Saffron Walden Museum

About the museum

Saffron Walden Museum opened in 1835 and is described as one of the oldest purpose-built museums in Britain. It grew out of the Saffron Walden Natural History Society, founded in 1832, whose early collections were kept at a member’s house in the town. The society first considered placing the museum in the ruins of Walden Castle but chose a new building on a site between St Mary’s Church and the castle, leased from Lord Braybrooke. The building went up in 1833–34, and an eastern extension built for the local agricultural society is now the Great Hall gallery.

The museum opened one day a week in its early years. The first paid curator, George Nathan Maynard, was appointed in 1880 and was followed by his son Guy in 1904. The society bought the freehold of the building in 1945, and in 1974 Uttlesford District Council took over running the museum. Today the council operates it in partnership with Saffron Walden Museum Society Ltd, a charity that is the successor to the original society.

The collections hold about 175,000 specimens across natural sciences, archaeology, social and local history, costume and textiles, world cultures, and fine and decorative arts. The displays are arranged by theme, from ancient cultures, local archaeology, geology and natural history to ceramics and glass, furniture and woodwork. The museum describes its world cultures collection as being of world significance. It stands in a grassy meadow next to the 12th-century castle ruins.

Highlights

• One of the oldest purpose-built museums in Britain, opened in 1835
• Collections of about 175,000 specimens, from natural history to world cultures
• Ancient cultures and local archaeology displays
• Great Hall gallery with a sandpit for young archaeologists
• Setting beside the ruins of 12th-century Walden Castle

Permanent exhibition

• Museum collections – Displays on ancient cultures, local archaeology, ceramics and glass, costume and textiles, geology, furniture, social and local history, natural history and world cultures.

Founded

1835

Operated by

Uttlesford District Council, in partnership with Saffron Walden Museum Society Ltd

Admission & discounts

Free entry for members of Saffron Walden Museum Society and for holders of a Museums Association card, National Art Pass, Young Archaeologists’ Club membership or an ICOM card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The first floor is reached by lift and the mezzanine levels by stair lifts, which staff operate. A separate unisex accessible toilet is available, with baby changing. A wheelchair can be borrowed, and small mobility scooters can be used on the ground floor. Access is through a gated entrance off Museum Street along a hard-surfaced road; the small visitor car park has one designated disabled bay. Assistance dogs are permitted inside; other dogs are not, and there is a water bowl outside the front door. Benches are provided in the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Families can follow activity trails and a downloadable Kids Museum Map, excavate a sandpit in the Great Hall, use mega-magnifiers in the geology gallery and look at specimens under a microscope in the Discovery Centre. There is a Tudor doll’s house and model brick-laying in the local history gallery. Little Wonders sessions for babies and pre-schoolers run on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00, and activities for families are held in every school holiday.

Getting there & parking

Walking is the easiest way to arrive: from the Market Square go up Market Hill towards St Mary’s Church, cross Church Street and continue up Museum Street; the museum gateway is on the right. The driveway and path are shared with vehicles. The satnav postcode is CB10 1BN.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The gift shop sells children’s pocket-money items, local history books, posters and soft toys. Free Wi-Fi is mentioned only for people who hire the venue.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The Great Hall suits away days, business receptions and family events, and the Victorian Schoolroom in the grounds can be hired for meetings and talks at £30 an hour. Facilities include a basic kitchen, toilets, free Wi-Fi and a hearing loop. The museum is not licensed for wedding ceremonies but can host receptions and photography.

Plan your visit