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The Cross Keys

3.0 star property
Travelers fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this charming inn before hitting the tennis court or exploring the attractions of this perfectly positioned town

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Photo gallery for The Cross Keys

Restaurant - The Cross Keys (Saffron Walden)
Double Room, Ensuite (King) | Bathroom - The Cross Keys (Saffron Walden)
Double Room, Ensuite (King) | View from property - The Cross Keys (Saffron Walden)
Restaurant - The Cross Keys (Saffron Walden)
Exterior - The Cross Keys (Saffron Walden)
The Cross Keys, in the heart of town, offers breakfasts cooked to order. Enjoy a cozy bar, delicious restaurant meals, free WiFi, and an outdoor tennis court. Its central location makes exploring nearby attractions convenient.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Ensuite (Dbl_Twn)

Double or Twin Room, Ensuite (Dbl_Twn) | View from property

Double or Twin Room, Ensuite (Dbl_Twn)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Desk
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite (Dbl)

Double Room, Ensuite (Dbl) | View from property

Double Room, Ensuite (Dbl)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Desk
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite (DblL_Eesbath)

Double Room, Ensuite (DblL_Eesbath) | View from property

Double Room, Ensuite (DblL_Eesbath)

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Desk
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite (Sup)

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (Sup) | View from property

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (Sup)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Desk
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite (King)

Double Room, Ensuite (King) | View from property

Double Room, Ensuite (King)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite (King_Sup)

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (King_Sup) | View from property

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (King_Sup)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Desk
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Saffron Walden is home to The Cross Keys. Chilford Hall Vineyard and Bishop's Stortford Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Red White and Blue Country Park and RSPB Fowlmere Nature Reserve. Bridge End Gardens and Whoosh Explore are also worth visiting. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like horse riding and cycling. Visit our Saffron Walden travel guide
View more Inns in Saffron Walden
Map
32 High Street, Saffron Walden, England, CB10 1AX

What's nearby

  • Bridge End Gardens which includes a garden and a statue or sculpture
    Bridge End Gardens
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Audley End House showing heritage architecture, a house and heritage elements
    Audley End House
    2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Market Square
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • The Common
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Fry Art Gallery
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles

Getting around

  • Elsenham Station
    13 min drive
  • Stansted Airport (STN)
    36 min drive

Restaurants

  • the Railway Arms
    7 min walk
  • The Curious Goat
    1 min walk
  • Waffle and Coffee
    2 min walk
  • The Temeraire
    1 min walk
  • The Cross Keys Hotel
    1 min walk

About this property

The Cross Keys

Property highlights
You can look forward to free breakfast, a bar, and a restaurant at The Cross Keys. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas.
Other perks at this inn include:
  • An outdoor tennis court and smoke-free premises

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Outdoor tennis court

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Cross Keys Inn Saffron Walden
Cross Keys Inn Saffron Walden
Cross Keys Saffron Walden
Inn The Cross Keys Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden The Cross Keys Inn
Inn The Cross Keys
The Cross Keys Saffron Walden
Cross Keys Inn
Cross Keys
The Cross Keys Inn
The Cross Keys Saffron Walden
The Cross Keys Inn Saffron Walden

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cross Keys pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at The Cross Keys?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cross Keys?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Cross Keys located?

Situated in Saffron Walden, this inn is steps from Market Square and Church of St. Mary. Fry Art Gallery and The Common are also within 5 minutes.

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Reviews

The Cross Keys Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 177 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 52 out of 177 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 177 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 177 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 177 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

STACEY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place to stay

We loved Saffron Walden, the hotel location and staff. We will definitely return.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've always wanted to stay here and it didn't disappoint. Really friendly service, comfortable room and had a great vegan option for breakfast which is usually very difficult to find! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melvyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Just spot on

Excellent all over. Fabulous food Fabulous room Spot on.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A fabulous place to stay

Amazing and great value lunch, a fabulous breakfast, staff were all lovely and helpful, car park not on site but this was not a problem as the nearest is a few minutes walk away and not too expensive ( download the app for ease) free WiFi and a comfortable bed with a lovely room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice welcome by friendly team member. Imaginatively restored historic pub with a lovely room with a comfy bed, well furnished with a claw bath. Generous breakfast served by an equally friendly server. So enjoyed our stay. The town has a lot to offer with lovely buildings and shops. Quite a find.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very good all round

