Saffron Walden Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Saffron Walden which includes 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 centre 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 centre.

The Cricketers
The Cricketers
4 out of 5
Wicken Road, Clavering, Saffron Walden, England
The price is ฿3,782 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,782
฿4,538 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star inn in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"Room was good, comfy and generous size, food was excellent both evening meal and breakfast, price was good for the quality of the room"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 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 ฿2,886 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
฿2,886
฿3,464 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stansted. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
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 29 Oct 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 ฿3,543 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,543
฿4,252 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 5 Nov 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.
Turing Locke Cambridge
Turing Locke Cambridge
4 out of 5
47 Eddington Ave, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"Loved our stay here"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Turing Locke Cambridge
 The Regent
The Regent
3.5 out of 5
41 Regent St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (218 reviews)
"Great spot and rooms and well kept. We could hear people walking above our room and the carpet is not conducive for luggage. Staff are incredibly friwndly and helpful."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2024

The Regent
Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
3 out of 5
Mill Lane, Broxbourne, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Broxbourne. Enjoy free parking, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Lee Valley Park and River Lee Country Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Overall good,the chalet need updating."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
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

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 42.857142857142854%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Have visited before, lovely area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well-preserved half-timbered houses with pargetted walls; lively market selling wide range of fresh food; individual butchers and fishmongers. impressive parish church; brand new concert hall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely old town set in beautiful countryside.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you;re looking for a quiet place to use as a base to explore the Saffron Waldon area, this B&B is spot-on. Also very handy for Stansted airport.

Cities near Saffron Walden