Saffron Walden

Travel Guide
Saffron Walden showing street scenes, a city and a house
Beautiful medieval structures, a lively local market and a collection of Essex’s finest gardens make this village a perfect getaway in the English countryside. 

Although it’s close to the busier cities of Cambridge and London, the quaint market town of Saffron Walden has managed to maintain all of its rural charm. The historic village with roots in the Roman era is situated in the heart of Essex County. Saffron Walden’s compact village center is characterized by medieval architecture and a lively square that is the site of the popular Saffron Walden market.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries Saffron Walden was home to many British nobles and today their homes and gardens have become some of the region’s most popular attractions. Spend a day exploring Audley End House and Gardens where you can meet the resident horses, see the operating kitchen garden and admire the intricate details used to decorate the manor’s interior. Take the kids to the nearby Audley End Miniature Railway for an afternoon of fun. Stop by Bridge End Garden where there are seven ornamental gardens and a hedge maze. You can enjoy outdoor activities year-round in Saffron Walden as the town is located in one of the driest regions of Britain. 

Visit Walden Castle for some fascinating medieval history. Although only ruins of the castle remain, this is still a site worth visiting if you want to learn about one of the oldest buildings in the region and photograph the interesting scenes created by the ruins. 

The beautiful Market Place hosts a market each Tuesday and Saturday and a visit to the town should be timed so you can attend at least one of the market days. Saffron Walden comes alive as buskers, local farmers and the townspeople mingle and buy their weekly produce. Sample local fruit and vegetables, or pull up a chair at one of the cafés and restaurants that line the square to watch the day unfold.

Saffron Walden can be reached from London in just over an hour by car or by train via the Audley End railway station. Most accommodation is located in the village center.

The Cricketers
The Cricketers
4 out of 5
Wicken Road, Clavering, Saffron Walden, England
The price is ¥16,860 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
¥16,860
¥20,232 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 4-star inn in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
Great place, good sleep, lovely food
"Really lovely place in a tranquil village location. Lovely and quiet for a restful night's sleep. Superb friendly service and excellent food."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

The Cricketers
Novotel London Stansted Airport
Novotel London Stansted Airport
4 out of 5
Round Coppice Road, London Stansted Airport, Stansted, England
The price is ¥13,031 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
¥13,031
¥15,637 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stansted. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Last minute late night booking due to cancelled flight. Convenient to get to via shuttle bus. Staff friendly upon arrival. Room was excellent. Comfortable large bed, good shower, quiet environment. Paid extra for breakfast. Plenty on offer, hot and cold. Opted for the hot buffet breakfast, which ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Novotel London Stansted Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
4 out of 5
Waltham Close Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
The price is ¥15,796 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
¥15,796
¥18,955 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,957 reviews)
"It was very convenient. |Thought nthe standard of the food could have been better."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deluxe 5 Bedroom Bungalow, Forest Setting, Hot Tub
Deluxe 5 Bedroom Bungalow, Forest Setting, Hot Tub
Little Sampford
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Great Bardfield Cottage ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Such a great place - and care!
"We came as a group of 4 families (16 people with children from 1 to 7) and really enjoyed our extended weekend. The hot tub at night was the highlight treat, the BBQ, the cinema room and the castle playground came second ex-aequo. The owner was close to us, giving us a"

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

Deluxe 5 Bedroom Bungalow, Forest Setting, Hot Tub
15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
Saffron Walden
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
10/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
Lovely cottage
"Drake Cottage is a delightful place to stay. It’s (really) old and beautifully renovated with lots of great touches for guests. It’s very close to the centre of Saffron Walden but quiet.would love to come back."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
Huge Deluxe 600 Year Old Essex Manor House
Huge Deluxe 600 Year Old Essex Manor House
Essex
Stay at this vacation home in Saffron Walden. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Audley End House and Fry Art Gallery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Wonderful For Family Celebration
"We stayed with family and friends to celebrate my wife’s 40th birthday. Everyone had an outstanding time. The children absolutely loved this house which had so much for them to do and enjoy. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

Huge Deluxe 600 Year Old Essex Manor House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Saffron Walden

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Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful town to walk around. Have to eat at The Plough!

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