Things to see and do
Mansion House
Admire the interiors of what was once one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England. Discover the history of Audley End, wander the impressive great hall, magnificent state apartments, intimate dressing rooms, libraries and 18th century gothic-style chapel with more detail than ever before. Explore some of the highlights from the collection at Audley End.
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 1786. And uncover the story behind the Braybrooke's unique natural history collection.
Nursery and Coal Gallery
Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the eight Braybrooke children who lived in this nursery suite with their governess, nursemaids and tutors. The suite has been restored to how it would have been in the 1830s, and you can see the toys the children would have played with and the nursery furniture they used.
Explore the hard life of a Victorian servant in the coal gallery. Bunkers are filled with coal, cupboards stocked with soap and candles, and soundscapes are used to create the hustle and bustle of the servants' daily routine.
1880s Service Wing
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of life in the service wing of this bustling country estate.
Experience a world of hierarchy, discipline, long hours and hard labour, through film projections, introductory wall displays and even traditional food from the era.
Carefully restored to its former heyday you can wander through a world 'below stairs' that was never intended to be seen.
Victorian Stable Yard
It's time to horse around. Say hello to our resident horses in the stable block then see them in action.
Riding displays and an interactive exhibition tell the story of the estate at work and play. Little stable-hands will have the chance to dress-up too.
Find out what the horses are doing throughout the day, and when best to see them, with this daily timetable.
The gardens
Strolling around the garden today you are enjoying the work of two of the most famous and influential designers of the 18th century. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown swept away the remnants of a declining formal garden to create extensive views, a serpentine lake and more natural planting.
The elegant garden buildings, such as the bridge over the River Cam, are the work of Robert Adam. The neoclassical designer who also designed a suite of rooms in the mansion.
Don’t miss the beautiful restored parterre and the walled kitchen garden run entirely on organic principles. Discover the garden seasonal highlights.
Meet the Staff
Discover what life was like below stairs by meeting the Victorian workers in the stables, service wing, nursery and coal gallery, every weekend May to September.
Come face to face with Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a meal for the family, bump into the stablehands while they’re grooming the horses, and meet Governess Miss Dormer as she organises the children for the day.
Costumed characters bring Audley End back to its Victorian heyday.
Food and Drink
Feeling peckish? Head to the Servants' Hall Tea Room with its locally-sourced hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks.
Grab light refreshments at the Cart Yard Café next to the Children's Play Area.
You can now order pre-order picnics to be enjoyed in the grounds, find out more on our Food and Drink page.
Children's Play Area
Children can burn off some energy in the play area which has been inspired by the property and includes its very own mansion to climb and wooden horses to ride
It's right next to the Cart Yard Café so parents and grandparents can relax with a cup of tea whilst keeping an eye on the little ones.
Plan your visit to Audley End House and Gardens today.
Souvenirs of Italy: an English Family Abroad
From 1st April until 31st October our exhibition Souvenirs of Italy: an English Family Abroad will be on display in the Library at Audley End. Created in collaboration with Cambridge University, the exhibition focuses on the European travels of former owner of Audley End and later 2nd Lord Braybrooke, Richard Neville.
The exhibition invites visitors to discover how Richard’s experiences abroad left a lasting personal and cultural legacy at Audley End through a showcase of personal possessions, letters, books and manuscripts – many of which have never been on public display before.
