Local Guides World
Top Tourist attractions in Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
Top Rated Tourist attractions in Saffron Walden
Top Reviewed Tourist attractions in Saffron Walden
Audley End House and Gardens
Saffron Walden Museum
Bridge End Garden
The Fry Art Gallery
Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
Bridge End Garden
Walden Castle
the fry gallery
Audley End House and Gardens
Saffron Walden Museum
Reviews
The grounds and gardens are extensive and very beautiful. The house is very impressive and the free tours are very informative. It is worth noting that no photographs are allowed in the house. All the staff were very helpful and professional. Better signage for those walking from Saffron Waldon would be helpful.
Visiting Audley End House and Gardens was a memorable experience. The Jacobean architecture of the house is striking, offering beautifully furnished rooms that transport visitors back in time.
The gardens surrounding Audley End are equally captivating. We enjoyed exploring the diverse landscapes, from formal gardens with their meticulously manicured lawns to peaceful woodland paths and tranquil ponds.
A highlight of our visit was the vibrant flower garden. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, it provided a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and moments of tranquility.
Overall, Audley End House and Gardens is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. Whether you're captivated by the historic house or enchanted by the blooming gardens, it offers a perfect escape into England's rich heritage and scenic landscapes.
The gardens surrounding Audley End are equally captivating. We enjoyed exploring the diverse landscapes, from formal gardens with their meticulously manicured lawns to peaceful woodland paths and tranquil ponds.
A highlight of our visit was the vibrant flower garden. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, it provided a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and moments of tranquility.
Overall, Audley End House and Gardens is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. Whether you're captivated by the historic house or enchanted by the blooming gardens, it offers a perfect escape into England's rich heritage and scenic landscapes.
Amazing and lovely place to visit. I recommend to take a couple of hours (at least 4hours) to have enough time to visit inside the house and outside. All parts are fully accessible for disabled people if you can use crutches to access second and third floor. You ll feel back in down own abbey era during one day !!!
So much history over a long period. Amazing and different interior. Unfortunately photos are not possible inside the house. Garden is designed with the prettiest colours. Don't hesitate to go. Definitely worth a visit.
Loved it. Nice day out with my partner. Great for a mixed weather day, got to visit to house and stables while it was raining and the beautiful gardens when the sun came out. Lovely day out. Cafe and some great gift shops which also sold plants. Would thoroughly recommend- however worth buying a 12 month membership I would say for a couple for Englosh Heritage rather than spending out on the tickets as then you only need to visit another 2 places in the year to make your money back.
Stunning place, walked round the gardens, so beautiful and tranquil. Stables in the ground with events on during the day. Water wheel in the garden, lovely bridges to walk over. House is impressive and the staff talked to me personally to explain the history, honestly the staff were fantastic! Would like to visit again
Cheap, small museum which is good for kids. Doesn't take too long to go round so they are less likely to get bored and they had little explorer rucksacks. There were quite a few kid height exhibits with signs saying dont touch though, and given that they are kid height that is quite a lot to ask of a small child. There is a mummy which is proportionate in size to the museum. There are some very creepy dolls. Dont look them in the eye.
Stunningly beautiful place. Gorgeous grounds to walk around and plenty of picnic benches if you have forgotten your picnic blanket! Lots of things for the kids to do including an adventure playground just off the stables/coach house. The most amazing works of art displayed throughout the house as you walk through the one way route system. Many areas with small video projections giving you an insight into daily life for the servants. Interesting video in the nursery area as well. Sad that you are unable to take any pictures inside due to it being a private collection, but you have to respect their wishes. Amazing taxidermy in large glass cases as well if you are interested in that. Lots of places to sit to eat, although the ordering process for food and drinks is VERY slow, and prices not clear either unfortunately. Felt sorry for the people serving trying to cope with the influx as they were clearly very stressed. Hot chocolate as usual in these places was luke warm and because of that not very nice sadly, however the cakes were lovely!! Interesting talk from the lady showing her horse which everyone from all ages enjoyed. Would recommend a visit and we will certainly come back again.
Do you like architecture, gardening, and history? This house has that and more!!
Time will fly by and then you will want to come back for more.
If you have a cooler, bring your picnic, comfy chairs and enjoy the views from every angle.
Feel romantic, adventurous and explore the place to your heart's content.
