Audley End House and Gardens

View towards Audley End House

Temple of Concord

Peach trees

Grape vines

Audley End is named after Sir Thomas Audley, who was given the land after the monastery dissolution by Henry VIII in part for his help with Anne Boleyn.  Audley End House is palatial and very Downton Abby, with a whole service wing complex as well. The grounds are of the landscape park variety (designed by Capability Brown). 

Tea House Bridge

Herbs/Fruit Trees

The kitchen gardens were the best part, particularly the glasshouse for vines and fruit trues.  For someone who likes espalier (training fruit trees on a wall or even wire) the gardens were heaven.

I took the bus from the train and the driver forgot to tell me to get off, so I also got to get a driving tour of Saffron Walden.  It was actually very cute so I was glad to have seen it.  Very old and quaint medieval market town, and there were even some castle ruins.  It is named after the saffron crocus, the growing of which was a 16th and 17th century industry.