tried & tested

A Day Out at Audley End Summer Festival – Sunshine, Trains, Punting and all the summer vibes! 🛶🌞🍕🚂

If you're looking for a fabulous family day out that keeps everyone smiling and doesn’t break the bank – Audley End Summer Festival has got you covered. We had the best time, and I’m still dreaming about that wood-fired pizza and the dreamy punting by the lake!

Audley End Miniature Railway is already a firm favourite in our household – the train ride through the magical woodland never gets old, especially with the fairy and elf trail to spot along the way. But in the summer, they take it to the next level with their Summer Festival, and honestly, it’s such a treat.

All the Fun Included – No Extra Charges!

Yes, you read that right – so many of the best bits are included in your ticket. Face painting? Free! Glitter tattoos? Yep! Crafting fun in the marquee? You bet! There’s even a bubble display and lawn games that kept my two entertained for ages while I sipped an iced coffee in the sunshine. It feels so rare these days to find somewhere that doesn't keep adding on little charges for every single thing, so this was a huge win for us.

The Pizza… Oh the Pizza!

Let’s talk about food – because who doesn’t plan their day around it, right? The food trucks on site are fab, but the pizza was a total highlight. Proper wood-fired slices, fresh and bubbling with cheese, eaten while sitting on a picnic blanket under a tree – it was summer bliss.

There’s also a lovely selection of snacks and drinks, and a mini bar area for the grown-ups if you fancy a cheeky Pimm’s or prosecco while the kids run around.

Punting on the Lake – Wonderful!

One of the surprise hits of the day? Punting! Yes – punting! NEW FOR THIS YEAR!!!! There’s a lovely lake where you can hop aboard a little boat for a peaceful paddle -15 minutes of what feels like holiday vibes with the lovely staff! It’s all gentle and safe, and the kids thought it was hilarious pretending to be pirates while we cruised along. I would definitely recommend booking in advance but it is worth the extra £6 for such a lovely experience!

And of Course… the Train! 🚂

You can’t visit Audley End without riding the magical miniature train – and the summer version is even more enchanting. The woodland creatures along the route are charming, and the whole ride is just long enough to feel like a proper adventure. Bonus: under-fives go free!

Special Offer Alert! 🎟️

Here’s the cherry on top – when you buy a ticket to the Summer Festival, you get a return ticket for 25% off if you come back before the end of September. That means you can relive the magic for even less – perfect if you’re local or fancy another day out before school starts up again.

All in all, we had such a happy, wholesome day at Audley End Summer Festival – it’s one of those places that just gets it right for families. Relaxed, beautiful, plenty to do, and all wrapped up with lovely little touches that make you feel like it’s really been thought through.

So pack a picnic blanket, grab the suncream, and go make some memories – you won’t regret it! ☀️🍦

📍Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF

Free parking 

Tickets Here