Things to see and do

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. 

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.

    Book Tickets

    Booking FAQs

  • What parts of the site are open?

    Gardens - Our beautiful gardens are open for you to enjoy while keeping to social distancing rules.

    Service Wing - The Service Wing is 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. Please check our access page before you visit.

    Cafe - The Cartyard Cafe and Tea Room are open for takeaway light refreshments such as hot and cold drinks and sandwiches. There is limited indoor seating and disposable cutlery. The Cart Yard Cafe will also be serving hot wraps and toasties. The Tea Room will be offering soup, tartlets and veggie chilli with nachos.

    Shop - Our shop is open with a new one-way system.

    Playground - The playground is open with social distancing measures in place.

    Toilets - Our toilets are open with addititional hand sanitising station available across the site.

  • 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.

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.

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. 

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