Saffron Walden is a market town in Essex, East Anglia. It's 15 miles south of Cambridge and 46 miles north of London so it's commuterland for both, and in 2021 had a population of 16,600. The town is named for the spice once cultivated here, but its main attraction today is Audley End House and Gardens.

了解

Crocus sativus flowers

Saffron is a red-gold spice derived from the flower Crocus sativus, which has a vivid crimson stigma and styles. The plant is sometimes called "autumn crocus" (which is also the name of a poisonous plant) and is sterile because its chromosomes are triploid. It's therefore unknown in the wild and is artificially propagated by splitting its corms. All plants are therefore clones of an ancient ancestor, created maybe 4000 years ago somewhere in the east Mediterranean - za'farān is Arabic for "golden". ]

The stigma or "threads" are harvested by hand, and it takes 40 hours of labour to pick 150,000 flowers to yield one kilo of saffron. That kilo will cost you over £10,000 at the Cash & Carry, but fortunately, only a few threads suffice to impart colour and flavour to a dish, and a gram should last a while. Although it prefers a semi-arid climate, the saffron crocus was successfully cultivated in East Anglia, with its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries. Saffron then lost out to cheaper flavourings and colourings, both from imports and from synthetics, and labour shortages rendered its intense harvesting impractical. Ironically it became more fashionable in the late 20th century when its modern sources such as Kashmir and Iran made it "exotic" and, therefore somehow more "authentic". There have been attempts to re-start cultivation in East Anglia but they struggle with the same practicalities that ended the Tudor trade.

抵达

乘飞机

London Stansted Airport (STN ^IATA) is around 12 mi (19 km) from Saffron Walden by road. There are direct flights into Stansted from airports in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. It is a Ryanair and Jet2.com hub.

Buses to Saffron Walden depart Stansted Airport bus station, which is a short walk from the terminal. Use route 316.

Trains to Audley End depart Stansted Airport railway station, which lies below the terminal. Use Greater Anglia services. Audley End railway station is around 2 mi (3.2 km) west of Saffron Walden, with taxis, buses and hire bicycles available.

The UK's largest airport is London Heathrow (LHR ^IATA), with flights arriving from hundreds of destinations globally. For Saffron Walden by train, use the  ELI  to Liverpool Street and change for trains to Audley End. By coach, use National Express 727 and 728 to Stansted Airport or Cambridge and change for local bus services to Saffron Walden.

乘火车

Saffron Walden's nearest railway station is1 Audley End which lies around 2 mi (3.2 km) west of the town. It is part of the National Rail network throughout Great Britain.

During the daytimes, trains arrive from London Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, Cheshunt, Broxbourne, Harlow Town, Sawbridgeworth, Bishop's Stortford, Whittlesford Parkway near Duxford, and Cambridge.

Services usually depart Liverpool Street every 30 minutes. Stopping patterns vary, with additional services at peak times. From central London, use London Underground  CEN  CIR  H&C  MET  or  ELI  for Liverpool Street, or London Underground  VIC  for Tottenham Hale.

Trains also arrive from Stansted Airport, Ely, Thetford, Attleborough, Wymondham and Norwich.

A small number of services arrive from Birmingham New Street, Leicester and Peterborough.

For Saffron Walden

• use bus routes 59/590, 301 or 319/320/321 and check timetables using the Travel Essex website;
• use local taxis;
• or, use App-Bike e-bikes, available for hire to Uttlesford district residents, who must prove they live locally.

乘巴士

Most buses into Saffron Walden call at the High Street, with stops also near The Common and Tesco. The Travel Essex website features a journey planner for local routes.

• From Audley End railway station, use routes 59/590, 301 or 319/320/321.
• From Bishop's Stortford, use route 301.
• From Cambridge, use route 7 operated by Stagecoach. Buses depart Emmanuel Street in Cambridge city centre, Cambridge railway station and Addenbrooke's Hospital. Use route 132 by C G Myall & Son on Sundays, departing from Drummer Street bus station in Cambridge city centre, Cambridge railway station and Addenbrooke's Hospital.
• From Great Dunmow, use routes 313 and 314 (via Thaxted).
• From Haverhill, use routes 319/320/321.
• From Stansted Airport, use route 316 (via Thaxted).

