Saffron Walden always feels at its best when you take it slowly: a wander through the market square, a peek into the ruins of the castle, and a quiet loop around Bridge End Gardens if you’ve got ten minutes to spare. If you’re introducing someone to the town for the first time, where do you take them for a proper coffee and a little browse afterwards? We’re also keen to pull together a community-made list of “small joys” in Saffron Walden, so tell us your favourite overlooked corner or simple ritual here.
I’d grab a coffee at the Townhouse and then have a slow wander round the independent bits along King Street after a look at the castle ruins. Small joy for me is popping into the Fry Art Gallery for a quick, peaceful browse when the market square’s hectic.
I usually take first-timers to the Courtyard Café for a proper coffee, then have a mooch round Hart’s Books just off the market square. Small joy for me is a quiet ten minutes in Bridge End Gardens by the Dutch Garden when it’s not too busy.