Saffron Walden

Travel Guide

Saffron Walden featuring a house, street scenes and a city
Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden which includes heritage architecture and a castle
Saffron Walden featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and interior views
Audley End House which includes land animals and interior views

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 RM490 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM490
RM588 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (236 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Cricketers
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 RM626 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
RM626
RM751 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,441 reviews)
"Very convenient to fly out of Stansted!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Novotel London Stansted Airport
Novotel London Stansted Airport
4 out of 5
Round Coppice Road, London Stansted Airport, Stansted, England
The price is RM512 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM512
RM614 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,020 reviews)
"Hotel was great, restaurant ok"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Novotel 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.
Luxury 2 Bed Manor House Hot Tub Cinema Room Skytv
Luxury 2 Bed Manor House Hot Tub Cinema Room Skytv
3.5 out of 5
Saffron Walden
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Audley End House and Fry Art Gallery are ...
Luxury 2 Bed Manor House Hot Tub Cinema Room Skytv
Deluxe 2/3 Bed Hottub Skytv
Deluxe 2/3 Bed Hottub Skytv
3.5 out of 5
Saffron Walden
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Great Bardfield Cottage Museum and Camping ...
Deluxe 2/3 Bed Hottub Skytv
Executive Suite With Private Hot Tub Skytv
Executive Suite With Private Hot Tub Skytv
3 out of 5
Saffron Walden
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Saffron Walden. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Audley End House and Fry Art Gallery are located nearby.
Executive Suite With Private Hot Tub Skytv
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Saffron Walden

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 43%
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.