公路

Saffron Walden is set back from the major road network. Routes into the town are

• B184 - from Great Dunmow, Thaxted and Stump Cross
• B1052 - from Newport and Linton
• B1053 - from Finchingfield and Haverhill

The lies to the west of Saffron Walden, between London and Cambridge. From London, Harlow and Stansted Airport, exit at then follow B184, signposted for Saffron Walden. From The Midlands and Trumpington, Saffron Walden is signposted from via A505, A1301 and B184.

From Norwich, Thetford and Newmarket, use to Stump Cross. Follow signs for Saffron Walden via B184.

From Harwich, Colchester and Braintree, use to Great Dunmow. Follow signs for Thaxted then Saffron Walden via B184.

From Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston, use to Sawston then A1301 and B184 to Saffron Walden.

From Bishop's Stortford and Stansted Mountfitchet, use B1383 to Newport then B1052 to Saffron Walden.

骑自行车

Saffron Walden is surrounded by rolling hills, with some moderate and steep climbs on routes into the town. Cycling will almost always require using roads with motor traffic.

Cyclists can use several routes from Cambridge to Saffron Walden. A shared-use path runs alongside the A1301 between Pampisford and Hinxton, where cycling is permitted. Other parts of the journey and alternative routes will require mixing with motor traffic.

From Audley End railway station, Saffron Walden is signposted for cyclists along Walden Road and Wenden Road, which features a short, steep climb. This route is shared with motor traffic. Uttlesford district residents can hire App-Bike e-bikes, but they must prove they live locally before their journey.

National Cycle Network route 11 passes through Wendens Ambo, a village 2 mi (3.2 km) west of Saffron Walden. Active travel charity Sustrans looks after the network throughout the UK. Cyclists following the signposted route 11 should expect to use quieter country lanes alongside motor traffic. It is an indirect route into the area from Ely, Cambridge Jesus Green, Cambridge King's Parade, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Great Shelford, Stapleford, Sawston, Whittlesford, Duxford, Hinxton, Ickleton, Strethall and Littlebury Green. From Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden is signposted for cyclists along Walden Road and Wenden Road. Route (11) is signposted from Saffron Walden, for cyclists travelling towards Cambridge via Ickleton.

四处逛逛

Everything is within walking distance, including Audley End one mile west.

Taxi firms include Crocus Cars (☏ +44 1799 525511), Abel Cars (☏ +44 1799 513313), Sewell Cars (☏ +44 1799 501636) and Cab Rides (+44 7377 360770).

看

Bridge End Gardens

• 1 Saffron Walden Museum, Museum Street, CB10 1BN, ☏ +44 1799 510333. W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 2-5PM. Museum closes 30 minutes early during the winter season (November - February). Explore more than 2 million years of Essex's history and pre-history at Saffron Walden Museum. Meet Wallace the Lion, thought to be the first lion bred into captivity in Britain, who arrived in Saffron Walden in 1838, or the bivalve mollusc which lived in the Red Crag sea millions of years ago. Check the website for exhibitions. Adults £2.50, concessions £1.25, under 18s free. (updated Dec 2023)
• 2 Fry Art Gallery, 19a Castle Street, CB10 1BD, ☏ +44 1799 513779. Apr-Oct: Tu-F 2-5PM, Sa 11AM-5PM, Su 2-5PM. The Fry Art Gallery celebrates the art and design by 20th and 21st-century artists - foremost are the Great Bardfield group including Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious. Free. (updated Dec 2023)
• 3 St Mary's Church, Church Path, CB10 1JP, ☏ +44 1799 506024. St Mary the Virgin is the largest church in Essex, and larger than some English cathedrals. Its spire towers 193 ft (59 m) above the entrance. A stone church dates back to at least 1130 and was rebuilt several times — in the 1200s and 1400s. Former MP R A "Rab" Butler (1902-1982), architect of the Education Act 1944, is buried in the churchyard. (updated Dec 2023)
• 4 Bridge End Gardens, 17-22 Castle St CB10 1BE, ☏ +44 1799 524002. 24 hours. 2.7-hectare ornamental Dutch garden with a hedge maze, laid out from 1828, and restored to its 1870s heyday. Free. (updated Feb 2023)
• 5 Jubilee Garden is a little green space off Hill Street. A maze has been laid out on the paving of the bandstand.
• 6 Turf Maze or Labyrinth in the east corner of The Common is probably of great antiquity, but its origin and purpose are unknown. With a diameter of 132 feet, it's one of the world's largest. You can explore and escape from it any time, as it's just grooves cut in the turf.
• 7 Audley End House and Gardens, off London Road, Audley End CB11 4JF, ☏ +44 370 333 1181. Apr-Oct: daily, Nov-Mar: W-Su 10AM-4PM. Magnificent "prodigy" house: as Elizabeth I toured the country, nobles vied to create mansions suitable for her and all the courtiers and retinue. This house, created from the dissolved Walden Abbey, did so in 1578. "I know, I'll smash it all down and make a much bigger one" reasoned the Earl of Suffolk. He hosted King James I here, the least he could do since he'd embezzled royal funds to pay for it. Charles II owned it for a time. Over the 18th century Sir John Vanbrugh whittled it down to a third of its sprawl, and this is the version you see nowadays. Capability Brown landscaped the gardens. The "Temple of Concord" seen east is a mock-ruin built in 1791 to celebrate King George III's recovery from insanity, which didn't last long but they kept the "folly". Adult £21, child £12.60, concessions £18.90. (updated Feb 2023)

