Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House and Gardens is open. Measures are still in place to keep everyone safe, and you need to book your visit in advance. Find out more below.

Kids Rule! at Half Term Sat 29 May - Sun 6 Jun 2021

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Blooming Gardens 26 - 27 June 2021

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Direction Map

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Address
Off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

Please note: The House at Audley End is open in line with government guidelines. This includes the Great Hall, Saloon, Library, Lower Taxidermy Gallery, picture gallery and coal gallery. The Service Wing and Stables are also open. The House is open 10am - 4pm with last enry at 3.30pm.

What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

  • Do we need to Book?

    Advance booking is now essential. We have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe, and you won’t be able to visit without your booking confirmation. If you’re a Member, your ticket will be free, but you still need to book in advance. Make sure you've read our ticketing FAQ before you book.

    Two ticket types will be available from 17 May until 30 June. These are the house and grounds ticket, and the grounds-only ticket – which is available at a reduced rate.  

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    Booking FAQs

  • Keeping you Safe

    We've made a number of changes to help keep you safe. Although things might be a little different when you visit, you’ll still be able to enjoy exploring the places where history really happened. And you’ll still be given a warm and safe welcome by our friendly – if socially distant – staff and volunteers.

    You can visit our reopening page for information on general safety measures we've taken to help keep you safe.

    General Safety Information

  • Do I need to wear a face covering?

    Face coverings must be worn in all indoor areas. We won't be able to provide you with a face covering, so please come prepared so you don't miss out.

Admire the interiors of what was once one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England. Wander around our spacious grounds and admire the glorious gardens designed by Capability Brown, including our beautifully restored parterre and organic kitchen gardens. Take a stroll over to the stable yard and meet our friendly horses before topping up your energy with a delicious treat in the cafe. 

Meet the Staff at Audley End

On selected weekends during 1 May to 25 September we will be bringing the story of the House and Service Wing to life with live interpretation in the open air.

Meet the servants as they step out of their stuffy rooms and into the clean fresh air while the Lord and Lady of the house are away on holiday. Meet various characters throughout the weekends including  Mr Vert the head gardener busily tending to his Lordship’s garden and John Barker, the Groom, as he spends time with his beloved horses in the stables.

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What's On

Audley End House guidebook

Guidebook: Audley End

Price: £5.50

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 Audley End Timeline

1139De Mandeville Family

Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex, founds a Benedictine priory at Walden, which becomes Walden Abbey in 1190.

1538From Abbey to Mansion

The abbey is suppressed by Henry VIII and granted to Sir Thomas Audley, Lord Chancellor. He transforms the abbey buildings into a mansion.

Find out more about Audley End's history

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Gallery for Audley End House and Gardens

Holiday in the heart of history at English Heritage's holiday cottages

HOLIDAY IN THE HEART OF ENGLISH HISTORY

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The Victorian Way Gifts

SHOP ONLINE
Enjoy afternoon tea at one of English Heritage's cafes

CART YARD CAFÉ AT AUDLEY END HOUSE

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Membership starts from £51

Membership gives you unlimited access to castles and gardens, historic houses and abbeys, and kids go free ...

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UNLIMITED ACCESS TO OVER 400 HISTORIC PLACES

Live and breathe the story of England at royal castles, historic gardens, forts & defences, world-famous prehistoric sites and many others.

FREE ENTRY FOR UP TO SIX CHILDREN

Free entry for up to six children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group).

FREE HANDBOOK TO PLAN INSPIRING DAYS OUT, WORTH £10.95

Complimentary full colour handbook worth £10.95. Plus our award winning Members’ Magazine delivered four times a year.

FREE OR REDUCED ENTRY TO OUR EXCITING EVENTS

'step into englands story