Top News

is home to many wonderful that are worth visiting. Some offer quaint surroundings with beautiful rivers, while others are full of historic buildings and cafes. But there is one in Britain that is not only great for sightseeing but also a must-visit for fans.

Castle Hedingham in may be small, but its castle has become an iconic filming location, especially for those who enjoy dark medieval tales. The , found in the Colne Valley, sits just a few miles from Halstead and is known for its timber-framed houses and peaceful atmosphere. But its biggest attraction is Hedingham Castle, which stands tall on a hill and dates back to the 12th century.

The castle is one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in England and has long attracted filmmakers due to its eerie interiors and surroundings.

According to , it was the setting for the 2003 horror film The Reckoning, which was released in 2004 and featured a cast that included Tom Hardy, Brian Cox and Willem Dafoe.

Set in 1380s England, The Reckoning tells the story of a priest who joins a group of travelling actors.

When they come across a village gripped by fear after a murder, they attempt to solve the case by reenacting the crime as a play.

The film explores themes of guilt, power, and justice in a deeply religious and oppressive time.

Although much of the filming took place in Spain and Wales, key scenes were shot at Hedingham Castle in the autumn of 2000.

The castle, which is a private residence, opens its keep and gardens to the public from Easter to October.

It also regularly hosts events such as re-enactments, car shows and weddings, but for film fans, its biggest claim to fame is its role in one of the darkest period dramas of the early 2000s.

The Reckoning has received mixed reviews over the years, but some viewers see it as a hidden gem.

On , one fan described it as a "horror masterpiece full of raw emotion".

They said: "I'm not sure why some people rate the film so low. For me it was a horror masterpiece full of raw emotion. It's all about the people and you can feel the connection from the start."

Another person added that it captured "the atmosphere of medieval society" better than any other film.

A third reviewer said: "Everything in the setting and art direction of this nicely done dramatic mystery is of Academy Award caliber, so why was it not nominated? It should have been.

"The plot is simple but handled in a most perceptive and well-conceived manner, and makes for a riveting tale, with superb performances by nearly everyone involved."