Audley End House and Gardens - Saffron Walden

Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF, United Kingdom.
Phone: 3703331181.
Website: english-heritage.org.uk
Specialties: Heritage building, Heritage museum, Historical place museum, Manor house, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Getting tickets in advance recommended, Good for kids, Free parking lot.
Opinions: This company has 5824 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

📌 Location of Audley End House and Gardens

☎️3703331181

⏰ Open Hours of Audley End House and Gardens

Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM

Audley End House and Gardens, a magnificent heritage site located at Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF, United Kingdom, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. The historic house and its stunning gardens have been attracting visitors for centuries, and it's easy to see why. Audley End House and Gardens is renowned for its remarkable architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating history.

The house, once a grand country estate, dates back to the 17th century and is a prime example of Jacobean architecture. Its grandeur is evident in the opulent state rooms, adorned with exquisite detailing and artwork. The gardens, equally impressive, showcase a variety of beautiful landscapes, including formal gardens, woodlands, and a tranquil lake. Visitors can explore the grounds, take in the stunning views, and even enjoy a picnic on the lawns.

One of the main attractions at Audley End House and Gardens is the heritage museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the lives of those who once inhabited the estate. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, ranging from antique furniture and paintings to personal belongings of the former residents. This historical place museum provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era.

The estate is well-equipped to cater to visitors with varying needs, offering onsite services, wheelchair accessible entrance, and wheelchair accessible parking lot. Restrooms are also available, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as this popular attraction can get quite busy during peak seasons. The site is also ideal for families with children, as there are plenty of activities and exhibits tailored to keep younger visitors engaged and entertained.

With an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 5,824 reviews on Google My Business, Audley End House and Gardens has clearly made a lasting impression on its visitors. The high rating is a testament to the quality of the attraction, the dedication of the staff, and the overall experience provided to guests.

👍 Reviews of Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House and Gardens - Saffron Walden

Lessley D.

5/5

Audley End is a beautiful building with lovely grounds, a fantastic art and taxidermy collection, and gorgeous interior design and furnishings. The flowers weren't in full bloom yet in March, but they were beginning to appear. The house tour is easily the most child friendly tour we have been on. The nursery was fabulous. Our 3-year-old daughter was able to play dress up, do puzzles, play with the dollhouse, ride the rocking horse, sit on furniture, and generally have an absolute blast, which continued later on the playground. My husband and I had a wonderful time as well, and brunch in the Tea Room was delicious! Every single employee we spoke to was a delight, informed and helpful, and very kind. You absolutely must visit. We will be back.

Zee N.

5/5

Top guided tour! During the week it's tour only and glad about that as Sarah brought this stunning huge house to life with stories and humour. Lasted about an hour and 15 mins. Probably around 10 people on the tour. There are some stairs but they're wide with bannisters. If you have mobility issues let the staff know when you drive in as there's a car park next to the main buildings otherwise it's a bit of a walk from the main car park. The cafe has an additional seating area with a large window overlooking the front grounds. The curried cauliflower pasty was tasty. This house has the wow factor and is certainly worth a visit.

Tracy B.

5/5

The tour is very interesting.

You can buy some food in the cafe and The tea room has a wonderful view for brunch/tea.

The painting in the house is art, but the building is a living art

I. M.

5/5

We have visited Audley End House and Gardens several times, both on regular open days and during themed events, and it never fails to impress. The house itself is a masterpiece of Jacobean architecture, with beautifully preserved interiors that give a fascinating glimpse into its history as a grand 17th-century estate. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers add so much depth to the experience, bringing the past to life with their insights.

One of the highlights of the estate is its stunning gardens, originally designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. His signature naturalistic landscaping is evident in the sweeping parkland, serene lake, and carefully placed trees that frame the house perfectly. The walled kitchen garden is another standout feature, restored to its Victorian-era glory. It’s incredible to see heritage fruit and vegetable varieties being cultivated using traditional methods, just as they would have been in the 19th century.

The treehouse, a relatively recent addition, has its own charm and history, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages. While not part of the original estate, it blends beautifully with the landscape and adds an extra layer of exploration, especially for families.

The themed days are always fantastic—whether it’s a historical reenactment, a Christmas event, or a garden-focused weekend, there’s always something special happening. The attention to detail, from costumed actors to interactive experiences, makes each visit unique and engaging.

Overall, Audley End is a perfect mix of history, nature, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a history buff, a garden lover, or just looking for a lovely day out, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommended!

Simon R.

5/5

Having lived in Essex all my life visiting here and this part of Essex was a pleasant surprise. That we have some history and beautiful places to visit.

Ryan H.

5/5

I came here to watch a ww2 reenactment. They had a weapons demonstration and then grenades and trucks and jeeps but then they had an artillery piece and actually fired it ( with a blank) very good reenactment. They ended the show of with a final battle

Melissa D.

5/5

This is a great place to visit if you like historical stately homes. Audley End is a beautiful and grand Tudor home set in wonderful gardens. There is a nice little cafe too. Entry to the house and grounds can close quite early during winter so it's best to check the opening times. Can't wait to visit again in spring and summer!

Wendy C.

4/5

Lovely place to visit and the volunteers really knew their knowledge and happy to share the information. Unable to see the whole house as sections are closed off. Grounds I imagine the summer months would look amazing.
Very busy prepare to wait outside to enter as gates are where you need to pay or show your card.