It was really good. Stayed for a couple of weeks on business. Rooms were comfortable, staff were very friendly, WiFi worked great and the food was really good.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A return visit to this lovely old Inn. A different and larger room with a very comfortable bed, decent sized shower unit and good complimentary tray and toiletries. Great choices for breakfast and the evening menu was also varied with 'specials' evenings. Friendly and welcoming. Pretty town to explore with good architecture. Car parking a short walk but not extortionate. Have MiPark as your app so no need to get up before 8 am to feed the parking meter. Excellent value
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent character and restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Loraine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We got a room for us and our English friends. We loved it. The restaurant was great. That night we all had the carvery, I was impressed, for English food it was good. We stayed in room 9. I’ve been married 40-years, and that was the most fun, funky room, we loved. How often do you sleep in a room from 1569?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very historic place which dates back to the 1500's . The character of the property has been largely kept, this does include sloping floor in the bedroom.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karmel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommended

Lovely room and ensuite - very clean comfortable and beautifully decorated. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The breakfast was delicious. I would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfortable stay near the Fry Gallery

Friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable room and bed. Quiet night. The stylish roll top bath needed a stool for access by customers with old joints!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Avoid the rooms facing the centre.

Very old hotel, room was ok, bed really comfortable, very small TV, hot water for the sink took ages to come through. My room was at the front of the hotel very noisy with the traffic and people and the road sweeper at 6am. Food was average, no fish & chips as the fish was defrosting 😂, only had all day to sort that, had the burger and asked without sauce and came with sauce. Finally, chargeable car park which is a 5 minute walk away.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were allowed to leave our cases while went to music festival in towm. Staff were more than helpful. Breakfast was superior
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love the Cross Keys. This was my third time staying here... room 2 is my go-to room. I could hear the traffic late and early- but I knew that before I requested room 2. The room has old charm and a comfy bed. The breakfast is excellent- I get the "full English breakfast" of course. The host or hostess always had a smile or laugh- a good way to start the day. The background music seems to fit the personality of whichever employee was there that day... the young man who I gifted a bottle of hot sauce or the more mature hostess who liked music from my era (60's and 70's) ... she would sing from one end of the pub to the other. Made me smile. I absolutely recommend the Cross Keys for any overnight stays. Clean, inviting, and happy!!! Of course the pub aspect is an added plus! CHEERS... I will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the place if you want to stay in an historic hotel. Expect it to be charming but also expect stairs and off site parking. But the staff is wonderful, the pub is a joy and the food very good. And the whole area is walkable. Just great.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very old historic building with lots of character. Room large, bed comfy, coffee machine and biscuits but no bottled water. Good shower, good breakfast included cooked to order. Staff friendly and helpful. WiFi rubbish, TV not great but was cool that it was hidden in the panelled wall. Short walk to paid parking. Overall a positive stay, would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very unique and pleasant hotel/pub. Very comfortable and clean bed and bedding. Enjoyed the Sunday roast dinner specials. Breakfast was very good. Central location in a very walkable village. Transportation by local bus to Stansted airport was quick (about 1 hour), stop just down the street and cost was 2£ each. Great way to get to the airport, scenic drive in the countryside.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff members excellent. Lighting in bathroom was poor 2 lights not working did report this. Cups in bedroom not changed or cleaned over 3 day stay. Food was good
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good location

The location is excellent but remember there is no parking at the hotel and hard to drop off your bags in the car as narrow street right outside. Keep this in mind if you have a lot of luggage or disabled. Hotel and food great. Getting a coffee or drink when breakfast was busy proved hard and we had to ask 3 times and took longer than it took to eat breakfast. Over all a great location and so don’t be put off. Maybe have a filter coffee machine and then could top up yourself
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Ideal quiet position in town centre so easy to walk or use buses nearby.Very old building so stairs awkward (There could be a reminder on website when booking). Shower easy to use; ceiling above showing water damage stains. It was useful to have a stand for unpacking suitcase. Bed comfortable; bed linen crisp, clean and ironed. Lighting good; a welcome tray of teas, coffees, biscuits topped up daily. TV set on a slant on wall due to structure of building? Breakfasts good, portions generous; vegetarian options tasty; I would welcome some fruit and yoghurt choice too.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Strange checkin and no parking !

Checked in ok but felt slightly strange that I had to approach the bar staff to check in, when the pub was busy. Barman had to stop serving at the bar to give me keys and take me to the room. Felt a bit rushed . On the hotels.com website I was led to believe parking was available - however the staff said they didn’t know why it said that, and I had to pay for parking at the town car park 5 mins walk away. No real concerns, but please make this clearer. Breakfast is included as was very good .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Mark

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Shame

Check in was poor, got ignored by staff gossiping, looked at me 5 times and decided ignoring me was the best so I stood there for about 5minutes. When a waitress already running around after clients saw me she came over and got someone to help me, she was helpful, manager came over and they had computer issues which apparently I wanted to know all about. Just very unprofessional. Room was adequate but small and not value , price is only for the old building. Room was adequate but bathroom wasn’t that clean. All toiletries were one use which isn’t green. Best experience was breakfast where young guy on duty was very good with all the guests.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Krystyna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was spacious and clean. Staff in the pub were lovely and very welcoming. A great place to stay. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025