活动

赫姆斯特德 This tiny hamlet 10 miles east of town has three famous denizens. William Harvey (1578-1657) discovered the circulation of the blood and was buried here. Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey (1758-1830) was captain of Temeraire at the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar; he too lies in the Harvey family crypt here. Dick Turpin (1705-1739) was born here and became a highwayman around Epping Forest. He fled north in 1737 when the rest of his gang was captured; in Yorkshire, he took up horse-thieving, for which he was hanged.

• Cinema: Saffron Screen is a small volunteer-run cinema within the High School on Audley End Road.
• Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road CB11 4JB (by entrance to Audley End House), ☏ +44 1799 510726, enquiries@aemr.co.uk. Apr-Sep. 10 1⁄4 in (260 mm)-gauge railway opened in 1964, on a 1 1⁄2 mile circuit of the woods by the House. Adult £10, child under 92 cm £5. (updated Feb 2023)
• Golf: Saffron Walden GC. It is on the west side of town at Windmill Hill. White tees 6608 yards, par 72, visitor round £60. (updated Aug 2024)

购物

• 1 Saffron Walden Market, Market Place, CB10 1HR. Tu Sa 8AM-4:30PM. Saffron Walden has hosted a market since 1141. Now a Tuesday and Saturday market in the square, with a range independent traders, including fresh seafood, olives, cheeses, vegetables and clothes, as well as take-away food. (updated Sep 2024)
• 2 Hart's Books, 26 King Street, CB10 1ES, ☏ +44 1799 524552, enquiries@hartsbooks.co.uk. M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Part of London's famous Daunt Books company, this cosy bookshop stocks fiction, history, travel, children's, cookery and more. (updated Sep 2024)
• 3 The Toy Box, 5 Market Row, CB10 1HB, info@the-toy-box.store. 一家历史悠久的独立、传统玩具店，位于市中心，陈列着模型、毛绒玩具、拼图等。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 4 Game On - Toymaster, 30 High Street, CB10 1AX, ☏ +44 1799 506070, enquiry@gameongames.co.uk. 周一至周六 9AM-6PM，周日 10AM-4PM. 收藏品和游戏机、拼图和模型，以及玩具，位于一家备受喜爱的商业街商店。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 5 Newdales, 7-8 Market Walk, CB10 1JZ, ☏ +44 1799 513980, newdalesshop@gmail.com. 周一至周六 09:00-17:00. Giant/Liv 专用自行车店，提供适合各类自行车和骑行者的配件和工具。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 6 Art Beats/The Vinyl Man, 4 Emson Close, CB10 1HL. 独立、时尚的唱片和艺术品商店，靠近市场广场，提供各种流派以满足所有口味。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 7 DEAD Time, 6 Rose and Crown Walk, CB10 1JH, ☏ +44 1799 934394, hello@deadtime.co.uk. 独立啤酒店，展示来自英国和欧洲各地的酿酒商。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 8 Burton's Butchers, 9 King Street, CB10 1HE, ☏ +44 1799 522270. 周一至周六 7AM-5PM. 自1953年起经营的家族式屠宰场，最初在亨斯坦顿，诺福克郡，但于1984年迁至萨弗龙沃尔登。 (更新于 2024年9月)
• 9 Saffron Fish Co., 5 George Street, CB10 1EW, ☏ +44 1799 218160, saffronfishco@gmail.com. 周二至周四 8AM-2PM，周五周六 8AM-4PM. 乔治街的独立鱼店和海鲜熟食店，提供来自伦敦比林斯盖特市场和英国供应商的新鲜鱼。 (更新于 2024年9月)

