local attractions

other local places of interest

View looking NW from Rectory Lane,  which borders the nursery, across the open chalkland of Cambridgeshire towards Balsham & West Wratting. A complete contrast to the enfolded valleys of the Essex clays in the opposite direction. Footpaths, once the main means for our forebears to get from a to b, radiate in all directions. Buildings in the foreground are part of a dairy farm. The former branch railway from Audley End to Bartlow ran along the line of the heading.

Footpaths

Ashdon is interlaced with an abundance of public footpaths which link the various 'ends' of the village, eg Water End & the surrounding villages and hamlets. This legacy has been laid down over hundreds of years these being the main possibly only means of getting from A - B. From an easy 30 minute stroll to an all day excursion there is plenty of choice. The local footpath group ensure the paths are kept open and in good condition. We are happy to advise on routes starting from the village centre. Ashdon CB10 2HB

Audley End House

Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF

Thaxted

Bull Ring, Thaxted, Dunmow CM6 2PL

Anglesey Abbey

Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ

Saffron Walden

Lying some 4 miles to the west Saffron Walden is a picturesque, medieval town the name originating from it being the centre for saffron growing in the 1500's. A market, adjacent to the Rows - the shopping centre in medieval times, has been held since 1141 market days Tuesday and Saturday. A fine Parish Church, Museum & grass maze on the Common. 

Bartlow Tumuli

 Bartlow Hills, a Roman tumuli cemetery originally comprised of seven hills although only three of the mounds remain, the tallest being 15 metres in height. Through excavation it has been demonstrated that they are the graves of a wealthy family and date from the 1st or 2nd century AD. Situated 2 miles as you approach Bartlow, small layby opposite the 'Booking Hall' (former railway station). CB21 4EN

Duxford IWM

 Duxford Imperial War Museum, Duxford houses the museum's large exhibits, including nearly 200 aircraft, military vehicles, artillery and minor naval vessels in seven main exhibition buildings. Based on the historic Duxford Aerodrome. Originally operated by the RAF during the First World War during the Second World War  Duxford played a prominent role during the Battle of Britain. Later used by United States Army Air Forces fighter units in support of the daylight bombing of Germany. Duxford remained an active RAF airfield until 1961. 12 miles from Ashdon on the A505. CB22 4QR

Linton

A large village 4 miles to the north, just off the A1307,  the long high street, intersected by the River Granta, lined with character buildings going back to Tudor times. Excellent range of small businesses, cafes, pubs etc. plus a Zoo and Vineyard. Car Park Coles Lane, CB21 4JS

Bridge End Gardens

Saffron Walden Bridge End Garden was created around 1840 by Francis Gibson, a local Quaker businessman who also built the Fry Art Gallery. Having fallen into neglect restoration was completed in 2008 to the original plans & planting & is now Grade II listed. Attractions include a sunken formal Dutch & walled kitchen gardens, yew maze, wilderness walk. Admission is free. Entrance via Bridge Street. Parking at Swan Meadow opposite. CB10 1BE

Finchingfield

Claimed to be one of the prettiest Finchingfield has all the characteristics of the typical English village. At its centre a large stream fed pond with adjacent village green, narrow, steeply winding roads, the Parish Church towering over clusters of medieval timber framed cottages and of course the village pub. Lying 9 miles south east of Ashdon the route takes you through the heart of rural NE Essex & the village of Great Sampford. CM7 4JS

Cambridge Botanic

1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE

Cambridge

The beautiful University City of Cambridge needs little introduction. Colleges intermingle with open spaces and shopping areas. Lying 16 miles north of Ashdon it is an easy drive. Best to use the Park & Ride which is well signposted. Babraham Rd, Cambridge CB22 3AB