Home to our fourth ANNA store, Saffron Walden is a medieval market town surrounded by unspoilt English countryside, just north of London. All of our ANNA stores carry a few different collections, so it’s well worth having a look in our store to find other new and exciting pieces which aren’t always necessarily online! Whilst you’re over there, why not go ahead and explore the beautiful area! There are loads of fantastic local businesses worthy of a gander...
WHAT TO DO:
Audley End Estate
Saffron Walden is lucky to have Audley End Estate nearby. Wander around the glorious gardens and explore the decadent Jacobean mansion house! Be sure to check the English Heritage website for any upcoming events.
Audley End Miniature Railway
If you are planning to visit for a family day out with young children, Audley End Railway is a must! Hop on the cutest little steam train for a ride through the beautiful Audley End Estate woodland, keeping your eyes peeled for teddy bears of course!
Afterwards, take a walk through the Enchanted Fairy and Elf Woodland, looking out for their tiny wooden tree houses and ticking them off in your I Spy booklet. The little ones can take part in all sorts of activities from wand-making to face-painting - there’s also a brand new play area opening this season! There are various events happening throughout the year - visit the Easter Bunny in the woodland in April and see Father Christmas in December!
Bridge End Gardens
Take a picnic up to Bridge End Gardens (an almost secret garden), designed as a series of interlocking 'rooms' with lots to explore - including a summer house and hedge maze. A short walk from the Gardens is also the Fry Art Gallery and the Saffron Walden Museum, both worth checking out to get your culture fix!
Saffron Grange
Located just on the outskirts of the town is Saffron Grange, a family-run vineyard producing great quality English Sparkling Wine. Book a vineyard tour with your partner or a bunch of friends and enjoy the panoramic views of the local countryside. Keep an eye out for their Pick and Sip event during the harvest season!
Saffron Hall
For music and theatre enthusiasts, the award-winning Saffron Hall is one of the UK's most exciting new performance spaces! The hall’s critically acclaimed acoustic and state-of-the-art facilities surpass many of the world’s more established venues. Check out what’s on here.
WHERE TO EAT
Saffron Walden is home to lots of wonderful independent cafes knocking up delicious homemade cakes, snacks and lunches. A few of our favourites for a quick reboot are Bicicletta, Angela Reed Cafe and Cafe Cou Cou. If you fancy a pub lunch, try the Chestnut Group's Eight Bells, only a short walk from our store.
For on-the-go and picnic bits visit our newest edition, Mini Miss for artisan bread and probably the best sourdough cookies and cinnamon buns you'll ever taste! You may have to queue… yes, it really is that good!
In the summer, cool down with a scoop or two of the most delicious homemade gelato from local chocolatier Hill St, and in the winter cosy up with their famous hot choc. While you're here, stock up on luxuriously crafted chocolate gifts like no other for friends and family, or yourselves (we won't tell!).
On Saturdays, local food trucks descend on the town centre for the market, choose from sweet or savoury Waffles at Waffle+Co, or grab a seat at the Crystal Waters seafood and oyster bar.
WHERE TO SHOP
The town hosts a variety of different stores for all, from independent toy and gift shops to womenswear and lingerie boutiques, antique/second hand furniture stores, craft shops, a winery and a beautiful book shop.
What more persuasion do you need?! Visit Saffron Walden
