Location: Saffron Walden
Top Things to do in Saffron Walden
Top Restaurants in Saffron Walden
10 Things to Do in Saffron Walden That You Shouldn't Miss
Saffron Walden is a market town in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England, 12 miles (19 km) north of Bishop's Stortford, 18 miles (29 km) south of Cambridge and 43 miles (69 km) north of London. It retains a rural appearance and some buildings from the medieval period. The 2001 parish population of 14,313 had risen to 15,504 by the 2011 census.
Restaurants in Saffron Walden
1. Bridge End Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Prue50 - Essex UK
These Gardens are lovely, just wandering around and getting lost in the maze with grandchildren, just fun.,
2. Saffron Walden Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Discover a world of hidden treasures in one of the country’s oldest purpose-built museums. This award-winning museum explores the archaeology, natural history and social history of north-west Essex and the wider world. Our collections include: Ancient Egypt, Archaeology, Ceramics and Glass, Costume and Textiles, Geology, Furniture and Woodwork, Local and Social History, Natural History and World Cultures. From stone axes to Samurai armour, Saxon riches to shields, spears and swords. You will also find toys, decorative arts, world cultures and even an Ancient Egyptian Mummy. At our family-friendly museum children can excavate in the archaeological sandpit, meet Wallace the Lion or explore the natural history discovery centre. With a rolling programme of special Exhibitions, activities and events throughout the year, there’s always something new to see and do! Pic nic in our grounds next to the ruins of the 12th century Walden Castle or, walk to the centre of the medieval market town where you can shop, eat, relax and explore. There is a small car park and access for disabled visitors.
Reviewed By SmithyMJ - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Being new to the area we thought it would be nice to visit the local museum. The entrance fee was really reasonable and the local information on display was really comprehensive and interesting. There are also more generic displays such as fossils and a mummy but these were also interesting. Well worth a visit.
3. Audley End Miniature Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Due to reopen April 2017. The Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk is a enjoyable day out for the whole family, full of innocent fun and imagination based near Saffron Walden, Essex
Reviewed By VJW322 - London, United Kingdom
We had a lovely time with our 20mth old daughter at the Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Special. I was really impressed!
The train ride includes a couple of tunnels and there’s Christmas decorations dotted along the route. The train pulls into a station where the elves do a Christmas Dance and Santa hands out small gifts. The elves hand out sweets. This stop lasts just long enough for everyone to get a photo but not so long that the kids get restless. You don’t leave the train to meet Santa but this doesn’t detract from the experience and I think that trying to get everyone off and on the train would make it unduly cumbersome.
Once the train journey is over (15-20min), you are free to explore the other facilities. There’s a dance tent playing a combination of Christmas and Disney Music (our young toddler was fascinated by the big screen). There are a couple more photo opportunities (a post office and a sleigh) as well as craft stalls for older children. Younger children will enjoy the swings and adventure play area outside. Refreshments are available.
This outing is perfect for children of all ages as our toddler was able to run around after the train ride which she loved. Older children can have their faces painted or visit the story telling tent.
The staff were enthusiastic and full of the spirit of the season. Although we had hourly boarding tickets we didn’t queue for very long. It was really well organised and, in my view, good value for money.
The only problem we had was squeezing my 6ft2” husband into the carriage of the train. Perhaps the clue is in the title: “miniature railway”.
Remember to wrap up warm. Hats and gloves definitely recommended for little ones.
4. Audley End House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Built by the first Earl of Suffolk, Lord Treasurer to James I, this Jacobean-style house is one of the most magnificent of its type in England.
Reviewed By Darren W - Manuden, United Kingdom
An interesting house and Gardens with plenty of open space to spend a lazy afternoon. A decent cafe with the usual cakes and sandwiches, nothing special but ok enough. Alternatively bring a picnic and find a spot on the massive open space in front of the house or under the trees in the wooded part. Lots of interesting points to interest kids and parents in the house and in the kitchen garden. Lots of Concerts, car shows and cricket to add an extra dimension to visits in the summer.
5. Fry Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By AlandeWalden - Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
The gallery focuses on artists from the pre-war and wartime artists colony who settled in the area, principally Bawden and Ravillious. If you're local it's one of those places that becomes an old friend, good for dropping in to see favourite pictures, especially prints, when you want a lift in your day. There is also a good collection of book illustrations by the artists.
6. Saffron Screen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By 817myn - Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
We generally use it for live theatre screenings - London performance without the travelling - think live London theatre and only a 10 minute journey home! It's extremely convenient; free parking on site; comfortable and virtually impossible for the people in front to interfere with your view of the screen. With a wide variety of films offered (and repeated if sufficient interest shown!) we are somewhat spoiled.
7. Saffron Walden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By shane s - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Almost located in the middle of nowhere,Saffron Walden is surprisingly nice.
It seemed like every corner we turned,there was something of interest.Beautiful little independent shops frequent the shopping area as well as main stream shopping too....plenty of excellent little cafes and tearooms are in and around this pretty little market town which also has a ruined castle a short walk from the town centre.
Parking is available on the outskirts of the town,a 300 metre flat walk to the high street and is free on Sundays.
We were very impressed with the town which had many interesting buildings.A lovely way to spend a morning.visited 11th Feb 2018.
8. Saffron Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By colinbU4329FK - Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
I have attended many Concerts here. It is truely up to the highest of standards acoustically. Virtually every seat gives an excellent view. Quality refreshments are available at a fair price. The staff could not be nicer. Will be going for a 7th time soon.
9. Saffron Walden Turf Maze
10. St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Leiyu - Cambridge
We've been to Saffron Walden many, many times but this was our first visit to St.Mary's Church. Building work is in progress and some areas were inaccessible but otherwise a very large, well kept but quiet church.
The gardens/paths were neat & tidy with plenty of Seating (benches) that overlook the exterior. The inside was clean, neat and very cool.
Some of the stained glass windows were superb and the Nave, Font & Altar were quite nice. It compares to Ely Cathedral in looks, size and opulence but it lacks some spark to make it superb.
So, the only downsides we found were 1) there was no shop, which other churches of the same size seem to have; 2) the church is a little off the main streets, so there's seemingly few visitors which lessens (in our opinion) the ambience.
Other than that, well worth a short visit
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