Things to See and Do

Looking for a fun family day out? As one of the greatest sights of East Anglia, with a spectacular stately home and outstanding, spacious grounds, we've got something for all of the family.

Explore life below stairs in the service wing, meet the horses in the stable yard and run around in our children's play area. You could even join us at one of our fantastic events from our thrilling jousts to half term activities.

Welcome to Audley End

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. To book your visit, click here.

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.

Please click here for more information about the safety measures you can expect when visiting as well as our FAQs.

Gardens - Our blooming gardens are open for you to enjoy while keeping to social distancing rules.
Service Wing - The Service Wing will be open with social distancing in place.
House - The Great Hall, Saloon, Library and Lower Taxidermy Gallery of the House are open as usual with a one-way system in place.
Trail - Come and explore our 'have you seen this?' trail to discover some of the fascinating finds in our care.
Summer Weekends - On weekends from 18 July until 20 September we will be bringing the story of the House and Service Wing to life with live interpretation in the open air. Find out more.
Cafe - The Cartyard cafe is open for takeaways light refreshments such as hot and cold drinks, wrapped cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls and ice-creams with a new one-way system in place. Our pre-booked afternoon teas will be unavailable during this time.
Shop - Our shops in the Servant's Yard are both open with a new one-way system.
Playground - The playground is closed until further notice.
Toilets - Toilets will be open across the site at the Cartyard, laundry room and portaloos by the entrance. Additional hand sanitising stations will be available across the site.
Dogs - Dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy our grounds.
Face coverings - Face coverings must be worn in Audley End's indoor shop, café and all other indoor spaces. We won’t be able to give you a face covering, so please come prepared so you don’t miss out.
Parking - Parking is signposted with AA signs on Audley End Road and is 1/2 mile towards Saffron Walden. It is situated with the House on your left from the main gates.

Book your visit

Family Days Out

Looking for a fun family day out? As one of the greatest sights of East Anglia, with a spectacular stately home and outstanding, spacious grounds, we've got something for all of the family.

Find out more

Explore our Mansion House

Step inside the Mansion House and admire the interiors of one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England. Discover our history as you wander through the impressive great hall, magnificent state apartments, intimate dressing rooms and 18th century gothic-style chapel. You can even take a seat and relax in our library or play your favourite piece on our piano.

Look out for the state bed, one of the most important surviving late 18th century beds in the country, commissioned in anticipation of a royal visit in 1794. And don’t forget to take a look at the Braybrooke’s unique natural history collection.

Play in our Nursery

Take a visit to our restored 1830s Nursery Wing where nothing is out of bounds. Parents can relax and learn about the Braybrooke family while children can explore the indoor family play area.

Play as the Braybrooke children would have done and have fun with the toys and dress up as a Victorian child. You can even climb on the beds!

Discover the Life of a Victorian Servant

Experience a world of hierarchy, discipline, long hours and hard labour in the 1880s Service Wing and Coal Gallery of this bustling country estate. Step back in time and wander through a world of ‘below stairs’ that was not intended to be seen as you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian servant’s daily routine.

On special weekends throughout May to September, you can even meet our costumed interpreters as they Bring Audley End back to its Victorian heyday. Come face to face to with Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a meal for the family, bump into the stable hands while they’re grooming the horses and meet housekeeper Mrs Warwick as she organises the House for the day.

Gallop over to the Victorian Stable Yard

It’s time to horse around. Say ‘hello’ to our resident horses in the stable block and then see them in action. Take a look at our riding displays and an interactive exhibition to find out the story of the estate at work and play.

Make sure to check out the horses' daily timetable to see what they are up to!

Enjoy our Glorious Gardens

Take a stroll around our idyllic gardens to see the work of the influential ‘Capability’ Brown who swept away the remnants of a declining formal garden to create extensive views, a serpentine lake, and more natural planting. Don’t miss the elegant garden buildings, such as the bridge of the River Cam, which are the work of Robert Adam.

Don’t miss the beautifully restored parterre and our walled kitchen garden which is run entirely on organic principles. Discover the garden seasonal highlights and see something new with every visit.

Feeling Peckish?

Top up your energy and head to the Servant’s Hall Tea Room with its locally sourced delicious hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks. Or grab a light refreshment at the Cart Yard Café, handily located next to Children’s Play Area so you can enjoy a coffee while the kids play.

Let off Steam

Enjoy a family day out in the fresh countryside air and let the children burn off steam in our fun play area inspired by the property with its very own mansion to climb and wooden horses to ride.

Our spacious grounds are also a great way for your little ones to let off steam in the fresh, countryside air.