Retirement Properties in Saffron Walden

Retirement living in Saffron Walden

Sought-after Saffron Walden was voted The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live in the UK 2025 thanks to "its knockout historic looks…rich cultural offering and an exploding foodie scene.” With its wealth of local amenities and a strong community spirit it's not hard to see why.  This characterful town is surrounded by countryside, but within easy reach of Cambridge, Stansted Airport and London too.

Saffron Walden is named after the spice - the most expensive in the world, which started to be grown and traded in the town in the 14th century. This rich history is celebrated on Saffron Day which happens annually on the 16th October. While the saffron trade has declined, Saffron Walden is still a thriving market town which, as well as boasting a large range of shops and eateries, holds a market twice a week. These sell everything from fresh produce to vintage jewellery–you might even bump into local resident, Jamie Oliver, at one of the artisan food stalls!

Enjoy an active retirement in Saffron Walden

Looking for a beautiful place to walk in Saffron Walden? You can’t beat Bridge End Gardens. This pretty place is free to enter and has a traditional walled garden, fountains and a box hedge maze. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try the nearby Eight Bells pub for quality traditional food including Sunday roasts. This 16th Century timber framed pub is renowned for its stunning décor.

As well as having a train and a coach station, Saffron Walden is easily accessible via the M11 and is just a 30 a minute drive from the cultural delights of Cambridge and an hour and a half from central London.