Nikki’s guidebook to Saffron Walden
Sightseeing
This is a fantastic historical manor house set in beautiful gardens. There are grounds to walk your dog and explore or the more formal gardens to visit. The house is set up as it was and is a very interesting tour. There are stables and horses to visit, two cafes, vegetable gardens and regular events hosted there. It is great for families and couples alike. The site is English Heritage.
71 locals recommend
Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End RoadThis is a fantastic historical manor house set in beautiful gardens. There are grounds to walk your dog and explore or the more formal gardens to visit. The house is set up as it was and is a very interesting tour. There are stables and horses to visit, two cafes, vegetable gardens and regular events hosted there. It is great for families and couples alike. The site is English Heritage.
This is a truly magical day out for the youngsters and young at heart! The miniature railway is impressive in itself and has been joined in recent years by the elf and fairy walk which is just magical for the believers amongst us, of which I am one! There is a cafe on site or you can take your own picnic along. Definitely highly recommended!
20 locals recommend
Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
Audley End RoadThis is a truly magical day out for the youngsters and young at heart! The miniature railway is impressive in itself and has been joined in recent years by the elf and fairy walk which is just magical for the believers amongst us, of which I am one! There is a cafe on site or you can take your own picnic along. Definitely highly recommended!
This is a stunning garden to while away the hours in. There is a full maze to get lost in, a rose garden, a 'secret tree hideout' as my children call it, shady spaces for picnics and toilets available for public use. There is also a play park very nearby for the youngsters.
12 locals recommend
Bridge End Gardens
17-22 Castle StThis is a stunning garden to while away the hours in. There is a full maze to get lost in, a rose garden, a 'secret tree hideout' as my children call it, shady spaces for picnics and toilets available for public use. There is also a play park very nearby for the youngsters.
IWM Duxford is Europe's largest air museum. Walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford. See aircraft take to the skies from the airfield where Spitfires first flew. Get up close to over a century of aviation.
This is a fascinating day out for pane enthusiasts or families.
82 locals recommend
IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford is Europe's largest air museum. Walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford. See aircraft take to the skies from the airfield where Spitfires first flew. Get up close to over a century of aviation.
This is a fascinating day out for pane enthusiasts or families.
This is a 20minute drive from the house and offers a picturesque woodland setting to explore as well as some lovely old buildings. Great to let of steam with the children, climbing trees and building dens or for a Sunday amble with friends. Perfect place to take a dog or picnic!
26 locals recommend
Wandlebury Country Park and Nature Reserve
This is a 20minute drive from the house and offers a picturesque woodland setting to explore as well as some lovely old buildings. Great to let of steam with the children, climbing trees and building dens or for a Sunday amble with friends. Perfect place to take a dog or picnic!
City/town information
Saffron Walden is a picturesque Medieval Town particularly rich in historic buildings and has had a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays since 1141. The market in town is a friendly, bustling environment full of local entrepreneurs selling a wide range of goods from artisan bread and cakes, fruit and veg, fish, cheese, olives to clothes and jewellery, winning awards for being ‘The best small market’ in the Great British Market Awards. Saffron Walden is an historic market town which celebrates it’s past whilst welcoming the modern day. We have buildings and gardens steeped in history alongside artisan bakeries, cafes, interesting pubs and elegant wine bars, not to mention a family run vineyard on the outskirts of Saffron Walden producing premium quality sparkling wines which also offer regular tours and tastings. We also have Saffron Screen cinema and Saffron Hall within walking distance from the house if an evening of culture and music is what you are after.
Other attractions in town include Bridge End Gardens with the maze and orchard, the Turf Maze on the common which is the largest historic earthen maze in England (see photos), we also have the remains of the 12century castle keep. The town’s museum boasts Wallace the lion who is 200 years old as well as a host of local history. Audley End house and gardens are a wonderful place to explore, with or without a canine companion, and hosts open air concerts during August ( within walking distance of the house). The miniature railway and fairy walk are a wonderful day out for the whole family too. Linton Zoo is another great family attraction very nearby. And Wandlebury Country Park is located a 20minute drive away. Duxford Airfield is a 20minute drive away and is a brilliant day out for any plane enthusiast. They host regular airshows with the Red Arrows featuring, see website link below.
