One of England’s most celebrated ancient pargeted buildings
The Old Sun Inn is an enchanting and much-cherished Grade I-listed historic building in Saffron Walden, Essex displaying some of the best pargeting – external decorative plasterwork – in England. Originally medieval houses, then later an inn, the property has subsequently been in mixed commercial and domestic use.
It is timber-framed with 14th-century origins and overhanging or ‘jettied’ upper floors. The renowned pargeting dates from the 17th century onwards. The Old Sun Inn is currently undergoing a programme of major conservation, including work to its unique pargeting. The building, though, is open for visits and events by prior appointment or at other advertised times.
Located in the town’s historic hub, the property comprises 29-31 Church Street and 17 Market Hill (previously, for many years, Lankester Antiques & Books) as well as 25-27 Church Street. The latter has been owned by Douglas Kent since 2009 and the former since March 2023.
Tours of 29-31 Church Street & 17 Market Hill
(booked via Visit Saffron Walden)
| Date | Times Available | |
| Saturday 11th May 2024 | Nearly full | 11 am & 2:30 pm |
| Saturday 1st June 2024 | Available | 11 am & 2:30 pm |
| Saturday 6th July 2024 | Available | 11 am & 2:30 pm |
| Saturday 3rd August 2024 | Available | 11am & 2.30pm |
About the Tour – It Includes Cake!
Tours include an introductory talk on the building, its history and the present work by owner Douglas Kent. Each tour lasts approximately one-and-a-half hours and includes tea, coffee, homemade cakes and biscuits.
The tours attract a wide range of people but appeal particularly to those with an interest in informed and sensitive work to old buildings. Whether you are a local resident, tourist who plans to visit Saffron Walden or someone simply enthusiastic about our heritage, we hope very much that you will come and explore the Old Sun Inn.
Private tours can be booked by emailing info@oldsuninn.com.
‘Outstanding even in Saffron Walden is the former Sun Inn – an immense, rambling building. Pargeting covers it completely.’
R Chamberlin, 1985 – English Market Towns
There Be Giants Art Installation and Exhibition
19th April to 1st May 2024 (free of charge)
Come and visit the pop-up art exhibition There Be Giants by artist-curator Jessica Pearce that celebrates the rich folklore, legend, myth and magic of the local area. Open until Wednesday 1st May from 10am to 4pm (closed Sundays and Mondays).