9 things to do for kids at Audley End

We chanced on Audley End House quite by accident. On our journey up to Sandringham House, the M11 had various delays and so the sat nav took us through some beautiful Suffolk villages. After navigating through Stansted Mountfiftchet which had been brought to a standstill by lorries trying to do the same. We were regretting the idea of travelling on a Friday and then we spotted it. Having been delayed significantly it was closed when we drove past. But clearly visible from the road Audley End is an amazing-looking light stone country pile. A quick google and we made a plan to stop on the way back down on Sunday at the palace of Audley End. If we had not ended up on the detour we would not have even known it was there. 

Where is Audley End?

Located in Saffron Walden in the county of Essex. Audley End is not difficult to find as you can spot it from the road as it is one of the largest mansions I have seen. Use postcode CB11 4JF to find Audley End House & Gardens. The house and gardens have perhaps become more popular in recent years as the Netflix series The Crown was filmed there in 2017. 

What is Audley End

Audley End is a House and Gardens that date back to Jacobean England. Although over the centuries that have followed its original monastery heritage it was remodelled and rebuilt it still retains Jacobean style. Leaving what is today a very impressive building with lots of intricate details and grand designs. The house was last occupied by the 1st Earl of Suffolk, Sir Thomas Audley and today is as Lord Audley left it.

As well as the house there is a large walled organic kitchen garden. A stable block, kids’ play area and formal gardens. Plus a lake and beautiful grounds and parkland designed by Capability Brown. It has got to be one of the most extensive English Heritage properties we have visited. You could easily spend a whole day exploring. As we were travelling home back to West Sussex we spent around three hours at Audley End. I was very impressed with just how much there is to do for children. 

9 things to do for kids at Audley End

Feed the ducks

The gift shop is located around the rear of the house next to the diary and Victorian service wing. Here it is possible to buy duck food for £2 a bag. We saw ducks all over the grounds and in the rivers that run down the sides of the property and in the front of the house. These are fed by the river cam. There is also the lake at the back.

Play area

Located near the stables there is a play area which has its own wooden house and slide, swings, see saw and various other play things. Although it is smaller than I would anticipate for a property of this size. The boys really enjoyed playing there. Next door is the cafe although it was closed on the day we visited.

Dress up in the stables and ride the horse

In the stables, you can meet two of the resident horses which are still used on the estate today. There is also the opportunity to try out various saddles and dress up for photos. 

Watch the cooks and take home your own recipes

At the back of the house is the kitchen and here we found cooks dressed in traditional attire making all sorts of recipes that were popular at the time. They were using some ingredients from the walled kitchen garden. Including rhubarb and asparagus. There were also some recipe cards laid out which you could take copies of for 30p so you could have a go at making them yourself. 

Marvel at the doll’s house

Inside the house in the kid’s rooms there is a large doll house. This has been replicated and filled with little models so you can make your own play scenes.

Play traditional games in the nursery

There are lots for kids to do in the nursery rooms including games that the children would have played at the time. There is also a small rocking horse which can be ridden if you are no taller than the bottom of its ears. It is a lovely space.

Play pooh sticks

With plenty of trees on the grounds, Harry found a number of sticks laying around. They proved useful for playing pooh sticks over one of the numerous bridges across the river. 

Have a picnic

There are plenty of places for a picnic on the large lawns. Picnic tables are available although I would imagine during the school holidays they are busy. 

Kick a ball around

There is a lot of space for kids to enjoy themselves.

Make sure you don’t miss at Audley End House

There is a lot to see at Audley End. You really need a full day if you do not want to feel rushed. It is not possible to take photos in the house itself. One of the finest Jacobean houses with many reception rooms to explore.

• You can not help but mutter wow under your breath as you enter the Great Hall on the ground floor. There is so much to see in this gigantic space. Including a very intricate carved wooden screen and fireplaces that date back to Jacobean England. The ceiling has various pictures moulded into the plaster.
• The Saloon is the next room you with coming to and has the most intricate ceiling I have seen anywhere. With raised plaster work and friezes. Some of the furniture dates back to the 1870s. 
• The library was my favourite room in the house with walls lined floor to ceiling with old volumes written in Latin, Greek and English. 
• The coal gallery is something really usual and perhaps the only one in England. It shows where coal was stored on the second floor and used to heat baths and water in the house. 
• Make sure you go around the back of the house and view the more formal parterre gardens with a fountain in the middle. It gives a great view of the house and of the Temple of Concord. Many of the plants are available to buy from the gift shop. 
• The walled garden is amazing. When we visited the irises were out and the peonies in the bud. Much of the vegetable beds are surrounded by apple trees. There is also a very large greenhouse which has various vines growing inside. 

Conclusions

Priced at £21.00 for an adult or £54.60 for a family this is one of the more expensive English Heritage properties we have visited. But with so much to see and do it is a great day out and a grand house. And if you are a member then this will almost pay for your whole annual membership. You can find out more on the English Heritage website. The great houses is open at the weekend May-September.

Have you visited Audley End? Which is your favourite English Heritage property? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. 

You can read about our other visits to English Heritage and Landmarks here. 

READ MORE – If you are considering other things to do in Essex we really enjoyed a visit to Southend Pier and a ride on the train that runs its whole length. 

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