59 locals recommend
Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a picturesque Medieval Town particularly rich in historic buildings and has had a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays since 1141. The market in town is a friendly, bustling environment full of local entrepreneurs selling a wide range of goods from artisan bread and cakes, fruit and veg, fish, cheese, olives to clothes and jewellery, winning awards for being ‘The best small market’ in the Great British Market Awards. Saffron Walden is an historic market town which celebrates it’s past whilst welcoming the modern day. We have buildings and gardens steeped in history alongside artisan bakeries, cafes, interesting pubs and elegant wine bars, not to mention a family run vineyard on the outskirts of Saffron Walden producing premium quality sparkling wines which also offer regular tours and tastings. We also have Saffron Screen cinema and Saffron Hall within walking distance from the house if an evening of culture and music is what you are after.
Other attractions in town include Bridge End Gardens with the maze and orchard, the Turf Maze on the common which is the largest historic earthen maze in England (see photos), we also have the remains of the 12century castle keep. The town’s museum boasts Wallace the lion who is 200 years old as well as a host of local history. Audley End house and gardens are a wonderful place to explore, with or without a canine companion, and hosts open air concerts during August ( within walking distance of the house). The miniature railway and fairy walk are a wonderful day out for the whole family too. Linton Zoo is another great family attraction very nearby. And Wandlebury Country Park is located a 20minute drive away. Duxford Airfield is a 20minute drive away and is a brilliant day out for any plane enthusiast. They host regular airshows with the Red Arrows featuring, see website link below.
Cambridge is a beautiful university town located on the river Cam. It offers a host of shops, restaurants, theatres and live music venues. Some favourite activities are punting on the River Cam or an open top bus tour of the city.
356 locals recommend
Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful university town located on the river Cam. It offers a host of shops, restaurants, theatres and live music venues. Some favourite activities are punting on the River Cam or an open top bus tour of the city.
Food scene
This pub is located 50yards from the house and you will always receive a friendly welcome from Ian and Sarah. They have agreed that for an additional £10 a night our guests can use their car park whilst staying. You will find a great selection of drinks and beers plus a fantastic range of bar snacks! Pub is also very pooch friendly.
Duke Of York
94 High StreetThis pub is located 50yards from the house and you will always receive a friendly welcome from Ian and Sarah. They have agreed that for an additional £10 a night our guests can use their car park whilst staying. You will find a great selection of drinks and beers plus a fantastic range of bar snacks! Pub is also very pooch friendly.
This is a lovely 'olde worlde pub' with a great selection of ales and food. With a small garden space at the and a delightful ambience inside, it is worth a visit.
8 locals recommend
Eight Bells
18 Bridge StreetThis is a lovely 'olde worlde pub' with a great selection of ales and food. With a small garden space at the and a delightful ambience inside, it is worth a visit.
This is a fantastic local tasty tapas and wine bar for the 30 plus and still young at heart crowd.(One I frequent myself, babysitters allowing!) This bar has a great feel to it and a friendly welcome.
The Market House
9 Market HillThis is a fantastic local tasty tapas and wine bar for the 30 plus and still young at heart crowd.(One I frequent myself, babysitters allowing!) This bar has a great feel to it and a friendly welcome.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Explore our town by bus, bike or foot.
Saffron Walden is a small town and the cottage's proximity to the centre makes it very easy to explore by foot. It's also the best way to ensure you don't miss anything!
Don't miss
The Saturday market in town is a must.
The thriving market creates an atmosphere to be soaked up on a Saturday morning. Catch Jamie Oliver buying his fresh veg and fish. Purchase baskets, clothes, olives, cheese, artisan bread and cakes and a coffee to go with them! You can even sit and dine at the fish stall with your own bottle of wine.
What to pack
Saffron Screen and Saffron Hall
These venues require booking in advance to avoid disappointment.