Location
Saffron Walden is an unspoilt country town with narrow streets and old buildings, many of them ‘pargetted’, and the town’s specialist shops are definitely worth exploring.
Audley End, England’s largest Jacobean Mansion built by the Earl of Suffolk in the seventeenth Century on the medieval site of Walden Abbey (now owned by English Heritage). Alongside is Lord Braybrooke’s miniature Steam Railway, a ride of one and a half miles through woodland – look out for the teddy bears!
Within the town is Bridge End Gardens – a hidden Essex gem, and the jewel in the crown of Saffron Walden, with its rare Victorian and Dutch gardens. Poets corner, the walled garden, circular rose garden, pavilions, statues, wrought iron gates and a hedge maze, it's a tranquil spot to spend a lazy afternoon.
The Fry Art Gallery – often known as the ‘Gallery of the Garden’ built in 1856 to house the expanding works assembled by Francis Gibson an eminent Quaker of Saffron Walden.
Saffron Walden Museum one of the oldest museums in Essex, having opened its doors in 1835. It has an array of amazing collections, from moccasins to mummy cases! It sits within the twelfth century grounds of the Norman castle ruins amongst its grassy grounds.
The Parish Church of St. Mary – the largest in Essex. With an overall length of 183 ft, and a height of 193 ft; it sits splendidly on a hill overlooking the town.
The Market Square on which the Corn Exchange (now the Town Library) and the Town Hall stand, with a flourishing market on Tuesday and Saturday.
The Anglo American Playing Fields, with its Memorial to American Airmen and the people of Saffron Walden who died in World War Two.
Other close attractions are Mountfitchet Castle – Norman Moat and bailey castle of 1066, and the House of the Hill Toy Museum. The Duxford Imperial War Museum is the European centre of aviation history. The historic university city of Cambridge with its famous colleges and punting along the river Cam on the ‘backs. The horse racing town of Newmarket with the National Stud and Horse Racing Museum.
Audley End Station is two miles away with regular services to London, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
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The Saffron Hall is an award winning performance space with seating for over 700 and is situated in the Saffron Walden County High School which lies right behind the Saffron Coach House.
Stansted Airport is approximately 15 miles away from Saffron Walden.
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