Named by The Sunday Times as its ‘best place to live in the UK’ for 2025, Saffron Walden has a quintessential charm that has long made it popular with individuals, couples and families alike.

Lying in scenic countryside on the Essex/Cambridgeshire border and steeped in medieval history, the picturesque market town has some excellent state schools, a thriving foodie scene and is rich in culture and the arts.

FASCINATING HISTORY

First called Walden and then Chipping Walden, the town officially changed its name in the early 1500s when the saffron crocus was grown extensively in the area and the saffron trade was at its peak.

Today, Saffron Walden’s links to its past are evident at every turn, with a stunning range of architecture and historic buildings.

There are many fine period homes in Castle Street and Bridge End for example, while other buildings of note include the Old Sun Inn, the Eight Bells, the timber-framed Cross Keys and the Grade I listed 1 Myddylton Place, which was formerly the youth hostel and is now one of Saffron Walden’s oldest inhabited properties.

SHOPPING

A market has been held in Saffron Walden since 1141, and while much has obviously changed over the centuries, the buzz and sense of excitement on market day remains – providing a chance to chat with friends and neighbours and peruse a variety of wares.

Taking place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, shoppers can browse everything from flowers, olives and Spanish meats to cheeses, fish and clothing.

Away from the market, ‘The Rows’ has provided Saffron Walden’s shopping centre since medieval times. From independent deli Sage & Saffron, to Neon Leo, a sustainable fashion platform and store offering event clothing to rent and preloved fashion and accessories to buy – there’s a plethora of independent and national retailers.

FOOD & DRINK

The town has a diverse and exciting food scene, attracting locals and visitors alike. Gluttons is a personal favourite, especially for a cooked breakfast or spot of lunch; the staff are always friendly and the menu is delicious. Alternatively, The Goat and Grass has lots of alfresco dining space and is very popular, while Chater's is a mix of café, aperitivo bar and restaurant specialising in small plates and fresh pasta (made in-house) with an on-site distillery. For an Indian meal my choice would be Indigo, and the Railway Arms (named ‘Essex Pub of the Year’ by the Campaign for Real Ale in 2022) is a family-friendly pub with a lovely, recently much improved, sunny garden.

SCHOOLS

Saffron Walden is renowned for its good state schools, making it an attractive choice for families.

Popular schools include Saffron Walden County High, the R A Butler Academy, Katherine Semar , St Mary’s, St Thomas More, Saffron Walden Nursey School and Meadows Montessori.

Nearby Cambridge also has a number of highly regarded schools as well as its two universities.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

If it’s entertainment you’re after then Saffron Hall offers a fantastic selection of concerts throughout the year, while the independent Saffron Screen cinema is a firm favourite with film-goers. Both venues are within the grounds of Saffron Walden County High School and are hugely popular.

The Fry Art Gallery is always worth a visit, while there are plenty of clubs and societies to enjoy, along with events such as the annual fireworks display and carnival organised by the Saffron Walden Round Table.

There is also plenty of greenery to explore. A short walk around the Common – the oldest of Saffron Walden’s open spaces – will see you pass through the castle ruins and St Mary’s Church (the largest parish church in Essex) and finish in Bridge End Gardens, a true jewel in the crown perfect for a quiet wander.

For those looking a little further afield then Audley End House is within easy reach; Audley End Park is free to access for lots of amazing walks, and the miniature railway at Audley End is a fantastic year-round attraction for children.

Cambridge offers further shops and amenities, including the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge Corn Exchange theatre.

BUYING AND RENTING A PROPERTY

Saffron Walden ticks many of the boxes that buyers are looking for – benefiting from a diverse range of properties including historic cottages and town houses through to contemporary homes and modern conversions. Mount Pleasant, West Road and Victoria Avenue are especially popular, together with Castle Street and Museum Street, both of which are close to the church.

High demand and short supply has seen house prices increase by an average of 17.7% in the last five years to £526,233. Average rental prices meanwhile have risen by an average of 29.2% to £1,195 a month.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Just 15 miles from Cambridge in a tranquil corner of north-west Essex, Saffron Walden offers excellent connectivity.

Audley End station is a little over three miles away (approximately eight minutes by car) and provides regular train services into London Liverpool Street. Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport are also nearby, while the M11, A11, A120 and M25 are all easily accessible.

In addition, the town is close to popular villages such as Newport and Great Chesterford – both of which have train stations with regular services into the capital.