SWDSME © 2018

Our track is on the western outskirts of Saffron Walden in Essex, adjacent to the Audley End Railway.

By road we are just off the B1383, mid-way between Newport and Littlebury. Audley End House, across the road from the railway, is well signposted in the area.

From the Audley End Railway car park, cross the footbridge to our track and Clubhouse

If bringing a loco please contact a Club member on site to arrange bringing a car into the unloading area.

To view a map of the area, click on the link.

When travelling via the M11, please note that Junction 9 for the A11 is a north-bound exit only. If travelling south-bound on the M11 it is advisable to leave the motorway at Junction 10, A505 at Duxford.

The nearest railway station is Audley End, on the Liverpool Street - Cambridge line, a distance of 1.3 miles. Various bus services go to Saffron Walden town centre, around 1 mile away.

Back in the 1960’s, Lord Braybrooke turned his life-long interest in steam railways to building a miniature railway on his Audley End estate. A long standing friendship with David Curwen was established - he advised on construction of the railway and supplied most of the railway’s 10¼” gauge locos. The 50th anniversary of the opening by Stirling Moss was celebrated in 2014.

The railway has been extended and developed since its opening, there are now 3 steam locos regularly used on passenger duties with others being used on special occasions. 2 diesel/hydraulic locos may also be used.

The 1½ mile track passes through the estate woodland with several tunnels and a bridge over the River Cam.

A further attraction is Audley End House and Gardens. Now owned by English Heritage, the present building is predominately an early 17th century country mansion.

During the 18th century the park was transformed from formal gardens into one of 'Capability' Brown's most successful pastoral landscapes and remains substantially as it was when first created. Later features include a restored Parterre garden, a rose garden and fountains, and the restored 19th century walled kitchen garden now in use as a working organic kitchen garden.

Well worth a visit, especially for any of your party who are not steam enthusiasts.