餐饮

藏红花

• Indigo Indian Dining, 18 George St CB10 1EQ, ☏ +44 1799 522739. 周日至周四 17:30-23:00，周五周六 17:30-午夜. 质量可靠的印度餐。 (更新于 2023年3月)
• The Old English Gentleman, 11 Gold St CB10 1EJ, ☏ +44 1799 523595. 周一至周四 11AM-11PM，周五周六 11AM-午夜，周日中午-10PM. 供应传统美食的宏伟酒吧。 
• The Mogul, 21 High St CB10 1AT, ☏ +44 1799 516611. 每日 17:00-21:30. 这家长期经营的印度和孟加拉国餐厅评价不一。 (更新于 2023年3月)
• Maze Bar and Grill, 9 Market St CB10 1HR, ☏ +44 1799 525429. 周二至周日 11AM-3PM，17:00-21:00. 一家不错的现代土耳其餐厅。 (更新于 2023年3月)
• 1 The Eight Bells, 18 Bridge St CB10 1BU, ☏ +44 1799 522790. 周三至周日中午-22:00. 一家令人愉快的酒吧餐厅，位于一座半木结构的16世纪建筑中。 (更新于 2023年3月)
• 其他市中心食肆有 The Restaurant on Church Street、Jade Garden、Bangkok Thai 和 Dough & Co Pizza。

饮品

• 1 The Temeraire, 55 High Street CB10 1AA, ☏ +44 1799 516975. 每日 8AM-中午. 一家 Wetherspoon 酒吧，提供食物，但人手不足，评价平平。 (更新于 2023年3月)
• 2 Kings Arms, 10 Market Hill, CB10 1HQ (在市场大厅对面), ☏ +44 1799 522768. 周日至周四中午-11PM，周五中午-午夜，周六 11AM-12:30AM. 一家传统的酒馆 (更新于 2023年12月)
• 3 The Railway Arms, Station Rd, CB11 3HQ, ☏ +44 1799 619660, info@railwayarms.co.uk. 中午-23:00. 当地社区拥有的酒吧。它获得了 CAMRA LocAle 计划的认可，以推广销售本地酿造的鲜榨啤酒的酒吧。 (更新于 2024年4月)

住宿

Audley End 的 Concord 神庙

• Cross Keys Hotel 位于商业街，是一家迷人的旧半木结构建筑，提供客房，但餐饮和服务评分不高。
• Saffron Hotel, 8-12 High St CB10 1AZ, ☏ +44 1799 588882. 一家拥有 17 间客房的酒店，他们正试图以几乎零员工的方式运营。几位旅行者甚至连进入酒店都遇到了困难。 双人间（仅房间）£75. (更新于 2023年2月)
• 1 The Queens Head, High St, Littlebury CB11 4TD, ☏ +44 1799 520365. 14至15世纪的驿站旅馆，有6间卧室。2022年被New English Inns接管后，这里得到了极大的提升，服务和舒适度都很好。 住宿加早餐双人间 £70. (更新于 2023年2月)
• 2 Premier Inn Saffron Walden, Thaxted Rd CB10 2SG, ☏ +44 333 003 8101. 良好可靠的经济型连锁酒店。 住宿加早餐双人间 £85. (更新于 2023年2月)
• 3 Piglets B&B, Top Road, Wimbish CB10 2XJ, ☏ +44 1799 599800. 它更像一个北欧小木屋，拥有品味的松木装饰、桑拿和游泳池，并因其舒适和服务而获得好评。 住宿加早餐双人间 £200. (更新于 2023年2月)

连接

截至2023年2月，萨弗龙沃尔登有所有英国运营商的4G网络，沿途道路信号大多良好。5G尚未覆盖该镇，但正在接近。

下一站

• 杜克斯福德，可参观帝国战争博物馆的军事航空收藏。
• 剑桥是一个迷人的古老大学城。

穿越萨弗龙沃尔登的路线

剑桥 ← 杜克斯福德 ←	N  S	→ 斯坦斯特德机场/主教斯托特福德 → 伦敦
←	W  E	→ 纽马克特 → 诺里奇

穿越萨弗龙沃尔登的路线

剑桥 ← 惠特尔斯福德公园站 ←	N  S	→ 主教斯托特福德 → 伦敦利物浦街
诺里奇 ← 剑桥 ←	N  S	→ 伦敦斯坦斯特德机场