Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

Tourist information, including maps, attractions, events and accommodation advice.

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Find us at 1 Market Place, next to the Town Hall

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Please email us if you have any questions: [email protected] 01799 524002

Tourist Information Centre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden. CB10 1HR

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 4pm Bank Holidays: 10.30am to 1pm (Easter to August only)

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Saffron Walden Community Hospital

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Top Things to Do in Saffron Walden, Essex - Saffron Walden Must-See Attractions

Things to do in saffron walden, tours near saffron walden.

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Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge

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Shared | Alumni-Led Cambridge Uni Tour w/opt King's College Entry

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Shared | Cambridge Alumni-Led Walking & Punting Tour W/ Opt King's College Entry

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A Guided Public Tour of Historic Cambridge

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Walking Tour of Cambridge

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Private Cambridge Punting Tour

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Shared Punt Tour - Cambridge

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Cambridge University With Alumni: Optional Kings College Entrance

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Private | Cambridge Uni Walking Tour & Punting Tour Led By Alumni

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Cambridge - Shared Punting Tour

Top attractions in saffron walden.

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Other Top Attractions around Saffron Walden

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What travellers are saying

cortontrader

Southend

  • Information

Saffron Walden

One of the most delightful towns in Essex, named after the fields of saffron crocuses ( C. sativus ) that once covered this area in medieval times. The stamen of these delicate flowers produces a precious yellow spice that was then used for dying cloth. Widespread farming of this lucrative crop brought immense prosperity to the area during the Middle Ages. Once prized more than gold, it is still in use today as a flavouring and colourant for rice dishes and cakes . It still grows in the Walden area today, but is no longer farmed commercially.

Saffron Malden Market Square

This region has been occupied since prehistoric times, evidenced by several Iron Age earthworks near the town. The Ancient Britons called this area 'Waledana', which eventually became shortened to 'Walden'. Evidence of early Roman occupation can also be found nearby, and an extensive Saxon burial ground has also been discovered here.

Saffron Walden is a lovely unspoilt medieval market town, steeped in ancient history. Many of its attractive 14th to 16th century timber-framed houses are faced with Essex pargetting (an elaborate plasterwork decoration). The former Sun Inn (on Market Row) displays some of the best examples of this type of plasterwork. The inn is 14th-c timber-framed dwelling that was once used as Cromwell's HQ during the English Civil War.

Sun Inn, Saffron Walden

The town has a wealth of buildings of architectural and historic interest, particularly in the streets around the Market Square, which still follow the original medieval pattern. One of the best-preserved buildings from this period is a 15th-c timber framed Tudor dwelling on the corner of Myddleton Place.

The High Street contains many fine late-Georgian properties. The ornate, porticoed Victorian Corn Exchange, overlooking the square, is now a library and Arts Centre. The town's old Grammar School was the headquarters in of the 65th Fighter Wing of the USA air force during the war.

Saffron Walden Castle

Geoffrey de Mandeville established a market below his castle walls here in 1141. The remains of Mandeville's castle rest on a low mound at the highest point of the town. Much of the stone was robbed-out as building materials and now only the ruined keep remains. The town museum is situated near the castle, with displays of local history, archaeology, geology, wildlife, costume and toys.

The Mandevilles also founded a priory at Audley End to the south. This was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538, and was eventually purchased by Earl of Suffolk, who started building the current mansion on the site in 1603.

Near to the castle, at the eastern end of the Common, is a series of preserved circular excavations, believed to be the largest mediaeval maze in England. It comprises a path that twists and turns for over 1 mile (1.6 km).

St Mary's church

The parish church of St Mary, one of largest in the county, has a 200ft spire visible from anywhere in the town. The main building was reconstructed in the 15th-c and the spire added in 1832. The nave is nearly 200 ft long. One of the finest examples in southern england, its grandeur reflects the town's prosperity at that time.

Located just behind St Mary's church can be found the delightful Bridge End Gardens. Laid out by the Gibson family during the 19th-c. The plot is designed as a series of smaller gardens, each with its own style and atmosphere. The Dutch Garden is particularly fine, with clipped yews and a fountain. There is also a restored traditional Victorian maze.

Map of Saffron Walden

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Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

tourist information centre saffron walden

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

tourist information centre saffron walden

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Millie

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Mon - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • (0.15 km) The Cross Keys Hotel
  • (0.25 km) Old Forge B&B
  • (0.32 km) The Acorn Saffron Walden
  • (0.31 km) 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
  • (0.55 km) Ashleigh House
  • (0.03 km) Waffle+Coffee
  • (0.04 km) Starbucks
  • (0.04 km) Oriental Cottage
  • (0.04 km) The Piano Café Bistro, Saffron Walden
  • (0.05 km) Maze Bar & Grill (Maze by Day, Meze by Night)

Discover Uttlesford

Saffron Walden

Saffron walden is a vibrant market town full of community spirit, a wonderful array of independent shops alongside some high street favourites., saffron walden market.

