Date: 21st JULY 2026

Where: Audley End House & Garden

Details:

EXPLORE ONE OF ENGLAND'S GREATEST MANSION HOUSES

Step inside the mansion house at Audley End and admire the interiors of one of the largest and most opulent houses in Jacobean England.

Learn the history of the site as you wander through the impressive great hall, magnificent state apartments, intimate dressing rooms and 18th-century gothic-style chapel. You can even take a seat and relax in the library or play your favourite piece on the piano.

Look out for the state bed, one of the most important surviving late 18th-century beds in the country, commissioned in anticipation of a royal visit in 1794.

And don’t forget to take a look at the Braybrooke’s unique natural history collection.

ENJOY THE GLORIOUS GARDENS

Take a stroll around the idyllic gardens at Audley End to see the work of the influential ‘Capability’ Brown. Brown swept away the remnants of a declining formal garden to create extensive views, a serpentine lake, and more natural planting. Discover the elegant garden buildings, such as the bridge over the River Cam, which is the work of Robert Adam.

Don’t miss the beautifully restored parterre and our walled kitchen garden which is run entirely on organic principles.

WANDER ACRES OF PARKLAND

Perfect for a dog walk or a day out in the fresh air with the family, enjoy a stroll through acres of spacious parklands at Audley End.

Admire the stunning views of the Essex countryside while your little ones wear themselves out playing hide and seek and exploring the grounds. See if you can spot our mature tree collection, including a stunning Cedar of Lebanon next to the house, which was planted in 1762.

LEARN ABOUT THE LIVES OF VICTORIAN SERVANTS

Experience a world of hierarchy, discipline, long hours and hard labour in the 1880s Service Wing and Coal Gallery of this bustling country estate.

Step back in time and wander through a world of ‘below stairs’ that was not intended to be seen as you discover what it would have been like to be a Victorian servant.

TAKE A BREAK

Top up your energy with a snack in the Cart Yard Café (open during peak times), or have a more substantial meal in the Servant’s Hall Tea Room.

If you fancy buying a souvenir of your visit, head to the shop in the Visitor’s Centre. Here you can choose from a wide range of souvenirs such as wines, meads, books, jewellery, jams, preserves and lovely gifts.

Book lovers should also check out the secondhand bookshop in the Victorian Stables. Every coffee, souvenir, book or kids’ treat you buy helps the charity continue to look after England’s heritage

ContactValerie to ask questions or make a booking