Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Saffron Walden is a medieval market town dripping in history. Grade II-listed timber-clad homes in colourful hues line the streets, and an air of pleasant civility hangs in the archways. Buy seasonal greens from the Tuesday and Saturday <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/saffron-walden-market/" href="https://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/saffron-walden-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers’ marke</a><a href="https://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/saffron-walden-market/">ts</a> and slip into a slower rhythm that’s hard to match elsewhere in the county.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-6.jpg" alt="The Cricketers in Clavering" class="wp-image-17562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Cricketers</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are traditional pubs galore here, with <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.theeightbellssaffronwalden.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eight Bells</a> serving up timber beams and leather armchairs to sink in post-feast. Previously owned by Jamie Oliver’s family, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thecricketers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers</a> is another great shout – torched mackerel, katsu sweet potato &amp; oyster mushroom and a shorthorn smashed beef burger are just some of the dishes on its sample menu. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.themarket-house.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Market House</a>’s sun-trapped garden is the perfect spot for tapas, brunch or cocktails, or check out <a href="https://waffleand.coffee/menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waffle + Coffee</a> – we&#8217;re oh-so in it for their homemade waffle with buttermilk crispy fried chicken, Canadian maple syrup, chive butter and drizzle of Sriracha sauce. Fancy à la carte? <a href="https://www.trocs.co.uk/menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Restaurant On Church Street</a>&#8216;s menu is one to drool over.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="Neon Leo Clothing Boutique Essex" class="wp-image-18980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/457363321_17968712897785346_4496367143010850628_n.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neon Leo</figcaption></figure>



<p>For clothes go directly to <a href="https://neonleo.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neon Leo</a>, winner of the <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/muddy-awards/muddy-stilettos-essex-awards-2024-winners-drinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos 2024 Award</a> for Best Women&#8217;s Fashion &amp; Accessories, which stocks pre-loved fashion to buy and rent. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bluesaffronwalden.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue</a> on King Street has everything from dresses to swimwear, while <a href="https://www.meandmrsjonesltd.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Me + Mrs Jones</a> is well worth a peep. Check out <a href="https://www.angelareed.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angela Reed</a> and <a href="https://www.bricksandmakers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bricks &amp; Makers</a> for homeware, and <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://ellysflowerstudio.com" href="https://ellysflowerstudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elly&#8217;s Flower Studio</a> has the best blooms in town. Peckish? For local produce from the region&#8217;s finest farmers, vintners and artisan food makers visit <a href="https://www.sageandsaffron.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sage &amp; Saffron</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sparrowsendfarmshop_/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparrows End Farm Shop</a>, being sure to pick up dessert from the <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.saffronicecream.co.uk" href="https://www.saffronicecream.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Ice Cream Company</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>There are several GP surgeries: <a href="https://www.thegoldstreetsurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gold Street Surgery</a> or <a href="https://www.crocusmedicalpractice.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crocus Medical Practice</a> are closest to town. Saffron Walden is well served for gyms too, with <a href="https://www.just-gym.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Just Gym</a> offering memberships at £35 or <a href="https://www.saffronwaldenfitness.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Fitness</a> giving you a choice of packages at a similar price, plus pay as you go for £9. <a href="http://www.fionaolearyphysio.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiona O&#8217;Leary Physio &amp; Pilates</a> offers – well, the clue&#8217;s in the name, with an independent clinic in the heart of town. And for beauty and aesthetics <a href="https://puritybeautyandpermanentcosmetics.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purity Beauty and Permanent Cosmetics</a> has nothing but five star ratings on Google.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-7.jpg" alt="Saffron Walden bandstand" class="wp-image-17581" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Saffron Walden bandstand</figcaption></figure>



<p>Got a kid obsessed with kicking a ball about? Fear not! <a href="https://swcfc.club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Community FC</a> is an England Football Accredited club that teaches from reception to under 18s. Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaffronWaldenTownCouncil?ref=embed_page" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Town Council&#8217;s Facebook</a> page  to find out about local music and comedy events; the <a href="https://www.swchs.net/page/?title=Saffron+Walden+Music+Festival&amp;pid=60" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Music Festival</a> is a must for the calendar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Audley End House and Gardens" class="wp-image-9440" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audley End House &amp; Gardens</figcaption></figure>



<p><a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audley End House and Gardens</a> is an English Heritage site with a year-round event itinerary. Set in 10,000 acres, the 17th-century estate’s open-air concerts and cinema screenings are a summer highlight, as is a visit to the stables to stroke the horses. Also worth a visit for a great day out is <a href="https://www.saffrongrange.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Grange Vineyard</a>. Sure, you can stock up on quality English sparkling wine (yay!), but they also offer vineyard tours and tastings as well as other experiences too good to pass up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Catch a live opera or concert at <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.saffronhall.com" href="https://www.saffronhall.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Hall</a> or watch art-house flicks at community cinema <a href="https://saffronscreen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Screen</a>. You can also browse the artefacts at <a data-type="URL" data-id="http://www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org" href="http://www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Museum</a>, before heading to either the <a href="https://www.churchstreetgallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church Street</a> or <a href="https://fryartgallery.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fry Gallery</a> to check out their latest exhibits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>To live here on average will set you back £450,260. Terraced properties have proved to be the most popular of late, selling for an average of £397,651. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £453,624, with flats fetching £205,431.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/finchingfield-saffron-walden-essex-cm7/cho130331" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-31.jpg" alt="Hands up who wants this 8-bed home with pool, formal gardens and paddocks? On the market for £1.9m." class="wp-image-17981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-31.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-31-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-31-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hands up who wants this 8-bed home with pool, formal gardens and paddocks? <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/finchingfield-saffron-walden-essex-cm7/cho130331" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £1.9m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There are several Ofsted Outstanding nurseries to choose from, including <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.belldaynursery.co.uk/home" href="https://www.belldaynursery.co.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bell Day Nursery</a>, which takes children from 18 months and offers extras like forest school. <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.saffronwaldennursery.org.uk" href="https://www.saffronwaldennursery.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden Nursery School</a> is another, with a large garden and colourful rooms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.clavering.essex.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clavering Primary</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.greatchesterfordprimary.co.uk/website" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Chesterford C of E Primary Academy</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.katherinesemar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katherine Semar</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stmsw.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Thomas More Catholic Primary</a> and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rab.academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RA Butler Academy</a> are all considered to be slicker than your average primaries. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.swchs.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden County High</a> is Outstanding, according to Ofsted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sudbury&#8217;s indie <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stokecollege.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stoke College</a> (a 50 min drive) offers day and boarding options in acres of parkland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Head to the unspoilt rural villages of nearby Finchingfield (11 miles / 25 min drive) and Thaxted (7 miles/ 15 min drive) for a leisurely stroll along the river and picnic by John Webb’s picture-perfect <a href="https://www.spab.org.uk/mills/visit-a-mill/17685">Windmill</a>. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a scene from <em>Mary Poppins</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Hop on a fast train from Audley End station and you can be in London Liverpool Street in an hour. Annual season tickets costs £5,236. On four wheels? The nearby M11 means you drive the 56 miles into the capital in around 90 mins, depending on traffic.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Saffron Walden

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