Saffron Walden - Bridge End Gardens

This has to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in walking round a garden.
Atkinson Gibson began planning this truly beautiful garden in the late 1700's. After his death his son Francis created a Dutch Garden with topiary work, lead fountain and balustrading. He added a Yew Maze, Kitchen Garden and parkland. Other areas of interest are Poets Corner, Jacobs Well and the Grotto.
The mystery trail is a challenge and you can obtain a copy of the crossword before entering the park and it is really worth completing as you walk around the gardens. If you are unable to complete the crossword, the answers can be found in the booklet Bridge End Gardens.
The gardens are privately owned by the Fry family who are descendants of the Gibsons.

The Common & Turf Maze, played host to a Royal Tournament in 1252. The Maze is unique, is the largest type in the world and is one of only a few remaining turf mazes in England. Basically circular with 17 circuits, four bastions at equal distances around the circumference give the maze a total diameter of 132ft. The pathway is almost one mile in length and the central goal is the mound. The original plan for the maze dated 5th September 1768