Hedingham via minibus.

Day 5 - Audley End & Saffron Walden

After breakfast, it’s all aboard the minibus for Audley End House & Gardens, one of England’s finest country houses. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour and explore the immaculate grounds. You will then make the short journey to the picturesque market town of Saffron Walden where you’ll have time to explore, shop and grab a bite to eat. Once back at Hedingham, there is the opportunity to take part in an incredible Hawk Walk through the ancient woodlands with expert falconers and their stunning birds.

The evening then begins with a fantastic and unique ‘Birds by Candlelight’ experience which takes place in the Banqueting Hall of the castle. Meet a wide range of birds of prey, including owls, falcons, eagles and more, and fly them to your gloved fist against the iconic backdrop of the castle.

Afterwards, Jason and Demetra will host a very special black tie dinner in the castle as a beautiful finale to the week.

Day 6 - Depart Hedingham Castle

After a leisurely breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the pretty village of Castle Hedingham, visiting the church of St Nicholas which houses the family tombs of the De Veres.

Lunch will be served in the castle before saying your goodbyes and departing Hedingham by 3 pm.

Dining Experience

Private chef, Eliza Linguard, will provide all meals to guests whilst they are on the Hedingham Estate, using local and seasonal produce for the freshest, fullest flavours.

Savour an array of delightful breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries, homemade preserves, yoghurt and fruit, followed by classic cooked-to-order options to set guests up for the exciting days ahead.

On each of the three evenings where guests enjoy dinner with Jason & Demetra, wine pairing will accompany each beautifully presented course, and each dinner will take place in a different setting within the properties, giving guests an exclusive experience within the private family home.

Dining experiences outside of the estate will be just as special, including a private dinner hosted by the owners at the incredible Layer Marney Tower, dating back to the 16th century; an exquisite Afternoon Tea served at one of Cambridge’s leading brasseries; and an incredible evening out at an outstanding local restaurant.

Specific dietary requirements are catered for where possible - please let us know on enquiry.

September 2025 Dates

This unique experience begins on Sunday 7 September 2025, lasting until Friday 12 September 2025, and is priced at £7,795 per person for the 5 nights, based on double occupancy bedrooms. There is a single person supplement of £1,500.

The Royal Chamber

For an extra special experience, spend a night in the Royal Chamber, the bedroom inside Hedingham Castle itself, for £545 (subject to availability, on a first-come first-served basis).

Please Note

This is an active holiday involving multiple walking tours as part of the itinerary. In addition, access to all bedrooms in the Georgian House and upper floors of Hedingham Castle are via stairs - due to the age and nature of the buildings, no lift access is available. All activities on this tour are indicative and may vary according to weather conditions, availability or other local factors. However, if there is a change, this experience will always aim to exceed your expectations!

The team at the castle will be able to advise transport options and provide guidance if you wish to extend your stay to explore other areas of interest.