THE CROSS KEYS - Your Premium Stay in Saffron Walden, Essex
Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Key details
About the Hotel
32 High Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1AX,
-
Steps from the Saffron Walden Museum
Great
8.2
8.4
/10
4.7
3.4
/5
Loved by The Cross Keys guests
historic beautiful old building
comfortable beds
lovely food
great breakfast
lovely building
"The hotel dates back to 1579, it's beautifully maintained and full of nooks and crannies."
Michael G from United Kingdom
read full review
"Character building, full of charm."
Emma from United Kingdom
read full review
"The restaurant provides various quality meals from Breakfast to Lunch to Dinner."
Eamonn B from United Kingdom
read full review
"Super location and communication before stay"
Kerry from United Kingdom
read full review
"Lovely and comfortable room, excellent food and very welcoming staff."
John from United Kingdom
read full review
4-star award-winning historic inn in Saffron Walden
Award-Winning Inn & Dining
The Cross Keys is a 4-star inn that won the Channel 4 'Four in a Bed' competition. The building dates from 1569 and retains its Elizabethan architecture with wooden beams and uneven floors. An outdoor terrace with heated spaces offers views of the kitchen garden, while the restaurant serves dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Rooms & Accommodation
Each room comes with a private bathroom, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Some rooms, like the Deluxe King Room, are in a barn conversion with a vaulted ceiling and spacious layout. The superior rooms include a freestanding bath and luxury bedding.
Location & Local Attractions
The inn sits in central Saffron Walden, a 5-minute walk from the Swan Meadow car park. Audley End House is 1.8 km away, and Saffron Hall is within walking distance. London Stansted Airport is 22 km from the property, and the University of Cambridge is 26 km away.
Dining & Special Diets
The restaurant offers a Full English/Irish breakfast and a dinner menu that includes gluten-free and vegan options. The bar stocks cask ales and a global gin selection, plus an extensive wine list featuring Chester Osbourne's d'Arenberg wines. Children's meals and special diet menus are available on request.
Family & Events
Private function rooms can be booked for special gatherings, and the inn welcomes families with kids' meals and a coffee house on site. The garden and terrace provide outdoor space for guests. The staff have a reputation for quick resolution of guest issues and hands-on management.
Highlights
Award: Channel 4 Four in a Bed winner
Dining: Terrace with heated outdoor spaces
Drinks: Extensive wine selection from d'Arenberg
Location: 1.8 km from Audley End House
Rooms: Deluxe King Room in barn conversion
Diet: Gluten-free and vegan options available
“This historic establishment in Saffron Walden presents a genuinely charming stay, with its characterful old building and a welcome that feels warm and personal from the moment you arrive. Dining here is a distinct pleasure, from a satisfyingly cooked breakfast to an evening meal that's consistently well-received, complemented by comfortable, clean rooms that offer a peaceful retreat. Its central location is undeniably a strong point, making it easy to explore the town's delights and a short walk from convenient public parking.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukessex
Select your room type
The Cross Keys offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Ensuite
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
30 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
40 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
June 2026 - June 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
June 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Cross Keys offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Car park
No pets allowed
Coffee shop
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Children
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
The Cross Keys offers a delightful range of British cuisine, where authentic flavors meet a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests are invited to indulge in a variety of meals throughout the day, all served in a rustic setting that emphasizes comfort and quality.
The Cross Keys
British
Ambiance
A charming inn setting that is family-friendly yet also cozy enough for romantic evenings, providing a rustic feel with welcoming service.
Key Offerings
The menu includes a la carte breakfast options and an impressive selection of 30 gins from around the world, alongside fantastic wines from d'Arenberg in South Australia. The diverse meal choices cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.
The Cross Keys Location
32 High Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1AX,
Explore Saffron Walden
Local Highlights Near The Cross Keys
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saffron Walden Museum
5 minutes' walk
Saffron Walden Museum showcases local history, archaeology, and natural history with free admission and engaging exhibitions.
Fry Art Gallery
4 minutes' walk
Fry Art Gallery features a collection of modern British art, perfect for art lovers seeking a unique cultural experience.
Walden Castle Keep
6 minutes' walk
Walden Castle Keep is a historical site with stunning views, inviting visitors to reflect on the town's rich heritage.
Temple of Concord
15 minutes' walk
This charming garden temple offers serene surroundings and is perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst beautiful landscapes.
Audley End Miniature Railway
25 minutes' walk
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Audley End Miniature Railway, ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. Seasonal opening times apply.
Saffron Walden Town Maze
9 minutes' walk
The Saffron Walden Town Maze provides a delightful outdoor experience suitable for all ages, perfect for moments of relaxation.
The Curious Goat
2 minutes' walk
This café offers local specialties, artisan coffee, and a cozy atmosphere. Vegetarian options are available.
Prezzo - Saffron Walden
2 minutes' walk
Italian dining with a casual vibe, known for its pizza and pasta selections. Reservations recommended for busy evenings.
The Saffron Walden Gallery
4 minutes' walk
Featuring local artists, this gallery hosts regular exhibitions and events, making it a hub for creative community gatherings.
Bridge End Garden Summerhouse
5 minutes' walk
A picturesque setting for all-ages entertainment, often used for open-air concerts and community events throughout the year.
Getting around
City Centre
Saffron Walden 2 min · 100 m
Airports
London Stansted (STN) 36 min · 23.9 km
Cambridge (CBG) 41 min · 27.3 km
Train
Newport Railway Station 8 min · 5.1 km
Bus
Bus stop 15 min · 9.6 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Cross Keys guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Cross Keys from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 826 verified reviews
7.9 /10
Very good
78 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free WiFi
7.6/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Characterful building
Helpful staff
Good breakfast
Good evening meal
Cons
Small rooms
Maintenance issues
Restaurant service
Confusing access
Guest reviews
based on 1124 reviews
8.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
