Quick Info

📍 Location
St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1JP
Previously held in the Parish Rooms during building works, but now back inside the church itself.

🕒 Day & Time
Tuesday
Drop in from 9:30am
Craft activity from 10:00am – 11:00am
Short service just after 11:00am
Term time only

👶 Age Suitability
Babies and pre-school children
Best for ages 0–4

💰 Price
Free to attend
A small donation to charity is welcomed

🟢 Booking
Drop-in

☕ Refreshments
Refreshments available from 9:30am, including toast for the children

📧 Contact
stmaryschildrenandyouth@gmail.com
childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org

📞 Phone
07356 278 643

👩 Run by
Julie Lester, Children and Youth Leader

At a Glance

Tinies is a relaxed and welcoming baby and toddler group run by St Mary’s Church in Saffron Walden.

The group meets on Tuesday mornings during term time and is now back inside the church itself, after spending some time in the Parish Rooms while building works were taking place.

The move back into the church means there is more space for little ones to play, including ride on toys that children can zoom around on.

Each session usually includes:

• Free play with toys
• Ride on toys inside the church
• A simple craft activity
• Tea, coffee and refreshments for parents and carers
• Toast for the children
• A short music, story and service time

Parents and carers can drop in from 9:30am, with the main craft activity running from 10am to 11am. A short service follows just after 11am, with songs, instruments and a short Bible story designed for young children.

All parents and carers of babies and pre-school aged children are very welcome.

What It’s Like

Tinies has the feel of a traditional church toddler group: friendly, relaxed and welcoming to anyone new to the area.

I haven’t visited this playgroup yet myself, but it has been recommended through local mums and it’s firmly on my list to check out soon with my little girl.

Expect plenty of toys set out for little ones to explore, a craft activity, and time for parents and carers to chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Now that the group is back in the church itself, there is also more room for toddlers to move about, which sounds especially useful if you have a little one who likes to be on the go.

The short service towards the end helps bring everyone together before heading home, with songs, instruments and a short story aimed at young children.

Session Flow

• Drop in from 9:30am
• Refreshments available, including toast for the children
• Free play with toys and ride ons
• Craft activity from 10am to 11am
• Short service just after 11am
• Songs, instruments and a short Bible story

Parking + Practical Bits

🚗 Parking

Because this group runs on a Tuesday morning, it’s worth knowing that Saffron Walden market is on, which means parking in the Market Square isn’t possible and the town can be busier than usual.

Nearby parking options include:

• Swan Meadow Car Park, pay and display
• The Common Car Park, pay and display
• Rose & Crown Car Park behind Boots, pay and display

The Rose & Crown car park can be handy if you’re already in town, but do be careful if it’s full. They are known for being very quick to issue fines, so it’s best to leave straight away if there aren’t any spaces.

All of these are just a short walk to St Mary’s Church.

📍 Finding the Group

Tinies now takes place inside St Mary’s Church itself, rather than the Parish Rooms.

The Parish Rooms are the small white and black timber building just to the left of the church when you’re facing the main entrance, but the group has now moved back into the church following the completion of the lighting works.

Walden Weekly Tip

It’s worth arriving from 9:30am if you want a softer start, a drink, and a bit of time for your little one to settle before the craft activity begins.

Because Tinies is right in the centre of town, it can also be a nice one to combine with a coffee, quick errands, or a walk around Saffron Walden afterwards.

How to Contact

📧 stmaryschildrenandyouth@gmail.com
📧 childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org
📞 07356 278 643

You can also check the St Mary’s Church Saffron Walden website for updates to term dates and session details.

Tinies – Baby & Toddler Group
(St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden)

A friendly Tuesday morning baby and toddler group with toys, crafts and songs at St Mary’s Church.