- Jump to:
- The Property
- Getting to the concerts
- Refreshments
- Admission Times
- The Weather
- Disabled visitors
- Dogs
- Parking
- Concert Programme
- Policy on Alcohol
- Prohibited items
Audley End
The Property
Audley End House, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF.
Audley End House is one of England’s most magnificent country houses, retaining much of it’s original Jacobean splendour. Starting life as a Benedictine Abbey, it was gifted to Sir Thomas Audley in 1538 by Henry VIII for his work as Lord Chancellor. The property was later re-built on the scale of a royal palace between 1603–1614 by his grandson, Thomas Howard, to promote his power and status. In the 18th century, new owner Sir John Griffin commissioned architect Robert Adam to create its resplendent neoclassical reception rooms. During this time, the formal grounds were transformed by the hand of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, into the gentle English country landscape we continue to enjoy today. For more historical and visitor information on Audley End, including opening hours, please click here or call 0870 333 1181.
Getting to the concerts
Audley End is one mile west of Saffron Walden on the B1383 and accessible from M11 exits 8 and 10. Audley End station is two miles from the concert site.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be available at the concerts, however concertgoers are also welcome to bring their own picnics which may include glass, alcohol and cutlery. Barbecues are not permitted for safety reasons.
Admission Times
On concert days the auditorium will be open from 2.30pm.
The Weather
Occasionally, inclement weather can disrupt an open-air event. Any decision to cancel a concert will be taken at the advertised start time. No refunds will be made if a concert starts but is later abandoned.
Disabled visitors
We provide preferential parking, seating areas and toilet facilities. Our stewards will be pleased to help you on the night. The seating and parking areas are limited so please arrive early.
Please see our disabled access page
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted at the concerts (with the exception of guide dogs – please take care during the firework displays).
Parking
There are excellent free on-site parking facilities
Concert Programme
Please note that artists and programmes may change at short notice due to unavoidable circumstances.
Policy on Alcohol
The organisers of the English Heritage Picnic Concerts operate a Challenge 25 policy on alcohol purchasing and Zero Tolerance policy on illegal substances. The organisers reserve the right to conduct random searches on persons entering the venue, with the objective of refusing admission to anyone found to be in possession of a controlled substance. In partnership with Essex Police, the English Heritage Picnic Concerts at Audley End are members of Essex Pubwatch and will adhere to the ‘Behave or be Banned’ scheme for the duration of the concerts. The organisers advocate responsible drinking and reserve the right to refuse admission to persons entering the venue with excessive amounts of alcohol.
Prohibited items
Chinese Lanterns, Barbeques and Candles are prohibited from the events. Please help us to protect the wonderful splendour of Audley End House and grounds from fire by not using these items which can severely damage the area you are in.
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