Bridge End Gardens Tours and Activities

Bridge End Gardens showing a garden
Bridge End Gardens
Bridge End Gardens which includes a garden
Bridge End Gardens featuring a garden
Bridge End Gardens which includes a garden and a statue or sculpture


Enjoy a picnic, see traditional Victorian gardening techniques in action or get lost in a hedge maze at these quiet 19th-century gardens.

Tucked away on a quiet backstreet of Saffron Walden, this picturesque formal garden is missed by many but well worth seeking out. Bridge End Garden is comprised of seven ornamental gardens that were originally planted by the Gibson family in 1840. Today, traditional gardening techniques have been employed to restore the gardens to their glorious original state. Bridge End Garden’s quiet location makes it a charming destination to escape to with a book or to enjoy a picnic surrounded by sculpted shrubbery. Kids will love the hedge maze and the playground.

Walk down manicured stone paths, amongst trimmed box hedges and past a variety of shrubbery typical of the Victorian garden style. In summer the garden bursts into color, creating a pretty backdrop for photographs. Climb to the viewing platform to look down upon the Dutch Garden, one of the most stunning areas of Bridge End. 

The historic hedge maze is a highlight of the gardens and a great family activity. Get lost as you run along the thin paths that lead through the maze.

The walled kitchen garden attracts visitors fascinated by traditional farming and gardening techniques. Enjoy a picnic as you stretch out on the lawn in front of the kitchen garden, or sit back on a designated picnic bench. 

Bridge End Garden is located between Church and Bridge streets in the northern part of Saffron Walden. The garden is set back from the street so it can often be missed. Follow the small trail between houses to reach the garden. Free parking can be found on Catons Lane. The Audley End train station is 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. 

While the gardens are open every day of the year, the hedge maze and kitchen garden are only open during selected hours each week. Check at the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre before you visit. Admission to the garden is free.

Plan a trip to see Bridge End Gardens

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Holiday Inn Brentwood M25, Jct. 28 by IHG
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

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Best Lodging Options Near Bridge End Gardens

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport

4 out of 5
Waltham Close Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
The Duxford Hotel - Cambridge South M11 Jct 10

The Duxford Hotel - Cambridge South M11 Jct 10

3.5 out of 5
42 Station Road E, Whittlesford, Cambridge, England
The Duxford Hotel - Cambridge South M11 Jct 10
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

3 out of 5
Bassingbourn Road, Essex, Stansted, England
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport
Novotel London Stansted Airport

Novotel London Stansted Airport

4 out of 5
Round Coppice Road, London Stansted Airport, Stansted, England
Novotel London Stansted Airport
DeSalis Hotel London Stansted

DeSalis Hotel London Stansted

3 out of 5
Hall Road ( opposite Green St.), Elsenham, Bishop's Stortford, England
DeSalis Hotel London Stansted
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
Thremhall Avenue, London Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG
Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport

Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport

3.5 out of 5
Welcome Break Birchanger Green, Jct 8, M11 Mtrwy, Old Dumow Rd, Bishop's Stortford, England
Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport
The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel

The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel

4 out of 5
Tilekin Green, Bishop's Stortford, England
The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel
Premier Inn London Stansted Airport

Premier Inn London Stansted Airport

2.5 out of 5
Thremhall Avenue, Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
Premier Inn London Stansted Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bridge End Gardens

At Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, you can enjoy a lovely day exploring its beautiful landscapes and picturesque walking paths. The gardens feature a delightful picnic area, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in local craft fairs and daily trips that showcase the charm of this historic town. Experience the serenity and beauty of this hidden gem during your visit!

Shopping

For shopping near Bridge End Gardens, check out the Cambridge Market Square, a lively public market 20.9km away, and the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, offering family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit the Forest Drive Shops, 35.4km away, for a variety of local goods.

Recreation

At Milton Country Park, enjoy serene landscapes perfect for relaxation and leisurely walks. Experience the thrill of the outdoors at Gog Magog Golf Club, where you can play a round amidst beautiful scenery. The National Stud offers a unique sports vibe, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Virtual Aviation, located 20.9km from Bridge End Gardens, where you can immerse yourself in air sports. For water sports enthusiasts, Lee Valley White Water Centre, 41.8km away, offers exciting white-water rafting. Camp at Gilwell Park, 45.1km away, for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at the Old Sun Inn, a charming pub just 966m from Bridge End Gardens, perfect for romance and entertainment. For a cultural evening, catch a show at the nearby Haverhill Arts Centre or Rhodes Arts Complex, both offering captivating performances.

Find the best attractions near Bridge End Gardens

Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden offers a delightful mix of attractions, including historic sites, urban parks, and military museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the great outdoors. Nearby points of interest enhance the experience, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking a rich blend of nature and history.

  • Imperial War Museum Duxford: Located 11.3km from Bridge End Gardens, this military museum is a treasure trove of aviation history. Explore iconic aircraft and significant wartime exhibits, immersing yourself in the stories that shaped the UK.
  • Fry Art Gallery: Just 161m away, the Fry Art Gallery showcases an impressive collection of modern British art, particularly focusing on works from the 20th century. It's a perfect spot for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration in a charming setting.
  • Anglia Ruskin University: Situated 20.9km from the gardens, this historic university offers a glimpse into academic life in England. Its stunning architecture and vibrant campus contribute to the cultural richness of the area.

Best time to go to Bridge End Gardens

Visitor numbers around Bridge End Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bridge End Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bridge End Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bridge End Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bridge End Gardens

When visiting Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like The Common and Fry Art Gallery. To save on accommodation, consider visiting from December to February, as prices drop, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-certified options. Bundling your hotel with flights and activities can also lead to savings. Keep an eye out for hotel promos and discount codes to further stretch your budget while exploring this beautiful area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bridge End Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bridge End Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bridge End Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Bridge End Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.