A "medieval yet increasingly modern" Essex market town has been named one of the best places to live in the east of England for the second year running - and it's just more than an hour's drive from Romford.
In the Sunday Times' annual Best Places to Live list, Saffron Walden has been included in a list of seven places across the east of England for the second year on the trot.
The judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live.
Best Places to Live editor Helen Davies said: "These judges have travelled the length and breadth of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, selecting the top towns and villages, suburbs and cities for the 2026 guide.
"One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home."
Nestled in the Uttlesford district of north-west Essex, Saffron Walden was described as "medieval yet increasingly modern" by the judges and was said to have "taken on a cool new lease of life".
Its range of independent coffee shops, good schools, historic aesthetic and commuter links were all highlighted in the latest report.
Visit Essex's website describes Saffron Walden as a "picturesque market town" known for its "beautifully preserved medieval streets and timber-framed buildings".
It says: "This vibrant destination offers a perfect blend of heritage, culture, and countryside tranquillity."
Originally called Chipping Walden, Henry VIII granted it the 'Saffron' prefix by royal charter in the 1500s after the surrounding area became a major supplier of the spice - one of the most valuable commodities of the age.
One of the town's most prominent features is indeed its market which has seen stalls selling food and crafts pop up every Tuesday and Saturday since 1141.
The market has even been dubbed "one of the best" by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver who lives nearby in the village of Finchingfield.
The celebrity chef shared his thoughts as part of Love Your Local Market week last year, which celebrates markets across the UK.
He said: "I'm so lucky to have one of the best markets right on my doorstep.
"Saffron Walden is an absolute treasure trove of artisan suppliers."
Other landmarks include The Saffron Walden Museum, English Heritage's Audley End House and Gardens, a mansion with stables and an organic kitchen garden, St Mary's Church, which is the largest parish church in Essex, and the town's four mazes - one of which is the biggest turf labyrinth still surviving in Europe according to Visit Saffron Walden.
The Sunday Times judges said: "Medieval yet increasingly modern, Saffron Walden has taken on a cool new lease of life and now has more independent coffee shops than you can shake a grinder at.
"Add to that its historic looks, good schools and good commutes to London and Cambridge, and it is no wonder that Saffron Walden has also been busy toasting its success since being named the best place to live in Britain by the Sunday Times last year.
"Community spirit is high.
"Volunteers help to run everything from the cinema to the 8 Day Weekend, a carnival held every three years on the common, and Saffron Design and Create, a social enterprise that offers art and design workshops at low or no cost."
According to Rightmove, house prices in Saffron Walden sat at an overall average of £455,175 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in Saffron Walden during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £492,043 whilst terraced properties sold for an average of £385,020 and detached properties fetched £710,060.
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