Explore Top Buckinghamshire Attractions: History, Nature, and Family Fun Await

9 min read

Nestled in the heart of England, Buckinghamshire boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From quaint villages to stately homes, there’s something for everyone in this charming county. Whether we’re history buffs, nature enthusiasts, or simply looking for a picturesque escape, Buckinghamshire never disappoints.

As we explore its attractions, we’ll discover the allure of its rolling Chiltern Hills, the grandeur of Waddesdon Manor, and the serene beauty of its parks and gardens. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the county’s heritage and charm, making Buckinghamshire a must-visit for any traveller.

Key Takeaways

Rich History: Buckinghamshire is home to significant historic sites such as Waddesdon Manor and Bletchley Park, offering detailed insights into both architectural grandeur and pivotal World War II events.
Natural Beauty: The Chiltern Hills and Black Park provide diverse outdoor experiences, from hiking and wildlife spotting to boating and treetop adventures.
Family-Friendly Destinations: Attractions like Bekonscot Model Village and Odds Farm Park ensure engaging and enjoyable experiences for all ages, blending education with entertainment.
Cultural Experiences: The Roald Dahl Museum and Buckinghamshire Railway Centre offer enriching activities that celebrate literary heritage and railway history.
Culinary Delights: The county boasts an array of local eateries and vibrant farmers’ markets, highlighting seasonal produce and traditional cuisine.
Travel and Accommodation: Buckinghamshire’s accessibility via rail, road, and air, along with varied lodging options, ensures a comfortable visit for every traveller.

Historic Sites

Buckinghamshire boasts several historic sites that offer a glimpse into its rich past. Below, we explore two of the most prominent ones.

Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor, an opulent Renaissance-style chateau, was built in the late 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. This National Trust property houses an impressive collection of art, antiques and decorative arts. The grounds feature formal gardens, sculptures, and fountains. Regular guided tours provide insight into the manor’s history and the Rothschild family’s legacy. Seasonal events and exhibitions also enhance the visitor experience.

Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War II codebreakers, played a pivotal role in the Allied victory. Visitors can explore the restored huts and blocks where codebreakers like Alan Turing worked. Exhibits showcase the Enigma machine and other wartime artefacts. Interactive displays detail the history of cryptography and the ingenious methods used to break enemy codes. With its rich history and educational value, Bletchley Park attracts history enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Natural Beauty

Buckinghamshire offers stunning landscapes that captivate and inspire visitors. Among the county’s natural treasures are the Chiltern Hills and Black Park, each providing unique experiences.

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretches across Buckinghamshire. It’s renowned for rolling chalk hills, beech woodlands, and historic pathways like the Ridgeway National Trail. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot red kites and fallow deer, which are abundant in this region. Charming villages within the hills, such as Hambleden and Turville, offer picturesque settings for leisurely strolls and exploration.

Black Park

Black Park, spanning over 530 acres, is famous for its mix of woodland, heathland, and open spaces. This park features a large lake, making it a favourite spot for fishing and boating. Extensive walking and cycling paths cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The Go Ape adventure course adds an element of excitement with treetop challenges and zip lines. Families can enjoy picnic areas and playgrounds, and movie buffs might recognise the park’s diverse landscapes from numerous film and television productions.

Family-Friendly Destinations

Buckinghamshire boasts a variety of family-friendly destinations that cater to all ages, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both adults and children.

Bekonscot Model Village

Bekonscot Model Village, located in Beaconsfield, offers a miniature world that delights visitors of all ages. Established in 1929, it’s the world’s oldest model village. The meticulously crafted scenes showcase quintessential English life during the 1930s, complete with model trains, shops, and villagers. Kids can marvel at these detailed scenes while learning about English history through engaging displays. The garden centre and tea room provide added convenience for families.

Odds Farm Park

Odds Farm Park, situated near High Wycombe, is a haven for those seeking hands-on animal encounters. The farm features various animals, including goats, sheep, and pigs. Interactive feeding sessions and tractor rides ensure an immersive agricultural experience. For children’s entertainment, the park includes indoor and outdoor play areas, from adventure trails to sandpits. Seasonal events such as lambing and Halloween activities enrich the visit, making Odds Farm Park a dynamic year-round destination.

Cultural Experiences

Buckinghamshire offers diverse cultural experiences, attracting literature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Roald Dahl Museum

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, located in Great Missenden, celebrates the life and works of the famous children’s author. Opened in 2005, it features interactive exhibits and original manuscripts. Visitors can explore the Story Centre, where they can engage in creative writing and storytelling activities. The Boy and Solo galleries provide insights into Dahl’s childhood and wartime experiences. Guided village trails are available, where guests can visit locations that inspired Dahl’s stories, including Great Missenden Library and various local landmarks. Special events and workshops frequently occur, making the museum a lively and educational destination for all ages.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, found in Quainton, is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. This heritage railway and museum houses an extensive collection of locomotives, carriages and railway artefacts. The site features a fully operational steam railway offering rides on vintage trains, providing a nostalgic experience. Key exhibitions include the 1874-built Metropolitan Railway locomotive No.1 and the Royal Dining Car used by Queen Victoria. Additionally, visitors can explore the Rewley Road station building, relocated from Oxford, and the extensive model railway display. Various special events occur throughout the year, including steam galas and family-focused days, enhancing its appeal.

Buckinghamshire’s cultural experiences showcase diverse historical and literary heritage, offering enriching activities for visitors.

Culinary Delights

Buckinghamshire offers a rich array of culinary experiences, ranging from charming local eateries to vibrant farmers’ markets. Visit to indulge in gastronomic adventures.

Local Eateries

Our county is known for its enchanting local eateries, each with distinctive character. The Three Oaks in Gerrards Cross serves exquisite British cuisine with seasonal ingredients. For a taste of Italy, head to L’Angolo in The Lee, where we enjoy authentic pasta and pizzas, crafted with traditional recipes. The Nag’s Head in Great Missenden offers hearty pub food in a cosy setting, blending modern flavours with classic dishes.

Farmers’ Markets

We delight in exploring Buckinghamshire’s farmers’ markets, brimming with fresh, local produce. Amersham Farmers’ Market, held on the second Sunday of each month, boasts a variety of organic vegetables, homemade preserves, and artisanal cheeses. The Winslow Farmers’ Market, open on the first Sunday of every month, features locally reared meats, freshly baked goods, and unique crafts. These markets provide a direct connection to the county’s agricultural heritage, offering visitors the freshest seasonal produce.

Practical Information

Knowing basic practical information ensures a smooth trip to Buckinghamshire. Below, we cover essential details on travel and accommodation.

Getting There

Buckinghamshire boasts excellent transportation links, making it easily accessible. The county lies just northwest of London and is well-connected by rail and road networks.

By Train: Major towns like Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Milton Keynes are served by regular trains from London, with journey times between 30-60 minutes. Chiltern Railways and London Northwestern Railway operate key routes.
By Road: The M40, M1, and A41 are the main motorways passing through Buckinghamshire, providing direct links to other major cities. The A4 and A5 offer more scenic routes, and the county is within an hour’s drive from London.
By Bus: National Express and other coach services offer routes to and within Buckinghamshire, including stops at central locations. Buses connect smaller towns and villages, although schedules might be less frequent.
By Air: The nearest airports are London Heathrow and London Luton, both about 30-45 minutes by car. Trains and shuttle services connect these airports to Buckinghamshire.

Accommodation Options

Buckinghamshire caters to varied accommodation preferences, from luxurious hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts and self-catering options.

Hotels: For a luxury stay, consider Hartwell House in Aylesbury and Danesfield House Hotel near Marlow. These hotels offer high-end amenities and beautiful settings.
Bed and Breakfasts: For a more homely feel, try The Old Dairy in Great Missenden and The Laurels in Hazlemere. These B&Bs provide cosy rooms and personal touches.
Self-Catering: Options like The Old Rectory in Milton Keynes and Chiltern Ridge in Princes Risborough are perfect for those who prefer self-catering. They offer furnished properties in picturesque locations.
Camping and Glamping: For an outdoor experience, visit Home Farm Camping and Chalfont St Peter Campsite. Both sites provide well-maintained pitches and unique glamping options.

Buckinghamshire’s varied accommodation and travel options ensure every visitor finds comfort and convenience during their stay.

Conclusion

Buckinghamshire truly offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all interests. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or family traveller, the county’s diverse attractions promise unforgettable memories. From exploring opulent manors and historic sites to enjoying the serene beauty of the Chiltern Hills and Black Park, there’s something for everyone.

Families will find plenty of engaging activities, while literature and train enthusiasts can immerse themselves in cultural experiences. Don’t forget to savour the local culinary delights at charming eateries and bustling farmers’ markets. With excellent transport links and a variety of accommodation options, planning a visit to Buckinghamshire is both easy and rewarding.

So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the charm and heritage of this remarkable county. We’re confident that Buckinghamshire will captivate your heart and leave you longing for more.