Rivernights at Audley End Enchanted Railway | Adults-Only Summer Evenings in Essex
Looking for a unique evening out in Essex? Welcome to Rivernights – a series of relaxed, adults-only evenings hosted by Audley End Acorn Events.
Set within the beautiful woodland of Audley End Enchanted Railway, just outside Saffron Walden and around 20 minutes from Cambridge, Rivernights brings together live music, delicious street food, riverside drinks and punting, all in a stunning woodland setting.

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Summer Evenings, Done Differently
If you’ve visited Audley End Enchanted Railway with family during the day, Rivernights is your chance to experience the woodland in a completely different way.
Rivernights transforms the railway after hours into a relaxed evening destination for adults. Rather than a busy festival or crowded pub, it’s all about slowing down, catching up with friends and making the most of long summer evenings in our beautiful river glade setting.
Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something a little different to do on a Friday evening, Rivernights offers a unique way to spend an evening in Essex.
Every event has its own personality, with different live music, entertainment and independent food vendors throughout the season, giving guests a reason to come back time and time again.

What to Expect
Every Rivernights event is a little different, but you can always expect:
- 🎵 Live music and entertainment
- 🍔 Delicious street food from independent vendors
- 🍹 Cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks from our Woodland Bar
- 🚂 Optional Golden Hour Express train ride through the ancient woodland
- 🛶 Optional punting on the river
- 🌳 Relaxed seating in a beautiful woodland setting
- 🔞 Adults-only atmosphere (18+)
Simply arrive from 6pm, settle in with friends, grab something delicious to eat and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Join Us for Our Final Rivernights of the Summer
🤠 Rivernights – The Country Edition
Dust off your cowboy boots and join us for our final Rivernights of the summer!
Expect live country music, line dancing, delicious street food, riverside drinks and all your favourite Rivernights magic. Upgrade your evening with an optional journey aboard the Golden Hour Express before arriving beside the river, where you can enjoy punting, great food and a whole lot of country charm.
📅 Friday 21st August
🕕 Arrival from 6:00pm
🔞 Adults only (18+)
🚂 Optional Golden Hour Express
🛶 Optional punting
👉 Book your free tickets here.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Although Rivernights has been free to attend this summer, advance booking is essential as capacity is limited. Optional experiences such as the Golden Hour Express and punting should also be booked in advance via each event page.
Is Rivernights an adults-only event?
Rivernights is exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, creating a relaxed atmosphere for adults to enjoy an evening with friends and family.
Is seating available?
Yes. Picnic benches, deckchairs and other relaxed seating are available throughout the woodland on a first come, first served basis. You’re also very welcome to bring your own chair or picnic blanket.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely! Friendly dogs on short leads are very welcome.
What happens if it rains?
Rivernights is an outdoor woodland event, so we recommend dressing for the weather and bringing an extra layer for cooler evenings. If severe weather affects the event, we’ll contact ticket holders by email and share updates on our social media channels.
Will Rivernights always be free?
This summer, we’ve been trialling Rivernights to help shape the programme for future seasons. As the event grows, future editions may include a modest ticket price to help cover live music, entertainment and production costs. However, our aim will always be to keep Rivernights an affordable, low-key evening out where people can enjoy great food, live music and beautiful surroundings.
Can I book the Golden Hour Express or punting separately?
Yes. Both experiences are optional add-ons that can be booked alongside your Rivernights ticket on the event page, subject to availability.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the forest for a magical evening by the river.