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 Clavering</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are traditional pubs galore here, kicking offf with <a href="https://thecricketersarmspub.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers Arms</a> in nearby Rickling Green – Best Destination Pub winner in our <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Muddy Awards</a>, no less. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.theeightbellssaffronwalden.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eight Bells</a> is also one to visit, with its great food 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 Clavering</a> is another great shout – hake, prawn, cod, capers and chickpea stew, Harissa roasted cauliflower steak with couscous,&nbsp;and a pork chop, tenderloin and braised cheek sharer 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-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/06/Untitled-design-20.jpg" alt="Neon Leo" class="wp-image-23331" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/06/Untitled-design-20.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/06/Untitled-design-20-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/06/Untitled-design-20-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/06/Untitled-design-20-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neon Leo</figcaption></figure>



<p>For clothes go to <a href="https://neonleo.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neon Leo</a>, Best Women&#8217;s Style Finalist in the <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos 2025 Awards</a>, 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> for homeware, while <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos 2025 Awards</a> finalist <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>. Which you have to scoff ASAP so it doesn&#8217;t melt (oh, what a shame).</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. There&#8217;s also <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, physio and Pilates, 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-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/10/Unknown-1.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.jpeg 1500w, 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-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, 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" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><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 &amp; Gardens</a> is an English Heritage site with a year-round 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 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 £455,671. Semi detached properties have proved to be the most popular of late, selling for an average of £476,862. Detached properties sold for an average of £690,386, with terraced properties fetching £395,552.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Saffron-walden-copy.jpg" alt="Arkwright &amp; Co" class="wp-image-26073" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Saffron-walden-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Saffron-walden-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Saffron-walden-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Saffron-walden-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A unique detached 5/6 bed house with a pool, on one of Saffron Walden&#8217;s most desirable roads. <a href="https://arkwrightandco.co.uk/property/south-road-saffron-walden-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.5m</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. Then there&#8217;s <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>, Ofsted rated Good 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> are both Ofsted good, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.katherinesemar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katherine Semar</a> is rated Oftsed outstanding, <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> is Ousted Good and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rab.academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RA Butler Academy</a> is rated outstanding by Ofsted.  <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.swchs.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden County High</a> is also 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> (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 (seven 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>. Without those dancing penguins we&#8217;re afraid.</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 £5,952. On four wheels? The nearby M11 means you drive the 56 miles into the capital in around 90 mins, depending on traffic.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Saffron Walden

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