The studio and gallery can be found in the small town of Saffron Walden. Situated just south of Cambridge, Saffron Walden is a bustling market town – housing an array of local independent shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s well worth a visit, particularly on a Saturday. Keep your eyes peeled for local celebrities, including Jamie Oliver and Rod Stewart, browsing the market.
“The reason I chose to have my Art Gallery and Studio in Saffron Walden is because it's where my home is. I have a strong connection with the town. In many ways it's helped inspire my art”.
Getting Here
Saffron Walden is a town in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England. It's situated 12 miles north of Bishop's Stortford, 15 miles south of Cambridge and 43 miles north of London. It’s easiest to visit by car, but you can also jump on a train out of London Liverpool Street to Audley End. Or, if you’re feeling energetic you can cycle all the way! Your call.
17 Church St
Saffron Walden
CB10 1JW
(United Kingdom)
Get directions
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 10am to 6pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm
Sunday by appointment only
Things to see and do in Saffron Walden
It may not be the epi-centre of the art world, but Saffron Walden has a lot going for it. Besides its history, cobbled streets and eclectic mix of period properties, the town has showcased an enclave of creative talent. Local artists Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious are two of the more celebrated artists and are on permanent display at the Fry Gallery in town.
Shops, cafes and restaurants
Saffron Walden is home to some really great cafes, bakeries and shops, a lot of which are independent and run by local residents.
Renowned chocolatier Hill St make fresh, handmade artisan chocolates and amazing gelato in the summer. Sit outside on their terrace and enjoy a coffee and chocolate with views of the bandstand in Jubilee Garden.
Situated out of town, in the village of Wendens Ambo is The Loaf Tin. An independent micro bakery specialising in sourdough bread and incredible pastries. Some might say that they’re the best outside of the M25.
Saffron Walden Farmers Market is a big attraction on Tuesdays and Saturdays. With everything from fresh fruit and veg to olives to flowers. The town square is always a hive of activity on a Saturday.
Bridge End Gardens
Tucked away on the north side of town you can find one of the most beautiful public gardens in the UK. Ran almost entirely by local volunteers, Bridge End Gardens is one of the jewels of the town. Littered with commemorative benches and a traditional hedge maze – it’s the place to sit and have a picnic lunch.
Fry Art Gallery
The Fry Art Gallery is one of the bigger galleries in town. It has a deceptively small entrance that you could easily wander past if you didn't see the sign. Once you get in, the gallery space opens up to reveal original Edward Bawden prints and paintings from other local artists. Entry is free. It really is a hidden gem. For more information check Fry Gallery online.
Audley End House
Bordering the outskirts of Saffron Walden, you'll find the English Heritage run stately home Audley End. The house sits in an estate of 240 hectares, complete with kitchen gardens, a large vine house and Robert Adam’s Ornamental Garden Buildings. In the summer, picnic concerts are held in the grounds with music artists from Tom Jones to Feeder performing.