I could have withdrawn a star, just because the Tearoom should be open for longer, but...
Have a fantastic time, but don't delay 😁🙃😁
Time will fly by and then you will want to come back for more.
If you have a cooler, bring your picnic, comfy chairs and enjoy the views from every angle.
Feel romantic, adventurous and explore the place to your heart's content.
I could have withdrawn a star, just because the Tearoom should be open for longer, but...
Have a fantastic time, but don't delay 😁🙃😁
It's free to visit but is under repair and years behind schedule, so you can get close but not go in. Information boards and museum on site.
Saffron Walden is a lovely place to visit and has lots of free and interesting places to see around the town including wonderful old buildings and lots of individual shops.
Saffron Walden is a lovely place to visit and has lots of free and interesting places to see around the town including wonderful old buildings and lots of individual shops.
Had a great day out with friends and oyr daughters and grandchildren. Santas work shop, Elfs and Santa were brilliant, and it was nice to travel on the minature railway. The children loved the playground and carasoul as well. Although a little pricey, it was still worth it for all the laughs had!
Ein schöner Ort zum Verweilen.
Der kleine Irrgarten ist toll gemacht
Der kleine Irrgarten ist toll gemacht
What a fantastic place to visit. Had such a lovely time. Everyone is welcomed by happy and polite staff. Lots of information given about where to go and what to do. We were so well looked after made welcome.
A delightful train ride with lots to see and a joyful stop off to see Santa and the naughty elves. Poor Mrs Clause trying to control that lot!
Cant wait to go back and see the other amazing things this place has to offer.
A delightful train ride with lots to see and a joyful stop off to see Santa and the naughty elves. Poor Mrs Clause trying to control that lot!
Cant wait to go back and see the other amazing things this place has to offer.
The price is very expensive I wouldn't have come if I hadn't got a carers rate. As £17 each I think for kids and adult. However, I can see that they spend the money on the park so it did change my mind a bit about the price. Halloween was really good and so much to do. I would recommend going and carers get in for free. Lots of food and drink stalls.
Remains of a flint built keep. They are hoping to open the interior.
Audley End House is a true gem in the UK! This historic mansion and its stunning gardens offer a delightful journey through time. The grand architecture, well-preserved interiors, and picturesque surroundings make it a perfect destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff and engaging tours enhance the experience, making it a must-visit attraction.
Really worth visit to this little gem of a gallery, especially if you are interested in the North West Essex Artists, Edward Bawden, Ravilious etc. Volunteer staff very friendly and engaging. Free admission but donations welcome. Closed now until 7th April.
Lovely gardens. Well worth a visit. Walled garden. A delightful maze.with a viewing platform at its centre. Memorial for ww2 american aviators who served in the area.
Local art museum as well, with free entry. A real hidden gem
Local art museum as well, with free entry. A real hidden gem
Focuses on local artists- very welcoming and showing only a portion of the art they have. Will be back again to see exhibitions in 2024.
It was my first visit. My son and grandchildren had been before and loved it. The train ride was wonderful and the natural setting and fairy houses very well done. Shame that some of the fairy walk was closed, presumably because of the weather, otherwise it would have been five stars. Lovely pasty. Everyone was very friendly and professional. I recommend it.
Really felt welcome, staff really attentive and enthusiastic, and SO proud of their museum! They kindly recommended Ashdon, a local museum which we found to be also excellent, and also very worthwhile! A very pleasant experience which we will enjoy again!! THANK YOU!
A very pleasant and interesting day beautiful house and alot to look at and staff were helpful and knowledgeable on all history. Lovely shop and tea rooms, also gardens are amazing so we'll kept. Definitely worth visiting.
Very surprising and wonderful part of our visit to Saffron Walden, so nice to see a area thats free and so beautifully picturesque and maintained
Well maintained throughout...lovely ground. Staff were really helpful and knowledgeable.
Great for kids, they have a play area to keep the young ones busy.
Nice little coffee shop...and plenty of benches and chairs dotted around to rest and enjoy the views!
Recommend everyone coming here..as there is something for everyone!
Great for kids, they have a play area to keep the young ones busy.
Nice little coffee shop...and plenty of benches and chairs dotted around to rest and enjoy the views!
