Whether you are coming to Saffron Walden to play in a match or to watch one, here is some information you may find helpful.
How to find our main ground, the Anglo-American Playing Fields:
Visitor map HERE Google link here
From Thaxted Road go straight over the East Street traffic lights, up the side of the common. At the T junction, turn left and follow the road to a mini-roundabout. Turn right and follow the road; ignore the first left just after the castle, but then take the next left hand turn, Catons Lane. Follow the road down to the Catons Lane football club car park and then turn left through the car park following the track to the cricket club.
From Newport follow the main road into the town, down the high street to the traffic lights at the bottom. Turn right and follow the one way system until you come to a mini-roundabout. Turn left and follow the road with the common on your right hand side. Go across the mini-roundabout, then turn left. Follow the road down to the Catons Lane football club car park and then turn left through the car park following the track to the cricket club.
From the North on the B184 (Windmill Hill) take the first turning on the left after the Eight Bells pub. This will take you into Castle Street (note 20mph limit). At the end of the street, turn left onto Little Walden Road, and then quickly left again. Follow the road down to the Catons Lane football club car park and then turn left through the car park following the track to the cricket club.
Directions on foot
There are three footpaths which lead to the ground apart from the road route described above. There is a path into Bridge End Gardens just to the North of the Eight Bells pub. Follow this path into the gardens, walk through them, and near the entrance to the maze there is a gate which brings you out near the Anglo-American war memorial. Just past the memorial you will see the grounds. There are also two paths from Castle Street, one opposite the Catholic church which leads past the Fry Art Gallery into Bridge End Gardens, and so to the cricket ground. The other is opposite Museum Street, and leads more directly to the cricket ground (as shown in the map).
Other grounds
Directions to other local grounds, including Saffron Walden County High School and Ashdon, are at https://www.saffronwaldencricket.co.uk/cricket_grounds
There is some parking at the cricket ground, the Anglo American Playing Fields, but there are two other car parks within walking distance:
Swan Meadow Car Park (large long stay car park). From the car park, instead of following the signs into town via Park Lane, turn left past the duckpond into the bottom of Freshwell Street. At the far end of Freshwell Street, cross Bridge Street and turn left. Just past the car park of the Eight Bells public house, a footpath leads to Bridge End Gardens. Walk through the gardens (admiring the view on the way) to the Cricket Ground.
The Common Car Park (smaller car park, nearer the centre of town): this is on Common Hill.
More about car parking HERE.
We are very lucky to have a number of pubs and restaurants within walking distance of the cricket ground. Here is a selection:
Pubs serving food
The Eight Bells: the nearest pub to the Club’s main ground, Anglo American Playing Fields, it includes a restaurant and bar meals, and it welcomes families: https://www.theeightbellssaffronwalden.com/ It is a very short walk from the pub to the cricket ground, through Bridge End Gardens (see below). There is a garden at the back which is open in the summer.
The Old English Gentleman: the “OEG”, which also serves meals, is a little further from the ground, but a favourite haunt of many club members. Small beer garden at the back. http://www.oldenglishgentleman.com/
The Saffron Suite and Kitchen (formerly The Saffron Hotel) In the High Street, serving meals and with 16 en suite rooms https://www.facebook.com/Saffron-Suite-Kitchen-1921926318118338/
The Cross Keys: In the High Street, another lovely old pub serving meals, and with 9 en suite rooms available for those who wish to stay overnight http://www.theoldcrosskeys.co.uk/
The King’s Arms: Between the Cricket Ground and the Market Place, this pub has regular live music https://www.facebook.com/kingsarmsSW/?locale=en_GB
Other Cafes and Restaurants within 10 minutes’ walk of the main ground
Tea Amo: teas, light lunches, and very family friendly, including tea parties for small children https://www.teaamo.co.uk/
Cafe CouCou: lunches, teas, and amazing scones! http://www.cafecoucou.co.uk/
Maze/Meze: Just off the market place, a cafe with two identities! https://www.mazebarandgrill.co.uk/
Goat and Grass: popular family-friendly restaurant https://www.facebook.com/curiousgoatcafe/?locale=en_GB
The Mogul: Indian Restaurant in a historic house in the High Street www.themogul.co.uk
Jade Garden: This Chinese Restaurant is next to the King’s Arms, between the cricket ground and the market place – no website, but Trip Advisor review here
The Market House: bar and restaurant (over 21s only) https://www.themarket-house.co.uk/
Other attractions
Saffron Walden is a lovely old town full of history. We would like to encourage you to stay long enough to have a look around
Bridge End Gardens: We are very lucky to be sited next to a beautiful collection of public gardens, including a maze, a formal Dutch garden, a rose garden and a lovely lawn. A new visitor centre is being built this year. The gardens are maintained by the Town Council and by an army of volunteers and friends. They are two minutes’s walk from our main cricket ground and well worth a visit! http://saffronwalden.gov.uk/bridge-end-garden/
The Fry Art Gallery: Very close to the cricket ground is a beautiful free art gallery, specialising in the work of the North Essex artists like Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious http://www.fryartgallery.org/
Saffron Walden Museum: The town has a fascinating museum, open since 1835 http://saffronwaldenmuseum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk/ . Inside the grounds are the remains of a castle dating back to 1141.
St Mary’s Church: the parish church of St Mary the Virgin is the largest church in Essex. The spire is clearly visible from the cricket ground. It is a thriving place of worship and full of historical interest. http://www.stmaryssaffronwalden.org/
Saffron Walden Market and Shops: The market is held in the centre of the town on Tuesdays and Saturdays http://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/about-us.htm . We also have a large range of independent shops.
Audley End House: This is a fascinating house set in beautiful gardens, just outside the town. There are seasonal events and sometimes outdoor concerts. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/
Saffron Screen: Our local not-for-profit community cinema shows a mixture of blockbusters, art-house films, children’s favourites and special screenings from the National Theatre, the ENO, and other major events. http://saffronscreen.com/
Saffron Hall: Our wonderful concert hall attracts artists of the highest calibre, including John Lill, Courtney Pine and Nicola Benedetti, as well as presenting concerts by local music groups and schoolchildren. http://saffronhall.com/
What else?
Details of other local attractions, places to stay and eat, and a diary of events on the Tourist Information Centre site HERE