Saffron Walden – A historic centre in the beautiful Essex Countryside
Ideally located just 18 miles from Cambridge and 12 miles from Bishop’s Stortford, Saffron Walden is a culturally rich medieval town that gained its wealth from wool and saffron. You’ll enjoy a perfect market town atmosphere, beautiful historic buildings, and the largest parish church in Essex – St Mary’s Church – at the town’s heart. Our houses for sale in Saffron Walden are located within the stunning Essex countryside and are a stones’ throw from heritage sites like the 19th century garden at Bridge End, just under a 10 minute drive away. It’s the local transport links, deep history, and beautiful country location that make Saffron Walden such a sought-after location.
What’s close to Saffron Walden?
Saffron Walden is an ideally located market town within the county of Essex. You’ll benefit from a wide array of local amenities, including a Tesco Superstore, Waitrose, community hospital, Homebase, vet, and a Pure Gym all a stones’ throw from your doorstep. In the town of Saffron Walden, you’ll be spoilt for choice for both chain and independent dining options: A cosy tea room, local takeaways, fish and chips, and Italian options including Prezzo and ASK Italian are all available. The 19th century old-world pubs The English Gentleman and The Kings’ Arms both offer a fine choice of drinks and tasty pub fayre. There are plenty of places to shop, too - a New Look, Superdrug, Boots, FatFace, Clarks and WHSmith are all gathered within this idyllic town centre. There’s also an award-winning weekly market with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables available on Tuesdays and Saturdays that has been held in the town since 1141. Just outside of Saffron Waldon, conveniently located as you come into Saffron View, is a small retail park where you will find Aldi, Pets at Home, Costa Coffee and a B&M store.
In terms of leisure, there are a number of activities close to home, including the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre just 4 minutes away by car that offers a fantastic range of community facilities including a gym, swimming pool, squash courts, a sauna, steam rooms, and a sports hall that’s available for activities and parties. You’re also not far from equestrian centres such as the Sparrows Hill Livery horse riding school, and the One Minet skate park is sure to keep children fit, active and socialising.
Our property for sale in Saffron Walden also benefits from the town’s status as a centre for the arts, as well as a rich history. St Mary’s Church is the largest parish church in Essex and has regular services available. From there, you can visit the Bridge End Gardens, a group of ornamental gardens created around 1840 by Francis Gibson. When it comes to art, the Fry Art Gallery - which opened over three decades ago - has a stunning collection of paintings, illustrations, and designs, all run by volunteers. There’s also the Saffron Walden Gallery for contemporary art and the Church Street Gallery for incredible pieces by local artists. Saffron Walden is additionally home to a museum, independent cinema, and the award-winning Saffron Hall for memorable days out.
Further afield, you’re just 12 miles from Bishop’s Stortford, another historic market town with incredible sights and opportunities for days out, including the Mountfitchet Castle & the House on the Hill Toy Museum. Mountfitchet Castle allows you to experience what medieval life was like over 900 years ago, walking through an open-air Norman village, while the House on the Hill Toy Museum offers a wide collection to peruse, owned by Alan Goldsmith – an avid collector of toys from a young age.
Our homes in Saffron View are also located just 18 miles from Cambridge. Nestled along the River Cam, this historic city is home to 40 acres of botanic gardens owned by the renowned Cambridge University, the famous Fitzwilliam Museum, and the stunning King’s College Chapel. Once you’ve soaked in all the historic sights and landmarks that Cambridge has to offer, unwind along the River Cam with guided river punting tours and boat hires. Stop by the weekly foodPark markets for a bite to eat from the city’s best traders or visit any number of popular restaurants and eateries including Fitzbillies – famous for its Chelsea buns. If you’re looking to do shopping, Cambridge is home to a three-floored Grand Arcade with 60 luxury and high street retailers, as well as the Grafton Centre and Lion Yard, which both offer further options for shopping, dining or entertainment. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, sight-seeing or a bit of retail therapy, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Cambridge.
Local Schools & Education
Those looking to move to Saffron View with a family will find a good selection of nearby Ofsted rated schools, giving you a range of good choices for each stage of your child’s education. Saffron Walden Nursery School (‘Good’) is just a 5 minute drive away, and Children’s Cottage Day Nursery (‘Good’) is also within the same distance. For primary education, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School (‘Good’) is also just 5 minutes away by car, and St Mary’s C of E Primary School (‘Good’) is just 6 minutes’ drive from the development. From there, Saffron Walden County High School (‘Outstanding’) is a perfect location for your children’s further education and sixth form.
Cambridge University is a prestigious institution founded in 1209, making it the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university, and is the top-ranked university in the United Kingdom according to all major league tables, making it a fantastic option for those looking to further their education.
Transport & Travel
Our property for sale in Saffron Walden benefits from excellent transport links by car, with the nearby M11 giving easy access northward to Cambridge (36 minutes) and East Anglia, or southward to London (under 2 hours) and the M25 (40 minutes). If you’re looking to get around by train, Audley End station is just 10 minutes away by car for services to Cambridge and London, which are approximately 20 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes away respectively.
For air travel, Stansted Airport is just 27 minutes away via the M11, meaning that you’re never too far from your next well deserved holiday.
