LOCAL AMENITIES
When it comes to things to do, visitors to Whitensmere Farm Cottages are spoiled for choice. There is a pub & church in the nearby Ashdon village, and just 5 mins away the village of Linton has a supermarket, petrol station, pubs, shops, a local Indian restaurant, a doctors surgery, dentist, and many more amenities. Stansted Airport is a only a 30 minute drive.
The bustling old market town of Saffron Walden is only six miles away. Saffron Walden Golf Club, which was voted best course in Cambridgeshire 2015 - 2016 is on the end of town and is well worth a visit if you are a golf fan. Linton Zoo is just four miles distant. Eight miles away is the Imperial War Museum at Duxford Airfield, while the University City of Cambridge is only 13 miles drive, which includes Addenbrooke's Hospital (20 minute drive).
There are many famous National Trust properties within easy reach, such as Audley End House (eight miles), Wimpole Hall and Farm (15 miles) and Kentwell Hall (20 miles), as well as Newmarket races, Constable Country and the Fens.
things to do
Audley End House & Gardens
This decedent Jacobean mansion is just a short drive (15 mins, 7 miles) away from Whitensmere, and is well worth a visit. The house is set withing beautiful scultped gardens, created by ‘Capability’ Brown, gold winner of Anglia in Bloom Awards 2017
There are regular planned events and activities at Audley End, so be sure to check their calendar before your visit. Members of English Heritage will receive a discounted ticket price.
Saffron Hall
Saffron Hall is an award-winning 740-seat performance space built in the grounds of Saffron Walden County High School.
The hall’s critically acclaimed acoustic and state-of-the-art facilities surpass many of the world’s more established venues and since the hall opened in November 2013, artists including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Maxim Vengerov, Penguin Cafe, Nicola Benedetti, Courtney Pine and the Sixteen have performed on its stage.
Bridge End Gardens
Bridge End Garden was created around 1840 by Francis Gibson, a local Quaker businessman who also built the Fry Art Gallery. Francis’ daughter Elizabeth married Lewis Fry of Bristol and in 1918 the Fry family leased the Garden to the local council. It has been open to the public ever since with entrances off Castle Street, Bridge Street and by the Cricket Field. The Garden is open, free to the public, all year except Christmas Day.
Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a historic market town and located just 15 minutes from Whitensmere. There is a daily bus route that goes into Saffron Walden from just a few hundred metres from the cottages, or it has a large car park near the town centre.
The is an abundance of culture and history to visit in 'Walden' as it is known by the locals, including Saffron Musuem, St Mary's Church, and Walden Castle, a medieveal castle dating back to the 12th century.