Nestled in north-east Essex is a village with a "majestic" 900-year-old Norman castle that can still be hired for weddings and parties today.
Castle Hedingham is a village and civil parish located four miles west of Halstead and three miles south-east of Great Yeldham in the Colne Valley.
According to Google Maps, the village is an hour and 20 minutes' drive away from Romford town centre.
The village was built around Hedingham Castle which has stood since around 1140 with Frenchman and the first Earl of Oxford Aubrey de Vere being the first registered owner.
Visit Essex claims the village is "famous" for its castle.
Aubrey was a prominent Norman nobleman who was granted the land by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, according to the castle's website.
Descendant Robert de Vere, the third Earl of Oxford, was one of the 25 barons who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta in 1215.
The Georgian House on the grounds was added in 1719 by Sir William Ashurst, the Lord Mayor of London.
Ownership of the estate was passed back to descendants of the de Veres - the Lindsays - in the early 1980s, and it is now reportedly the family home of Jason Lindsay, his wife Demetra and their three children.
The website adds: "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.
"Today, it stands as a significant historical site and as a unique and memorable setting for weddings and events.
"Those who visit become part of its rich heritage."
The venue can be hired for events such as weddings and other special celebrations.
The castle even served as a key filming location for the 2002 medieval mystery film The Reckoning, starring Paul Bettany, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Hardy.
Castle Hedingham also has two pubs to offer - The Bell Inn and The Wheatsheaf - although the latter is currently looking for a new operator.
The Wheatsheaf in Queen Street is available to take over on a five year tenancy to "take it forward and unlock its full potential".
The Bell Inn in St James' Street has an average Google rating of 4.5 out of five stars and describes itself as "quirky yet traditional".
Established in the 1500s, The Bell Inn has been run by the Ferguson family since 1967.
Colne Valley Railway is also an attraction in Castle Hedingham - a "heritage steam & diesel railway".
As well as train rides on the full size railway, there is also a 7¼ gauge miniature railway and a large model railway.
Its website says: "Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award-winning period country railway.
"A pretty line, almost a mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt.
"A large and varied collection of vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our railway heritage."
According to Rightmove, house prices in Castle Hedingham have an overall average of £340,393 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in Castle Hedingham during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £249,750.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £338,000 whilst detached properties fetching £570,000.
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