Audley End House and Gardens — Attraction in Uttlesford

VISIT DATE: SAT 16/08/2025 VISIT TIME: 13:45 - 18:00

Visited with my 6 year old daughter and my Mum, but didn’t arrive till the afternoon, which was a shame as there is so much to see. I have been to Audley End in the past, but it has been a long time, so I couldn’t remember much of the site. The house itself is lovely, full of wonderful paintings and objects of interest, through less so foot a 6-year old, with the exception of the nursery which features clothes to dress up in and toys and games that would have been played by the children of the house.

My daughter was disappointed to find she is too big to ride the rocking horse, but she enjoyed stroking its mane.

Outside there is a beautiful parterre garden and lovely grounds to explore, featuring lots of accessible paths, with tree lined sections and hidden gems around the lake. There is a service wing next to the main house, which has a lovely cafe for visitors (and toilets, including accessible ones), as well as the main shop and visitor centre.

A short walk away you will find the stable block, which has interesting exhibitions to look at, as well as the children’s shop (where you can collect your English Heritage pop badge), then you can walk through the kitchen gardens, which were full of flowers, fruit and vegetables at the time of our visit, making it an absolute delight to see.

You can also then go to the court yard play area, where there is another, smaller cafe and more toilets.

There are generally activities for children to take part in on the lawn, but as we visited during the summer holidays we were also able to take part in the Taskmaster games which were being held at a number of EH sites during the summer of 2025. This provided an extra level of fun.

Overall, Audley End House and Gardens is a fantastic place to visit, especially in the summer. There were a good number of visitors, but it never felt crowded and we were able toto move around the house and grounds at our leisure. I would definitely recommend visiting and suggest you get there earlier to really make the most of your visit.

Free entry for EH members,...

We took the kids for a day out during the half term, we were surprised to see they had a few items for the kids ready (we weren't sure what to expect). First there were two people dressed in historical clothing teaching kids about old coins that have been found and preserved throughout our history dating back to the 870's. They had old moving money boxes that kids could play with and learn too. Then they turned our girls into Queen's for the day which was very funny. They were allowed to make proclamations and wear a crown for the ceremony. After that, the gentlemen told the children a story and was able to make it engaging and entertaining for them. The story was very funny too.

After this we found the play area and cafe. both are small but a welcome break when you need a rest. The grounds are absolutely beautiful with rivers, waterfalls and all the wildlife you'd expect to see including swans and their signets.

The mansion is huge and filled with so much rich history and plenty of historians on hand to ask questions. Every room is different with loads to see. We were surprised that our two girls found it fascinating as we were expecting them to be bored as kids do. Instead they were asking questions and were engaged in everything around them. The nursery was a highlight for the kids as they are allowed to play with the old toys.

Lastly we went to the stables and saw a horse called Hamish. The handler spoke about horses and how to mount and ride them and although no-one could hear anything he said whilst in the middle of the paddock (not a trained speaker) he made sure to come round the edge afterwards and let everyone meet the horse, stroke it and have a brief talk with people one to one.

All in all we had a great day out as a family. Couldn't...

We have visited Audley End House and Gardens several times, both on regular open days and during themed events, and it never fails to impress. The house itself is a masterpiece of Jacobean architecture, with beautifully preserved interiors that give a fascinating glimpse into its history as a grand 17th-century estate. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers add so much depth to the experience, bringing the past to life with their insights.

One of the highlights of the estate is its stunning gardens, originally designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. His signature naturalistic landscaping is evident in the sweeping parkland, serene lake, and carefully placed trees that frame the house perfectly. The walled kitchen garden is another standout feature, restored to its Victorian-era glory. It’s incredible to see heritage fruit and vegetable varieties being cultivated using traditional methods, just as they would have been in the 19th century.

The treehouse, a relatively recent addition, has its own charm and history, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages. While not part of the original estate, it blends beautifully with the landscape and adds an extra layer of exploration, especially for families.

The themed days are always fantastic—whether it’s a historical reenactment, a Christmas event, or a garden-focused weekend, there’s always something special happening. The attention to detail, from costumed actors to interactive experiences, makes each visit unique and engaging.

Overall, Audley End is a perfect mix of history, nature, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a history buff, a garden lover, or just looking for a lovely day out, this place has something for everyone. Highly...