Recommend everyone coming here..as there is something for everyone!
An interesting place and something different from the normal English Heritage property. The last entry to the hall is 15:00, inside you will find an amazing entrance hall. You are free to wonder round with information boards in each room and a volunteer on hand. There is no photography allowed in the hall, but you can get a guidebook with pictures in. The gardens are well kept with plenty of benches. Cafe, gift shop and toilets.
Small art gallery but absolutely full of works by mid 20th century illustrators and painters, Edward Bawden and the splendidly named Bernard Cheese in particular my favourites.
Genuinely well worth a visit.
Do check the rather limited opening times but don't let that put you off.
Genuinely well worth a visit.
Do check the rather limited opening times but don't let that put you off.
Driving in to Audley End feels like you're entering a scene from Downton abbey, it's just stunning. We loved our visit and knew we were entering somewhere pretty special.
You will need around 3-4 hours to visit if you want to just wander through the house and extensive gardens. We wished we had taken a picnic though as the grounds are stunning and there is ample space to set down a blanket and enjoy the environment. There is a cafe where you can buy lunch, cakes, drinks etc.
We missed the shows and demonstrations they offer due to lack of planning on our part, it was a last minute decision to visit. I would recommend looking online to see what is going on before you go.
The curators have explained everything perfectly, you get a real sense of the story and what it was like to live in the house.
There is a lot to see, the visitors were multi generational and of mixed abilities, there are steps and there is a lot of walking but there are also plenty of places to rest, I think if you take it easy most of the house could be enjoyed by all. I didn't see any lifts inside but there may have been.
No photography is allowed in the main house unfortunately but the do have a guide book to buy if you would like to show friends and family what it's like inside.
We didn't get a chance to do the miniature steam railway which is just opposite the main entrance, they do say always leave something to go back for though and that is good reason to return. My advice, make this a full day visit, there is ample to do for people aged 2-102
You will need around 3-4 hours to visit if you want to just wander through the house and extensive gardens. We wished we had taken a picnic though as the grounds are stunning and there is ample space to set down a blanket and enjoy the environment. There is a cafe where you can buy lunch, cakes, drinks etc.
We missed the shows and demonstrations they offer due to lack of planning on our part, it was a last minute decision to visit. I would recommend looking online to see what is going on before you go.
The curators have explained everything perfectly, you get a real sense of the story and what it was like to live in the house.
There is a lot to see, the visitors were multi generational and of mixed abilities, there are steps and there is a lot of walking but there are also plenty of places to rest, I think if you take it easy most of the house could be enjoyed by all. I didn't see any lifts inside but there may have been.
No photography is allowed in the main house unfortunately but the do have a guide book to buy if you would like to show friends and family what it's like inside.
We didn't get a chance to do the miniature steam railway which is just opposite the main entrance, they do say always leave something to go back for though and that is good reason to return. My advice, make this a full day visit, there is ample to do for people aged 2-102
Well laid out, and a variety of things to see. Includes wildlife, archaeology, furniture, toys of old and local (Saffron Walden) interest. Entry fee is cheap at £2.50 for an adult. Depending on what interests you, allow between 1 and 2 hours to look around.
Kept my interest. Great mix of items. Nothing dull about this place, every area is wow. This museum isn’t living in the past.
Wow! This place is incredible. The house is huge with lots of history and beautiful/different things to look at. You get to see the children's nursery, the dairy, the servants area, the laundry, the meat store and much more. The grounds are extensive with lots of lovely places to sit. You get to see the stables, an organic vegetable garden and the most beautiful set of ponds and a river with waterfalls. Both adults and children thoroughly enjoyed our day out.
Wonderful. Feels like the garden never ends and that’s good. Very peaceful
Very nice staff explaining the story of the gallery. Worth a visit.
Nice little museum with good information on the expositions. One hour later one has really learnt a lot about this area.
Grand house finished in the Jacobean style with gardens, Italianate influences. Points of interest are the ceiling plasterwork and carved wood panels. Landscaped garden by Capability Brown with walled garden with greenhouses. Original Tudor stable with horse tack display.
