Visit Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a medieval town full of history and owes its success to the past
trading of various items such as Saffron and Malt, and the Cattle Market which closed during the 1980s.When you visit Saffron Walden, probably the best way to explore the towns many interesting buildings and tourist attractions is to follow the Saffron Walden Town Trail.
Originally launched on the 4th of November 2007 by the Mayor and Mayoress of Saffron Walden, Councillor Sarfraz Anjum and Mrs Lubana Anjum, the Town Trail starts at the Market Place. Here you will find the popular Town Market, which takes place twice weekly in the Market Square every Tuesday and Saturday, has numerous stalls ranging from fruit and vegetables and plants through to antiques, household goods, jewellery and everything in between. The Market has also just had improvement work completed by the Essex County Council in order to enhance the historic Market Square.
From here the Trail moves on to the Old Sun Inn; a collection of Grade 1 listed homes and shops dating back to the 14th century. The crossroads at which the Inn is located has marvellous timber framed buildings on each of its corners.
Next on your journey would be the Museum and the Grade 1 listed Castle Ruins. Completed in 1835, the Museum houses a Natural History Museum Gallery along with many other items of interest from North West Essex.
Constructed by Geoffrey de Mandeville, the 3rd Earl of Essex, the Castle is now a shadow of its former self but interesting none the less.
Now take a walk down Castle Street with its timber framed Hall and Wealden houses which leads you to the Fry Art Gallery and Bridge End Garden.
Inherited by Elizabeth Fry from her father, Francis Gibson, the Fry Art Gallery was originally created to house his personal art collection. The Gallery is now home to a number of works by the Great Bardfield group of artists who settled in Essex during the 1930s.
With help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bridge End Garden has been restored and contains a maze, a beautiful lawn, and three gardens, Dutch, rose and kitchen. There is also a wilderness area.
A short walk brings you to The Eight Bells which was built in the 1530s. This magnificent building is now home to a contemporary restaurant. This is one of only a few buildings in Saffron Walden that retain their windows in the original positions on both floors.
Whilst on your way to the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, you pass the 1490s Grade 1 listed medieval building that houses the Youth Hostel, and The Close, a 15th century timber framed house with its 17th century spider framed window.
The Parish Church is the largest in Essex and stands at 193 feet measured to the top of the spire. The interior is breathtaking and houses a splendid Organ that uses Trompeta Real pipes. If you visit Saffron Walden, try to give yourself enough time to pay the church a visit, youll be sure of a warm welcome.
The next step of your walk brings you to the Cross Keys. This 15th century timber framed building started life as a house and shop, and is now The Cross Keys Hotel, complete with restaurant and bar. You may want to rest here and sample some ale or a glass of wine while enjoying a well earned bite to eat.
Now that youve refuelled you can make your way to The Rows. Dating back to medieval times, The Rows were the towns shopping centre and originally started out as market stalls. On the corner of Cross Street and Kings Street youll find an interesting 15th century Hall house, typical of large houses from that period.
Here the Trail ends, but there is so much more to see. With various types of accommodation to choose from, stay for a while in a bed and breakfast, guest house or hotel and explore some more!
Not on the Town Trail, but definately worth a visit, is The Riverslade Art Gallery, a centre for work produced by local professional artists. Run by the artists themselves, it features original paintings and drawings, etchings, ceramics, sculpture, textile art, glass art, jewellery, mosaics and woodwork. The wide range of work provides a source of unique items, large and small, for the home, for gifts and for the collector. Cards featuring the artists work are also available.
Visit Saffron Walden soon and enjoy all that the town and surrounding area has to offer.
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