Hadleigh Castle — Attraction in Castle Point

Lovely views from this ancient castle. It is an excellent stop off during a walk from Hadleigh country park, down towards Benfleet, and towards Leigh on sea. Whilst the castle is quite derelict (it is quite old!), there are interesting placards explaining what was where and some interesting facts.

The castle is easy to access for all ages (although wheel chair access is somewhat restricted - just guessing that it was not a big concern when the castle was built :-) )

There are a lot of grassy areas, and places for children (and young at heart adults) to climb and explore, as well as plenty of areas where dogs are able to explore.

There are many available views, including two tree island and Canvey Island. Nearby, you also have the salvation army café, as well as the 2012 Olympics mountain biking track at Hadleigh country park. This is open to the public, and provides an alternate dog walk if you are adventurous.

Quite often there are cows wandering around the place, which can be a little intimidating... But generally speaking they keep themselves to themselves.

Back to the castle, whilst accessible, the castle is on quite a steep incline. So, access from the water side, requires some climbing... Just walking, but up a big hill. Coming from the salvation army café side, there is a slight decline... So care is needed, but access is much easier than...

They say Hadleigh Castle was never just a fortress. Built atop a cliff, it gazed out over the Thames Estuary like a sentinel, guarding the border between the world of the living and the realm of the forgotten.

Long ago, it was ruled by a lord known as the Stone Eye — for he could see lies even in silence. He trusted no one, and kept not only warriors within the castle walls, but also a seer. She once foretold: “If ever the sea draws near to the stones, the castle shall fall — and with it, the last blood of the line.”

Centuries passed. The lord vanished. So did the seer. The stones of the castle began to crumble — but each time someone visits after dark, they hear the wind whisper in Old English:

“Tread carefully, heir. Memory does not die here. These walls remember more than you know.”

Some say that if you stand on the edge and look toward the water at night, you may see shadows — horsemen without horses, moving across the old courtyard. They are searching for the one who will uncover the castle’s...

Lovely little ruins which are best visited in the evening around an hour before sunset. Beautiful views over the Thames estuary, Hadleigh Country Park, Benfleet and Canvey Island. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Grain in Kent.

This is a popular location for dog walkers, walkers and mountain bikers heading over to the nearby legacy Olympic 2012 mountain bike course in the country park.

There are Salvation Army tearooms within walking distance, which serve hot food and drinks, but it is wise to check the opening hours there first if you wish to use the facilities as they have limited opening times.

Suitable for young children but not pushchairs. Little imaginations can run wild with games played in the footprint of the ruins. There are some fantastic opportunities for great family photographs.

Steeped in ancient history and as the sun goes down you can imagine why it was strategically important in...