Saffron Walden, a Market Town in the District of Uttlesford of the English County of Essex
The market town of Saffron Walden is in the Uttlesford District of the County of Essex, England. It has preserved its rural ambience including several buildings dating back to the medieval period. The town is 43 miles north of London, 18 miles south of Cambridge, and 12 miles north of Bishop’s Stortford.
In 1066, after the Norman invasion, a stone church was built while the Walden Castle was constructed around 1140 over a pre-existing fortress. In 1136 Walden Abbey, a priory was built on the present site of the Audley End Village. It was under the patronage of the first Earl of Essex, Geoffrey de Mandeville. Holywell Field separates the abbey from the Walden.
Food, Shopping and accommodation in Saffron Walden
There are some nice independent shops along the High Street of this town but nothing spectacular. But during market days, Tuesdays and Saturdays, shoppers from all over the area flock to this town to browse and buy from the numerous market stalls selling all kinds of wares. Eating out is such an adventure in Saffron Walden. It has a vast selection of dining and drinking places to choose from, mostly restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes. Diners have a broad range of cuisines to choose from too. There is also a respectable number of guests accommodation in Saffron; three hotels, thirteen inns and B&Bs and two specialty lodgings such as a converted farmhouse.
Things to See and Do in Saffron Walden
Being a medieval market town, Saffron Walden boasts of many old delightful building. There is the St Mary’s Church, one of Essex most beautiful churches and the largest, and of course the Audley End House, a magnificent Jacobean mansion and its gardens. There is also the Audley End Miniature Railway with its Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk which will delight both young and old. The Bridge End Garden is another place of interest in this town.