We have English Heritage membership and so took some time out over the summer to visit Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, Essex. There is lots to see and do for the adults, including impressive gardens and a wonderful Mansion House which is fantastically preserved as it was in years past. There are family living quarters, servant quarters, and a working kitchen all on display, with lots of interactivity and clues into how houses functioned in their grand heyday. There were volunteers dressed up as characters who suggested that eldest could "get a job as a kitchen maid if she worked hard enough". It really bought history to life for the kids. Speaking of the kids, they got to dress up and play in the upstairs nursery, and go to the stables to dress up and see the horses which live there.
The kids loved it, so did we, and we will definitely be making a return visit! There is definitely plenty to do and you could spend the whole day there. We took a picnic and sat in the impressive gardens. We also managed to catch the Paul Weller sound check which was fantastic, as the house let's out it's grounds for events. We are slowly working our way around local English heritage sites. We have visited Wrest Park, Kenilworth Castle and a couple of others. It is a great way to see historic sites and with such a low yearly fee, we have found it to be a fantastic investment!
We finished our day with a trip to McDonalds nearby for tea, and a peek at Duxford Museum as we drove past on the way home. What a great day!!
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