What is the recommended parking option for a short stay near the hotel?
10 January 2024
Swan Meadow Car Park is the best option, just a short walk away.
70 photos
The Cross Keys, Saffron Walden
120US$
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Key details
About the Hotel
32 High Street,
Saffron Walden,
United Kingdom,
CB10 1AX,
Essex
- Close to The Saffron Walden Gallery
Great
8.2
8.4
4.6
3.4
Loved by The Cross Keys Hotel guests
"The Cross Keys is OLD - very old."
"The food was beautiful at reasonable prices."
"Lovely room, very old building with interesting history"
Dining
The Cross Keys hosts a full-service restaurant with a menu that includes classic dishes, vegan and gluten-free options, and a special weekday lunch set menu. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor terrace, which is covered, heated, and offers views of the kitchen in action. An impressive selection of over 50 wines from d'Arenberg further enhances the culinary experience.
Accommodations
The hotel offers ten unique bedrooms, each designed to reflect the charm of the historic Elizabethan building while incorporating modern luxuries. Rooms include king-sized beds, slipper baths, Nespresso coffee machines, and complimentary WiFi. All accommodations provide en-suite facilities with premium bedding and towels.
Private Functions
The Cross Keys features
Location
Located on the High Street in Saffron Walden, the hotel places guests just a short distance from shopping and local attractions. The nearest train station is Audley End, approximately 15 minutes away, while London Stansted Airport is a 25-minute drive. Public parking is available in nearby car parks.
Beverages
The hotel emphasizes its selection of cask beers, with three draught ales sourced from the Old Cannon Brewery and selected microbrewers. Additionally, guests can choose from a 30-gin menu featuring distilleries from around the globe. This beverage program complements the restaurant's food offerings seamlessly.
Highlights
Dining: Full-service restaurant with regional specialties
Rooms: Ten unique bedrooms in a historic setting
Private Functions: Chester's Room accommodates up to 30 guests
Location: Centrally located on High Street in Saffron Walden
“This historic inn caught my eye with its blend of Elizabethan architecture and modern interiors; the Channel 4 recognition is a testament to its charm. The terrace, overlooking the kitchen, creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal crafted from local ingredients - including gluten-free and vegan options. With private function rooms and a wide selection of wines and ales, it seems equally suited for special events and relaxed getaways.”
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Select your room type
The Cross Keys Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Ensuite
2 persons
270 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
435 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Ensuite Shower
2 persons
270 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
The Cross Keys Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- 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
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Dining Onsite
Discover the enchanting dining experiences at The Cross Keys, where British cuisine takes center stage amid a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With options for every dietary need, from vegan to gluten-free, guests can indulge in hearty meals throughout the day, complemented by a diverse drinks selection.
The Cross Keys Hotel Location
32 High Street,
Saffron Walden,
United Kingdom,
CB10 1AX,
Essex
Map view
32 High Street,
Saffron Walden,
United Kingdom,
CB10 1AX,
Essex
City landmarks
Landmark
Audley End House and Gardens
1.4
mi
Landmark
Turf Maze
2400 ft
Landmark
Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
1.2
mi
Landmark
Temple of Concord
3900 ft
Museum
Ashdon Village Museum
3.7
mi
Landmark
Prior's Hall Barn
4.3
mi
Landmark
St. Mary's Church
4.3
mi
Nearby
Museum
Saffron Walden Museum
1400 ft
Castle
Walden Castle Keep
1600 ft
Gallery
Fry Art Gallery
1000 ft
77A High Street
The Saffron Walden Gallery
1000 ft
Garden
Bridge End Garden Summerhouse
1300 ft
Church
Saint Mary the Virgin
800 ft
Gallery
Church Street Gallery
600 ft
Off Hill Duddenhoe End
The Hamlet Church
800 ft
Restaurants
Costa Coffee
200 ft
27 King Street
Restaurant
400 ft
2 Church Street
Prezzo - Saffron Walden
500 ft
1 Cross Street
The Curious Goat
400 ft
8 Cross Street
Nemonthron
500 ft
18 George Street
Gluttons
400 ft
13A King Street Next to crew Clothing
The Old English Gentleman
600 ft
11 Gold Street
Chisnalls
500 ft
3 Market Row
Ask Italian
500 ft
62 High Street
Explore Saffron Walden
Explore Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden Museum
5 minutes' walk
Local history and art exhibits highlight Saffron Walden's rich heritage. Check for family-friendly activities.
