Day trip from London
There are some towns you stumble upon and others you slowly fall in love with. Saffron Walden, for me, was the latter. A place where the history of saffron hums beneath cobblestoned streets, gardens bloom with poetic intentions, and even the bread from local bakers tastes good.
I was researching on the internet to find a lesser-known place or a hidden gem to visit near London, and that’s when I found Saffron Walden. So, one Saturday morning in September last year, my husband and I planned a road trip to Saffron Walden, and we spent our entire day being chuffed by the beauty of this historic English town.
Morning: Coffee, Market Squares & Medieval Echoes
Our day began where all good things should—with coffee and a hearty breakfast. We settled into a quiet corner at The Curious Goat, right off the market square. While the golden oat flat white warmed my hands, I observed other people in the café.
I was curious, like an author looking for some characters for her first novel. I heard a couple debating on cheese, saw kids waving baguettes like lightsabers, and saw a woman arranging bright tulips in a basket.
Saffron Walden Market
Saffron Walden Market dates back to the 12th century and still maintains a spirit of continuity. On Tuesday and Saturday, local bakers, farmers, potters, and other traders gather here to sell condiments, clothes, fresh produce, cakes and pastries, speciality coffee beans, wine, crystals, and more.
I am unsure if it makes any sense, but the entire market scene gave me an epiphany: Community spirits are built on customary rituals instead of grand gestures.
Midday: St. Mary’s and the Majesty of Stillness
A short walk from the market brought us to St. Mary’s Church. Towering and majestic, this is the largest parish church in Essex, dressed in glorious Gothic architecture — stone pinnacles rising like thoughts toward the sky.
The hush inside was almost sacred—the kind that makes you lower your voice without meaning to. Stained glass windows caught the sunlight and painted the pews in gentle hues. Here, I paused to meditate and to read the stories etched into the walls and wood.
Afternoon: Grandeur, Trains and Whimsy at Audley End
As the afternoon approached, we went to the edges of town to visit Audley End House and Gardens, which was open until 4 p.m. The house is a Jacobean masterpiece, but the gardens, shaped by Capability Brown, left me adrift in awe.
Next door, almost hidden beneath a canopy of trees, I stumbled upon something unexpected: the Audley End Miniature Railway. A tiny train wound through the woods, carrying giggling children and wide-eyed parents. And yes — we took a ride in it because some joys don’t need justification.
Golden Hour: Bridge End Garden and Lost Paths
As the day stretched toward evening and the opening time was until 4 p.m. (Mon-Sat), we skipped lunch and wandered into Bridge End Garden. This secret garden feels like it belongs to a fairytale.
Francis Gibson created this garden around 1840, and after marriage in 1918, his daughter leased it to the local council. Since then, it’s free and open to the public.
We may have gone in circles in the hedge Maze, but we enjoyed doing it. Then, I sat by the fountain for a while, watching bees hum over flowers.
There is a Rose Garden, Jacob’s Well, a Dutch Garden and the secluded Poet’s Corner. I wish I could spend more time in that corner to mull over hidden poetic thoughts in me.
By the time we finished these activities, Saffron Walden Castle’s closing time was near, so we had to skip it.
Evening: Sourdough, Stories and Early Dinner
We returned to the market square and picked up a sourdough loaf and a cinnamon bun from Mini Miss Bread. As we strolled through the streets, we passed rows of coloured timber-framed houses and pastel-painted cottages, each seemingly coming straight out of a postcard.
Before heading home, my husband and I were craving something wholesome. I found it at Maze, a vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern gem. Their hummus was silky, the falafel was crunchy, and the tabbouleh was fresh with just the proper lemon bite.
If we had time for a fancy cuppa in the late afternoon, we would have visited Bicicletta, where the vibe is effortlessly cool and the menu thoughtful.
My Reflection
Saffron Walden is a lesson in storytelling—its medieval lanes, lively markets, and timeless architecture narrate a journey of place, memory, and renewal. I felt like a guest in someone’s beloved family album on this slow Saturday. I guess that’s why it wins hearts and awards alike.
Read more: Exciting things to do in Saffron Walden
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