Every Tuesday and Saturday the town hosts a thriving gourmet market and was voted the Best Small Outdoor Market in the 2018 Great British Market Awards; with local chef Jamie Oliver a regular visitor to a number of the food stalls you’ll certainly be mixing in good company. 

Shop, Eat and Drink

Whilst exploring Saffron Walden make the time to dine in one of our wonderful restaurants, cafes and bars.

There are numerous superb places to eat and drink. Click here to see more…

You can also shop ’til you drop at our numerous independent retailers.

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Saffron Walden History

The town dates back to medieval times and has a rich heritage of old buildings.  Admire everything from the multi-coloured, timber framed cottages of Castle Street, the incredible pargeting on the Old Sun Inn, through to Essex’s largest parish church by following the town trail . 

In the grounds of the award winning, Saffron Walden Museum  you will find Walden Castle, a Grade 1 listed and scheduled ancient monument.  The ruins visible on the site today would have formed part of the basement and first storey of the once 3-storey castle keep.  

Read more about Saffron Walden Museum here .

Green spaces in Saffron Walden

There is an abundance of green spaces around the town centre where you can relax including the splendour of Bridge End Gardens .  Saffron Walden is also famous for its mazes with four different types dotted around the town.

Visit https://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/ to see more about the town

Read more about Bridge End Gardens here .

Read more about Saffron Walden Mazes here .

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EV bike schemes in Saffron Walden

Ev bike club.

If you live, work or study in Saffron Walden you can rent an e-bike or pedal bike for up to 6 months at a subsidised rate. You can get a bike delivered to your home or work address.

Bike hire in Saffron Walden

We are starting a small e-bike hire scheme in Saffron Walden. The scheme is being run for us by APP-BIKE. Its easy to hire an e-bike. Just download the app to start your journey.

Bike hire costs from as little as £1.50 for 30 minutes. Or, if you join as a scheme member you’ll pay £5 a month and get 30 minutes free every time you use a bike.

Find out more information here

Saffron Walden – Sleep

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Saffron Walden – Eat & Drink

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01799 510510

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Uttlesford District Council Council Offices London Road Saffron Walden Essex CB11 4ER

Privacy Overview

Saffron Walden BID

www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

[email protected] 01799 524002

Tourist Information Centre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden. CB10 1HR

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5pm Bank Holidays: 10.30am to 1pm (Easter to August only)

Visit Saffron Walden

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Please get in touch if you have any questions about the BID and we will get back to you.

Email us at: [email protected] Saffron Walden Business Improvement District 9 Market Row Saffron Walden CB10 1HB

Privacy Policy

tourist information centre saffron walden

Privacy Overview

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

tourist information centre saffron walden

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

tourist information centre saffron walden

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Millie

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

  • Mon - Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • (0.15 km) The Cross Keys Hotel
  • (0.25 km) Old Forge B&B
  • (0.32 km) The Acorn Saffron Walden
  • (0.31 km) 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
  • (0.55 km) Ashleigh House
  • (0.03 km) Waffle+Coffee
  • (0.04 km) Starbucks
  • (0.04 km) Oriental Cottage
  • (0.04 km) The Piano Café Bistro, Saffron Walden
  • (0.05 km) Maze Bar & Grill (Maze by Day, Meze by Night)

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

tourist information centre saffron walden

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

tourist information centre saffron walden

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Millie

Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

  • Mon - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • (0.15 km) The Cross Keys Hotel
  • (0.25 km) Old Forge B&B
  • (0.32 km) The Acorn Saffron Walden
  • (0.31 km) 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England
  • (0.55 km) Ashleigh House
  • (0.03 km) Waffle+Coffee
  • (0.04 km) Starbucks
  • (0.04 km) Oriental Cottage
  • (0.04 km) The Piano Café Bistro, Saffron Walden
  • (0.05 km) Maze Bar & Grill (Maze by Day, Meze by Night)

IMAGES

  1. Saffron Walden Town Hall

    tourist information centre saffron walden

  2. History & Heritage

    tourist information centre saffron walden

  3. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    tourist information centre saffron walden

  4. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    tourist information centre saffron walden

  5. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    tourist information centre saffron walden

  6. Visit Saffron Walden

    tourist information centre saffron walden

VIDEO

  1. Acrow Halt (Saffron Walden railway)

  2. Saffron Walden timetable 14:30

  3. OLC Saffron Walden Mass

  4. Loco change at Saffron Walden Part 2

  5. Saffron Walden timetable 08:38

  6. saffron Walden road in the gj

COMMENTS

  1. Visit Saffron Walden

    Saffron Walden is a picturesque, medieval town, in north-west Essex, just 15 miles south of Cambridge. It has a rich heritage of old buildings reflecting its wealth as a rural market town. Latest Videos. Discover Uttlesford Saffron Walden Promotional Video 2. 30/03/2022/by Rachel Thomas.