Walden Castle Keep
6 minutes' walk
Impressive medieval structure offering panoramic views. Great for history buffs and photography.
Fry Art Gallery
4 minutes' walk
Showcases artists from the East Anglian region. Regular exhibitions and events cater to art enthusiasts.
Turf Maze
9 minutes' walk
Unique historical maze offers a fun challenge for families. Perfect for leisurely explorations.
The Curious Goat
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café serving locally-sourced foods. Vegetarian options and artisan coffee are specialties.
Prezzo - Saffron Walden
2 minutes' walk
Italian cuisine in a casual setting. Signature dishes include pizza and pasta, with vegan options available.
Costa Coffee
1 minute' walk
Popular coffee chain known for its warm atmosphere. Ideal for quick coffee breaks or light snacks.
The Saffron Walden Gallery
4 minutes' walk
Exhibitions featuring local artists and craft. Regular community events and workshops invite participation.
Getting around
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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 GBP 3.50 per day.
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 Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
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Pros
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Historic building
Quality bedding
Cons
Broken heating
Poor ventilation
Guest reviewsbased on 620 reviews
olivia from united kingdom
Single
deluxe king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 29, 2025
8.7/10
a nice and charming inn stay
helpful staffgood breakfastflexible check-inold fittings
i found the staff really helpful and cute. the breakfast was good, and the atmosphere felt warm. the check-in was flexible, which i appreciated after a long journey. everything contributed to a pleasant experience.
the room needed a deep clean. decoration felt tired in places. the bathroom fittings were also very old.
Service
9/10
the staff members were attentive and efficient. they addressed all my requests promptly. the team seemed genuinely committed to.
Dining
8/10
breakfast included a selection of pastries, fruits, and hot dishes. the restaurant offered a varied menu. i liked the carefully prepared meals. there were many options available.
Rooms
9/10
the beautiful king room featured a comfortable bed and ample storage space. the bathroom included complimentary toiletries. large windows provided natural light and city views, i could see many nearby building.
0 Helpful
|
Avery from United States
Couple
Double Room Ensuite Shower
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 19, 2025
6/10
decent stay in a historic building
building characterconvenient locationgood breakfastunreliable hot waternon-functional shower headunrefreshed supplies
the building has a lot of character. the location is also quite convenient. the breakfast was very good (especially the pancakes!).
i found the hot water to be unreliable. one of the shower heads was not working. the coffee and tea supplies were not refreshed after the first night.
0 Helpful
Sawyer from United States
Couple
Double Room Ensuite Shower
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 23, 2025
9/10
crisp linenclean room
my room was very clean. the bedding was luxurious (i enjoyed the crisp linen a lot).
the drinks were a bit expensive, but i expected that.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Cross Keys
Are there any ground floor accommodations available?
15 February 2024
All rooms are located on the second floor.
Is room service offered at the hotel and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
22 March 2024
Room service is not available, but gluten-free and vegan dining options can be provided in the restaurant.
Is parking available on-site for guests?
5 April 2024
Unfortunately, on-site parking is not available.
Can the hotel cater to guests who prefer twin beds?
10 May 2024
A twin room is available, ideal for groups seeking separate beds.
Does the restaurant feature a gluten-free menu?
19 June 2024
Yes, a menu is available with gluten-free options.
Is there an option for late checkout at the hotel?
11 July 2024
Late checkout can be arranged for a fee of £15, subject to availability.
What is the latest acceptable time for guest check-in?
20 August 2024
Check-in is available until around 10:00 PM, with arrangements for later arrivals upon request.
Is there secure storage available for bicycles during a stay?
15 September 2024
A locked area under the barn can be used for securely storing bicycles.
What are the standard check-in and check-out hours for guests?
3 October 2024
Check-in begins at 16:00 and checkout is at 10:00, with options for early and late check-in/check-out for an additional fee.
Is smoking allowed on the premises?
25 October 2024
The hotel is completely smoke-free.
Is there a breakfast service available, and what does it include?
12 November 2024
Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with both continental and cooked options included in the room rate.Next best alternative
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