Bridge End Gardens

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


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 colour, 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 kilometres) 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.

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Things to do near Bridge End Gardens

At Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, perfect for a bit of sightseeing. The gardens feature a delightful mix of floral displays and tranquil pathways, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. Don't miss the charming Victorian features, as well as opportunities for photography, enhancing your visit with a touch of local history and nature.

Shopping

For shopping near Bridge End Gardens, visit Cambridge Market Square, a vibrant public market 20.9km away. If you're up for a drive, the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, also 20.9km away, offers a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops, while Forest Drive Shops, located 35.4km away, caters to business and family needs.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Bishop's Stortford Golf Club, where you can immerse yourself in outdoor sports amidst beautiful scenery. For relaxation, visit The Backs, a serene recreational area perfect for unwinding. Don't miss the National Stud, a vibrant sports facility offering an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Bridge End Gardens, you can experience thrilling air sports at Virtual Aviation, located 20.9km away, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. For water sports, head to Lee Valley White Water Centre, 41.8km from the gardens, offering exciting outdoor activities. Enjoy family camping and outdoor adventures at Gilwell Park, situated 45.1km away.

Nightlife

For an enjoyable evening near Bridge End Gardens, visit the Old Sun Inn for a cosy pub atmosphere filled with romance and entertainment, only 966m away. Alternatively, catch a show at Cambridge Junction for a cultural experience, located 19.3km from the gardens.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bridge End Gardens

Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden offers a delightful blend of historic attractions, including a nearby university, charming urban parks, and insightful military museums. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences, ensuring a memorable visit filled with diverse explorations.

  • Audley End House: Discover the grandeur of Audley End House, a magnificent historic property that once served as a royal residence. Explore its beautifully restored rooms and vast gardens, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of this stunning estate, located 1.6km from Bridge End Gardens.
  • Imperial War Museum Duxford: Experience the history of aviation and military conflict at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. This impressive military museum, 11.3km away, houses an extensive collection of aircraft and exhibits that tell compelling stories of wartime bravery and innovation.
  • Market Square: Stroll through the vibrant Market Square, just 322m from Bridge End Gardens. This lively piazza is perfect for sampling local delicacies, enjoying street performances, and soaking in the bustling atmosphere of Saffron Walden’s town centre.

Best time to go to Bridge End Gardens

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly 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

To save money on your visit to Bridge End Gardens, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Sunday stays are typically cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search wizard to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and sort by price to find the best deals. Combine your hotel bookings with flights and activities for additional savings. Lastly, explore the gardens on foot, as this is a cost-effective way to enjoy the area while experiencing its beauty up close.

  • 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Bridge End Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to tailor your search according to your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Bridge End Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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