  2. Tourist Information Centre

    www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01799 524002 Tourist Information Centre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1HR Share via: Facebook Twitter Email More

  3. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Please email us if you have any questions: [email protected] 01799 524002. Tourist Information Centre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden. CB10 1HR

  4. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre is a multi award winning centre but more than that it is a bright and vibrant place to go for information and gifts, books, cards and more and very friendly and helpful staff. As useful to someone who has just moved into the area as a day visitor. They know all the organisations, clubs, restaurants ...

  5. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre, Saffron Walden. 3,254 likes · 24 talking about this · 247 were here. Welcome to Saffron Walden! More details: www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

  6. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Saffron Walden

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre. 6. Visitor Centres. Your first port of call in Saffron Walden. Pick up a free Town Trail, and your choice of any Medieval Walden, WWII Trail, Blue Plaques guide. All free, along with lots of other information about the town and local area, including public transport information. Generally open six days ...

  7. Things to Do in Saffron Walden

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre. 6. Visitor Centers. Your first port of call in Saffron Walden. Pick up a free Town Trail, and your choice of any Medieval Walden, WWII Trail, Blue Plaques guide. All free, along with lots of other information about the town and local area, including public transport information. Generally open six days ...

  8. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Hotels near Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre: (0.10 mi) The Cross Keys Hotel (0.16 mi) Old Forge B&B (0.20 mi) The Acorn Saffron Walden (0.20 mi) 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England (0.34 mi) Ashleigh House; View all hotels near Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre on Tripadvisor

  9. Saffron Walden Tourist and Visitor Information Guide

    Saffron Walden is a lovely unspoilt medieval market town, steeped in ancient history. Many of its attractive 14th to 16th century timber-framed houses are faced with Essex pargetting (an elaborate plasterwork decoration). The former Sun Inn (on Market Row) displays some of the best examples of this type of plasterwork.

  10. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre is a multi award winning centre but more than that it is a bright and vibrant place to go for information and gifts, books, cards and more and very friendly and helpful staff. As useful to someone who has just moved into the area as a day visitor. They know all the organisations, clubs, restaurants ...

  11. Saffron Walden

    The town dates back to medieval times and has a rich heritage of old buildings. Admire everything from the multi-coloured, timber framed cottages of Castle Street, the incredible pargeting on the Old Sun Inn, through to Essex's largest parish church by following the town trail. In the grounds of the award winning, Saffron Walden Museum you will find Walden Castle, a Grade 1 listed and ...

  12. About Us

    Details of the services that Saffron Walden Town Council provide. Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; Saffron Walden Tourist Information; Telephone: 01799 516501 / 516502. 0 Shopping Cart. About. ... Tourist Information Centre. What to do in Saffron Walden; Town Meetings; Weddings. Halls and Spaces to Hire; Town Hall Venues For Weddings; Youth ...

  13. Tourist Information Centre

    Saffron Walden BID is dedicated to promoting our unique market town situated in the countryside of North West Essex. We have an extensive heritage, amazing shops and businesses, an award-winning market and great family attractions all on our doorstep. ... Tourist Information Centre 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden. CB10 1HR. Opening Hours. Monday ...

  14. Book a Food Tasting and Walking Tour of the town through Saffron Walden

    Enjoy Saffron Walden's historic building and architecture as your food guide takes you on an incredible food tasting journey. You will meet the artisan producers, eat award-winning products and discover food and drinks to truly tantalise your tastebuds.

  15. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Sep. 2021. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre is a multi award winning centre but more than that it is a bright and vibrant place to go for information and gifts, books, cards and more and very friendly and helpful staff.As useful to someone who has just moved into the area as a day visitor. They know all the organisations, clubs ...

  16. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre to relocate

    Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre is relocating to the former council chamber in the town hall. The change will help the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) continue its services, while the town council can gain income from leasing the current site at 1 Market Place - where the TIC has been located for more than 35 years.

  17. Saffron Walden Town Council

    We hope you will enjoy browsing through our updates about Saffron Walden. Come and visit this stunning town, nestling into the Essex countryside. ... Saffron Walden Tourist Information; Telephone: 01799 516501 / 516502. 0 Shopping Cart. About. Mission Statement; Council Members. Register of Members' Interests ... Tourist Information Centre ...

  18. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

    Hotels near Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre: (0.15 km) The Cross Keys Hotel (0.25 km) Old Forge B&B (0.32 km) The Acorn Saffron Walden (0.31 km) 15th Century Period Cottage In Saffron Walden, Essex England (0.55 km) Ashleigh House; View all hotels near Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre on Tripadvisor