But, very expensive to enter. When we went there was a temporary carpark that wasn't well signposted with the entrance immediately after a sharp bend so we had to brake sharply when we saw the sign. Conversely leaving you couldn't see around the corner so it was a case of floor the accelerator and cross your fingers! No photography indoors allowed, even without flash. Not much information about the people who lived there, you can read about the children going to the Crimean war but nothing about anyone else. A house, even one as grand as this, is only a collection of bricks/stone workout knowing about who lived in it. Polish War Memorial (Urn, pictured) not well indicated, and again little information. I got most of my background history via Google, for the admission price I would have expected a small booklet at minimum.
As usual, the staff were knowledgeable and approachable so well done them.
But, very expensive to enter. When we went there was a temporary carpark that wasn't well signposted with the entrance immediately after a sharp bend so we had to brake sharply when we saw the sign. Conversely leaving you couldn't see around the corner so it was a case of floor the accelerator and cross your fingers! No photography indoors allowed, even without flash. Not much information about the people who lived there, you can read about the children going to the Crimean war but nothing about anyone else. A house, even one as grand as this, is only a collection of bricks/stone workout knowing about who lived in it. Polish War Memorial (Urn, pictured) not well indicated, and again little information. I got most of my background history via Google, for the admission price I would have expected a small booklet at minimum.
As usual, the staff were knowledgeable and approachable so well done them.
My friend I went to a music event a Heritage Live at Audley end house and grounds. It was a well managed event. No parking issues or big queues. Excellent location. It's a beautiful house and grounds. I will definitely be going back to visit the house and garden's and look out for more music events 🎶
What a lovely day out! Took our 7 year old son and thought he wouldn’t be interested in the fairies but he loved finding them all and marking them off in the book. Train ride was good and he really enjoyed the bubbles and play area.
Beautiful gardens. Hidden away and visited as part of our holiday. It had gardens with growing foods, water features, a huge maze (with stairs to view), a play park and lots of lovely flowers. Amazing place to visit for free. The maze was a fun challenge as well. Highly recommend if in the area.
It was an amazing and magical experience. I can say that i enjoyed it as much as my daughters. Definitely a must visit place. The staff were incredibly nice, the whole place was magical, the train ride was amazing and you had a lot to see during the ride. After the ride you experienced the magic by walking. There were a lot of places to sit and relax, having a drink while kids were playing
Wonderful little gallery..my family and I visited during our stay in Saffron Walden. Very helpful staff and a fun quiz to do while we were there..
for a local museum this place is great. it’s not massive and doesn’t take long to go around but has a lot to see and do. it is very child friendly and lots of hands on exhibits that are interactive. well thought through exhibits and activities throughout the year and school holidays. a great way to introduce children to museums.
Heavily ruined castle, of which only the core of the walls and two stories of the keep remain. Previously open to visitors during Saffron Walden Museum opening hours, but fenced off for repairs when I visited in spring 2023. While it remains closed, it's only worth a look if you're already visiting Saffron Walden - fortunately there's plenty more to see in town, including the impressive St Mary's church.
Knowledgeable staff and interesting exhibits. The garden behind the museum is surprisingly big. And entertaining
This museum is well hidden from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping area, but well worth the visit.
We went for an adults crafting event. A "bring your own craft and chat". I had parked at a friend's house and we walked into town so didn't make use of the car park (free, but limited spaces!).
We sat in a well lit and large area used for children's activity days. A table and chairs had been set up and we were welcomed with the offer of a cup of tea. There were biscuits and cakes too.
The museum staff and volunteers were all very friendly and helpful. The museum itself appeared clean and tidy. The toilets were in good order and clean. There is a small gift shop.
The entrance fee (£2.50) was included in our craft event, although we didn't look round the museum on this occasion.
We went for an adults crafting event. A "bring your own craft and chat". I had parked at a friend's house and we walked into town so didn't make use of the car park (free, but limited spaces!).
We sat in a well lit and large area used for children's activity days. A table and chairs had been set up and we were welcomed with the offer of a cup of tea. There were biscuits and cakes too.
The museum staff and volunteers were all very friendly and helpful. The museum itself appeared clean and tidy. The toilets were in good order and clean. There is a small gift shop.
The entrance fee (£2.50) was included in our craft event, although we didn't look round the museum on this occasion.
