To do in Saffron Walden and the surrounding area-

In Saffron Walden you will find the beautiful Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin located immediately opposite Archways Guesthouse. Several of our guestrooms have outstanding views of the Church. It is visible all over the town – if you can find the Church, you can find us!

Saffron Walden Museum is only a few minutes walk and boasts fascinating collections of porcelain, textiles, medieval antiques, glassware, china and natural history. As well as frequent exhibits on local history the museum also regularly hosts exhibitions from around the world. This award winning museum provides excellent entertainment and wide appeal for both children and adults.

The Grade II listed Bridge End Gardens were originally laid out in the nineteenth century by the local Gibson family. They have recently been subject to an extensive restoration project. Just a few minutes by foot from Archways Guesthouse they provide a peaceful haven for a pleasant stroll.

The town of Saffron Walden is well served with a range of specialist shops, many individual tea and coffee rooms and a wide variety of restaurants. It is possible to choose between Thai, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Italian and traditional English cuisine all within a two minute walk of Archways Guesthouse.

Saffron Walden was granted a charter as a market town many hundreds of years ago and the market stalls which gather on Saturdays (established in 1141) and Tuesdays (established in 1295) in the Market Square just around the corner from Archways Guesthouse are well worth a visit. Their rich mix of fresh flowers and produce, collectibles and curiosities and unique local characters make it shopping trip worth remembering!

Saffron Walden also has an excellent leisure centre with extensive facilities including tennis and squash courts, fitness gym and swimming pool.

Audley End House, once the largest Jacobean Mansion in England, and now in the safe-keeping of English Heritage, is a 5 minute drive and is definitely worth a visit. Of particular interest to the keen gardener, the grounds were landscaped in 1763 by Capability Brown.

It is now licensed for weddings and must be one of the most breathtaking photo-opportunity locations in the country. In addition, many events including craft fairs, exhibitions and summer evening concerts take place there throughout the year.

Other nearby places of interest include:

Duxford Imperial War Museum - a 10 minute drive from Saffron Walden.

Linton Zoo - a 10 minute drive

Mole Hall Wildlife Park – 15 minutes in the village of Widdington.

Stansted Mountfitchet – 20 minutes to the Toy Museum and Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066 (the only motte & bailey castle in the world that has been faithfully reconstructed on its original site).

Chilford Hall Vineyard, 15 minutes away, sample some real British Wine – you'll be pleasantly surprised!

The beautiful City of Cambridge with its colleges, river and extensive shopping facilities is a 20 minute drive as is the famous racing capital of Newmarket.

Saffron Walden is surrounded by many beautiful unspoilt villages and stunning countryside for those wishing to take a day out by car, by cycle or on foot.

Finally, Stansted Airport is only a 20 minute drive, making Saffron Walden a convenient overnight stop if you are planning an early flight.