Audley End House Summary

• Address: Audley End, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1799 522842
• Fax: +44 (0)1799 521276
• Owner: English Heritage
• Administrator: Visitor Operations Team
• Website: Go to the Audley End House website

Successive owners have since left their stylistic imprint both within the graceful exterior and on the surrounding parkland. As we see it now, Audley End’s interior, with its historic picture collection and furniture, is largely the product of its owner in the mid-19th century, the third Lord Braybrooke.

The challenge for the visitor today is to piece together the many changes over time that have created such a harmonious whole. The rooms at Audley End are a blend of many generations of taste, the differences sometimes subtly combined, sometimes dramatically exploited. The main structure has remained remarkably little-altered since the main front court was demolished in 1708 and the east wing came down in 1753. Some rooms have been changed substantially, especially the huge Hall with its powerful Jacobean screen and ceiling.

In the 1760s Adam brought his individual brand of graceful neoclassical architecture to the house, as seen in the Great Apartment, while ‘Capability’ Brown transformed the parkland. Sir John Griffin Griffin, later fourth Baron Howard de Walden and first Baron Braybrooke, introduced sweeping changes before he died in 1797. The third Baron Braybrooke, who inherited house and title in 1825, stamped his taste equally firmly upon it and with longer-lasting results. He installed his huge picture collection, filled the rooms with furnishings, and reinstated something of the original Jacobean feel to the State Rooms.

The fourth Lord Braybrooke was more interested in archaeology and ornithology than redecorating. His Natural History collection is a real feature of the house. After Audley End was requisitioned in World War II, the ninth Lord Braybrooke resumed possession and in 1948 the house was sold to the Ministry of Works, English Heritage’s predecessor.

Much has been done recently to restore the park and the Victorian gardens, including the magnificent parterre. A special guidebook focuses on the extensive grounds and ornamental gardens. After 250 years, the great Kitchen Garden is now open to visitors. Hidden behind its high brick walls, much of the 19th-century structure survives, including an impressive 170ft-long vinehouse, possibly containing its original vine. The walls have been ‘re-clothed’ with carefully trained fruit trees, and paths have been edged with 8,000 box plants.

The best of Victorian traditional methods will be married with the latest organic techniques, for a harvest of vegetables, soft fruits and flowers, much of which will be sold on site.

• Winner of the 1999 NPI Awards in Eastern Counties
• Popular open-air concerts, craft & garden shows during the summer
• Organic Kitchen Garden with produce for sale

Note: Visitors are advised to contact Audley End or visit their Website for up to date information on admission prices and opening times if they are planning to visit, or for details of special events before making their journey.

Opening Times - 2011

House:

• 1st April - 30th September: Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 12 am - 5 pm
• 1st October - 31st October, Wednesday - Sunday, 12 am - 4 pm
• Last admission 1 hour before closing
• Closed 1st November - 31st March

House: (Guided Tours only, from 11 am)

• 1st - 29th April: Wednesday - Sunday (except Easter)
• 3rd May - 15th July: Wednesday - Friday (except 1st - 3rd June)
• 1st September - 21st October: Wednesday - Sunday
• Subject to change on Event Days

Gardens, Stables & Service Wing*

• 1st April - 30th September: Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10 am - 6 pm
• 1st October - 31st October, Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
• 1st November - 18th December: Saturday & Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
• 1st - 12th February: Saturday & Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
• 13th - 29th February: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
• 1st - 31st March: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm

Last entry 1 hour before closing.

Closed: 19th December 2011 - 31st January 2012

*Gardens, Stables & Service Wing (not available on event days)

Admission Prices - 2011

House & Grounds:

• Adult - £12.50
• Child (5 - 15 years) - £7.50
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Concession - £11.30
• Family (2+3) - £32.50

Grounds only:

• Adult - £8.70
• Child (5 - 15 years) - £5.20
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Concession - £7.80
• Family (2+3) - £22.60

15% discount for groups (11+)

EH Members free.

All Photographs - 'Copyright English Heritage'.

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Audley End House

Jan Sroczynski (31 August 2009)

I visited the house to see the Station 43 - Spies, Soldiers and Secrets event. My father, Major Zdizslaw was trained at Audley End House as an SOE agent and parachuted into Poland in 1944. The event was really excellent, professionally run with very knowledgeable staff- however even more than this was the really warm welcome we received and the personal guided tour around this amazing house which is being lovingly cared for by English Heritage and its amazing staff. On behalf of my family I can only say thank you for a fantastic day. Also thank you to Ian Valentine - the author of Station 43 - who obviously loves this place and worked here and I believe he still does whenever he has the time. Well done English Heritage for the fine work you are doing.

Events for Audley End House

• Everything But The Squeak Week - 15 February 2012 to 19 February 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: Mrs Crocombe – Audley End’s resident cook - demonstrates how to prepare a whole host of traditional Victorian pork recipes! Ticket price includes entry to event plus, entry to the Service Wing, Stables Yard & grounds - see website for details.
• Meet the Author - James Burge - 21 February 2012
  So You Want To Be An Historical Writer? - 11 am - 2 pm: Have you ever thought of being an historical writer? Learn from established author James Burge at this historical writing event from the Historical Writers Association. Includes free signed copy of the James Burge's most recent book. Please note: Booking essential, places limited. Ticket price includes entry to event only: EH Member Adult - £50.00, Adult - £60.00
• Horse Clinic - Sidesaddle - 01 March 2012
  10 am - 1 pm: Join Stables Manager, Rebecca Holland, for a horse clinic, the day starts with a fascinating talk on the history of sidesaddle followed by a demonstration of sidesaddle riding. Next you will have an opportunity to ride a horse sidesaddle yourself if you wish and try on some sidesaddle clothing. Don't forget your camera! Booking for this event is essential as places are limited. Prices: Member (Adult) - £70.00, Adult - £70.00. Includes light refreshments.
• Horse Clinic - Lunge Like a Professional - 08 March 2012
  Join Stables Manager, Rebecca Holland, at Audley End, learn how training aids and gadgets work and which one is suitable to achieve the results you require. Also learn how to lunge like a professional. Prices: Member (Adult) - £70.00, Adult - £70.00. Includes light refreshments. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Additional Info for Audley End House

• Parks
• Gardens
• Groups
• Dogs allowed
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Conferences
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• English Heritage

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