What a stunning place this is to visit. Truly magical. Some amazing hard work has gone into the creation and upkeep of this beautiful place. Fully accessible and spotlessly clean. The wonderfully kind staff could not have been more welcoming or helpful. We had the most wonderful day. Thank you so very much. If you haven’t booked tickets yet, do it! You won’t be disappointed.
Lovely railway and craft event. The fairies were intricately displayed and the playground is amazing. The weather was not quite on our side but we still had a lovely day. Think it was slightly overpriced for what is, it would have been better to have 2 loops on the train to make it better value for money. That said, it's a beautiful setting, ample parking and the kids loved it.
What a hidden gem in Saffron Walden!
Our family so enjoyed exploring these free public gardens. The hedge maze and nearby playground made this the perfect little day trip.
Have paid to see less impressive gardens - highly recommend you make time to walk through and appreciate these!
Our family so enjoyed exploring these free public gardens. The hedge maze and nearby playground made this the perfect little day trip.
Have paid to see less impressive gardens - highly recommend you make time to walk through and appreciate these!
Ruined castle with a barrier around it.
I knew nothing about this gallery and the Great Bardfield artists group until my friend encouraged me to visit. I was not disappointed. The artwork of lettering, lino prints, wood engravings, ceramic decoration has something for anyone who enjoys art and the use of different techniques. It's a small gallery but packed with interest. The staff were very helpful and welcoming.
The attached gardens were delightful. We spent a magical afternoon.
The attached gardens were delightful. We spent a magical afternoon.
A real gem and is free, lovely gardens, Dutch garden and maze, lots to see, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, toilets available and has the Fry Galley on entering at the side of the blue house, check online first to see when open.
Went out for the day and visit here the bridge end gardens for a couple of hours. Very nice display of tulips . Saw a cheeky squirrel. And went through the maze which was quite fun. Especially if you had kids. But lovely grounds to walk around . Would have been even better if we came more into the year , so we could see other flowers in bloom . But thus is definitely the place to go for a couple of hours . If you want to get out of the house . I would definitely recommend it to family and friends. Or anyone. And there is a car park 8 mins from the gardens called Swan meadow car park. Its free on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Also if you want you could walk around town and here the bells go from the church which sound wonderful. You can't take your dog unfortunately and less it's a guide dog .
If you want to see the fortress, then you will not see it here, but only see the ruins, in fact, only one wall, which contains signs of human intervention in order to create a tourist attraction from the place. The admission is free, therefore it costs nothing to see and pay respect for the effort put into preserving this object.
This place is well worth a look very interesting indeed and much bigger than I thought . I didn't allow myself enough time to see it all properly and shall have to return . The staff are very welcoming and friendly . For a local museum the information and displays are amazing . Only one section is exclusively about Saffron Walden which is very interesting but it takes you on a trip through time and Continents . I came especially to see the Anglo Saxon gold ring but was excited to see a coin of Harold Godwinson . But there is much Much more here most enjoyable . But remember allow a bit more time than I did .
Good an free, nice in Spring an Summer. Toilets there too, nice place to stop for lunch an good for kids as playground nearby an a bit of a green area for little kids to have a safe run about .
16/9/21
Despite not being a large museum, this one has a huge variety of exhibits and each room has a different theme. This includes local history, archeology, natural history, furniture and even ancient Egypt. The museum portrays the town and the surrounding area very well both in objects and information.
Despite not being a large museum, this one has a huge variety of exhibits and each room has a different theme. This includes local history, archeology, natural history, furniture and even ancient Egypt. The museum portrays the town and the surrounding area very well both in objects and information.
Worth a stop when going by, a hidden gem
So beautiful and can sit and watch the world pass by. Seeing people wander about with little ones or seeing older kids playing their version of gide and seek. Gorgeous flowers and so many places to sit, so many nooks and crannies to hide and retreat from the everyday.
We came quite late so wasn't so busy but could imagine in the school holidays or weekends could be very busy.
We came quite late so wasn't so busy but could imagine in the school holidays or weekends could be very busy.
Good place for a picnic. Currently being restored, no amenities. Museum is closed.
Delightful small gallery focusing on local artisits from 1930, including Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden, Michael Rohenstein and John Aldridge. The lighting could be better as it refelcts on most of the artworks.
A shame that it has been blocked off without even a window to be able to see inside. You get the same out of seeing a picture than you do a visit. Sad to see something so full of potential left to waste.