town has higgledy-piggledy, colourful cottages, pristine gardens and country pubs. Its market dates to 1141, while its name was formalised by Henry VII in a charter granted in 1514. Previous titles included “Walden” and “Chipping Walden” until the saffron crocus was grown and farmed extensively in the area in the late Middle Ages, earning the town its current name.
Saffron Walden is petite and unspoilt: nearby attractions include the medieval streets of Thaxted – with a Grade II-listed windmill among its historic buildings – and Audley End House and Gardens.The closest railway station is Audley End. This is on the London Liverpool Street to Cambridge line. Connect in Cambridge or London for trains to other parts of the country.
From Audley End railway station, you can take a bus ride on services 301, 59, 60 and 590 to the centre of Saffron Walden. Buses also serve surrounding areas, but it is worth having the number of a local taxi firm for evening or Sunday travel.A 10-minute taxi from Audley End station will take you to boutique, family-run B&B Piglets. It has a games room with a full-size snooker table, a sauna, a natural swimming pond and knowledgeable hosts.