Tour of 29-31 Church Street & 17 Market Hill, Saffron Walden 

Come and explore inside this captivating and much-cherished Grade I-listed, 14th-century property – part of the Old Sun Inn and for many years an antiques shop – as it enters a new era with a new owner. See the cavernous cellars; the ground floor devoid of antiques after half a century; and the first floor, inaccessible until recently to all but a few people. Hear an introductory talk on the building, its history and current work by owner Douglas Kent, the Technical and Research Director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

The Old Sun Inn is an enchanting Grade I-listed building in Saffron Walden, displaying some of the best pargeting – external decorative plasterwork – in England, depicting the legendary figures of Tom Hickathrift and the Wisbech Giant. The diarist Samuel Pepys and the writer John Evelyn both recorded visits, and Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed there during the Civil War. 

The tour is expected to appeal most to those interested in the informed and sensitive repair of old buildings.

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access. The ground floor is accessible to the infirm but stairs to other levels are unsuitable for those with mobility limitations.

Tickets £18 including homemade cakes and biscuits.