The tranquil Essex gardens with a maze that's ‘full of surprises’

The gardens are ideal for those looking for time away from the busyness of life

Beauty spots in Essex come in many forms. From bluebell woods to golden sandy beaches with views out to sea, Essex has a real selection of paradises where we could easily while away the hours.

Pausing time, and just enjoying the gifts we have around us is a luxury we might not always have– but when we do, there is one place that has to be on our list to visit. Bringing tranquillity and the essence of a bygone era, the UK’s best place to live has a carefully crafted patchwork of gardens to enjoy.

Grown and shaped in Saffron Walden, Bridge End Gardens has a variety of unique spaces which bring their own personality. The selection of gardens flows together but has its own essence, and one Tripadvisor visitor described them as “a complete surprise.”

The child-friendly, and mostly wheelchair accessible, trail through the gardens has plenty to offer. From a well-maintained rose garden to a Dutch garden with symmetrically pleasing hedgerows and a picnic area, the location is ideal for those seeking peace away from the busyness of the market town.

And for those looking for something to put you to the test, Bridge End Gardens also has its very own hedge labyrinth. Visitors can work their way through the maze before heading over to the pavilion to recover.

Unlike other Regency and Victorian gardens, the Saffron Walden location does not have its own large house attached. Instead, the gardens themselves are the main attraction and are an ideal space for roaming, reading, picnicking, and most of all, filling you with joy.