Hadleigh Castle: Story Walk

“I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” - William Morris

Royal ruins, dancing ghosts, witches & wizards, woodland smugglers and a nature reserve on a rubbish dump island - there's so much to discover in Hadleigh Country Park!

Essex is a land rich with cultural and natural treasures. Despite the one-dimensional view of Essex peddled by the media, we know that our county is like a glittering ruby with hundreds of facets. There are many secrets to be discovered here; some so well-kept that not even locals know about them! It’s about time we rediscovered the many ways of Essex, to celebrate our county in all its glory.

On this story walk, you’ll be guided by storyteller James Lawrence, who will bring the local landscape to life with history, folklore and legends.

If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you.

After this walk, you are invited to attend The Essex Ways: premiere film screening and Q&A, with storyteller James Lawrence and filmmaker Thomas Winward. 

The film, shot and produced by filmmaker Thomas Winward, follows Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence on an epic 400km walking journey around the county to discover its places, people and stories. Over 21 days, James adventures through rural Essex from Epping to Harwich, and then down the coast to Tilbury Docks. Along the way, he explores the many beautiful natural landscapes of Essex, while delving into the history, folklore and stereotypes that make Essex the fascinating county it is today. Expect thrills, chills, myths, modern retellings of 2000 years of history, and a lot of love for trees and mud.

The screening and talk will be held at the Hadleigh Old Fire Station, a vibrant community arts centre in a historic corner of South Essex. Bring your own food and drink! doors at 7pm, starting at 7:30pm and finishing by 9:30pm. For details and to book a ticket, see here: The Essex Ways: premiere film screening and Q&A

Walk Details

• Start time: 2pm
• Start location: Hadleigh Country Park Car Park, SS7 2PP
• Finish: Ye Olde Castle Inn, Hadleigh, SS7 2PB
• Parking: Hadleigh Country Park Car Park, SS7 2PP (pay to park) or free residential parking within 15-20min walk
• Distance: 5km
• Duration: 2.5 hours (approx)
• Terrain: Grass paths, dirt tracks
• Dogs: Welcome
• Price: By donation (minimum £5)
• Details of film screening and Q&A after the walk: The Essex Ways: premiere film screening and Q&A
• Questions: james@manaboutcountry.co.uk

This guided walk was originally part of ‘The Essex Ways’ a storytelling project funded by the Essex County Council Art & Cultural Fund 2025. For this project, Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence has undertaken an epic 400km walking journey around the county in Spring 2025. Along the way he’s collected stories: from books, from the land, and from Essex residents. These stories have been woven together into a series of modern Essex myths, and shared in a series of story walks across Essex. James’ aim is to celebrate the many different sides of Essex by highlighting local heritage as well as the beauty of the county’s natural landscapes.

You can learn more about The Essex Ways here:

• Website: www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/man_about_country
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry