Often overlooked in favour of more far-flung destinations, Buckinghamshire provides both relaxation and exploration opportunities a-plenty with some of the UK’s most stunning countryside, regal estates, picture-postcard villages and intriguing attractions.
Bordering Greater London, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire is perfectly placed for luxury breaks in the UK. Far removed from the frenetic energy of the city, it opens the door to a world of sweeping valleys, tranquil countryside, time-forgotten villages and forested swathes. Part wild, part tamed, it proffers the perfect mix of family-friendly attractions and activities that will hook all generations, and invites everyone to embrace a slower, dreamier pace for a while.
Hoping to share some inspiration with you for your next boutique retreat, here are some of our favourite pretty places to visit in Buckinghamshire:
Chiltern Hills
An easy contender for one of the prettiest places to visit in Buckinghamshire, the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is nothing short of wondrous. Running over a huge section of southern Bucks (and beyond), the Chilterns’ chalk hills provide inspiration for everyone including poets, photographers and hikers. Exuding natural beauty and encompassing a huge variety of landscapes, you can expect diverse activities and some of the most scenic walks imaginable.
Waddesdon Manor
A trip to the arresting Waddesdon Manor offers a little bit of everything. A French Renaissance-style château, it was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain the high society of the 19th century and house a large collection of fine artworks and rare treasures. Today, the manor retains a sense of opulent decadence and encourages guests to discover its history, unique collections, gardens and dog-friendly main grounds.
Ivinghoe Beacon
The Ivinghoe Beacon is a familiar sight amongst Buckinghamshire locals. A grand gateway to the rolling hills of the Chilterns and the site of an Iron Age hill fort, it is definitely worth your attention. Not just a historically and geographically significant landmark, the hill also rewards walkers with far-reaching views that, on clear days, extend across several counties. If you can steal your gaze from the horizon, keep a look out for the wildflowers and butterflies that flourish in the chalk grassland.
Marlow
Michelin-star dining, riverside walks, Georgian architecture and a fine array of shops and boutiques are just some of the things you can expect during a trip to Marlow. One of the prettiest towns in Buckinghamshire, Marlow is located on the banks of the River Thames and attracts a discerning crowd looking to relax amongst its historic streets and waterfront retreats. It also hosts many fun festivals and events throughout the year, including the unmissable town regatta in summer.
West Wycombe
Become the latest star of Cranford and Little Dorrit, Downton Abbey and Dr Thorne with a walk around the showstopping West Wycombe. Featuring an elegant Palladian mansion surrounded by 45 acres of parkland and an historic village, the area sets the scene for many a romantic stroll and relaxed wander. Explore West Wycombe Park with its Italianate country home and navigate the ages through the village’s high street, lined with higgledy-piggledy buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. You can also go underground deep into the notorious Hellfire Caves!
Turville
Another of the prettiest places to visit in Buckinghamshire, Turville may set your memory whirring. Used to film outdoor scenes of many of the nation’s favourite TV series, including the Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek and Miss Marple, Turville’s nostalgic aesthetics have captured imaginations far and wide. Full of charm and radiating olde-worlde vibes, it is definitely a must for your Buckinghamshire bucket list.
Stowe
A fusion of the modern and classic, the National Trust-run Stowe in Buckingham is a real haven. Having attracted visitors for centuries, this Georgian estate has lots of carefully lain paths that weave through gardens and parkland and alongside lakes. With Palladian bridges, intricately manicured hedgerows, hidden monuments, statues, and temples paying homage to the seasons, you’ll find a whole other world here in which to escape for a few hours – or the whole day.
Old Amersham
Tucked at the foot of the Chiltern Hils, Old Amersham is a characterful town with lots of history. Some of the oldest buildings here date as far back as the 1400s, including the town’s Amersham Museum. Walk along the high street and marvel at the attractive buildings, some with Medieval timber frames, and enjoy the quirky visuals. You should also make time to see the Martyrs Memorial (dedicated to the poor souls burned at the stake here in the 1700s) and the two town halls (the oldest of which was used as the town jail in the 1600s).
Black Park Country Park
Black Park Country Park is an especially appealing destination if you have a four-pawed pal in your pack. A 530-acre area of thick woodland, heathland and open space in South Buckinghamshire, it is one of the best places in the county for long walks and playtime with all the family. With the added advantage of several car parks located around the park, you can easily navigate the woodlands’ 10 miles of well-surfaced tracks and find the family-friendly attractions, including a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, Tree Top Junior and Segways.
Coombe Hill
Standing at 852 feet above sea level, Coombe Hill proffers the highest vantage point in the Chilterns. Overlooking the Aylesbury Vale and Chequers Court (the Prime Minister’s weekend retreat), the hill is visible for miles around and boasts views as far as the Cotswolds on a blue-sky day. For the full experience, you can pick up the Coombe Hill Walk, a circular 3.5-mile route, which involves a long and steady climb to the top of the hill, marked by a commemorative monument dedicated to the men of Buckinghamshire who lost their lives during the Boer War.
Hambleden Valley
Hambleden Valley is home to a picture-perfect collection of quintessential English country villages. Extending north from the River Thames, this glacial valley is framed by stunning natural landscapes and overlooked by ancient hilltop settlements. Start your discovery of the valley’s villages with a trip to Hambleden, an attractive village with brick and flint cottages, a medieval church and a popular dog-friendly local pub.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Buckinghamshire here.
