Set close to London, this fabulous county is idea for a weekend escape away from the city, or the perfect spot for exploring this wonderful part of England, often overlooked as a holiday destination. This wonderful, verdant area has plenty to see and do, whether you’re a history buff, sport fanatic, keen to shop or simply looking to relax into nature, there’s something for everyone.

With the Chiltern Hills AONB dominating the landscape, there’s no shortage of lush countryside to discover, dotted with delightfully pretty villages. Being near London means that lots of wealthy folk used Buckinghamshire as their playground, as such you’ll find a host of stately homes and mansions to uncover, with Bletchley Park having a far more recent and important role.

For foodies, you’ll not be disappointed with the host of eateries on offer. With award-winning gastro pubs, restaurants showcasing the best local produce and quaint tea rooms serving lashings of cream teas, there’s something for everyone. Check out their microbreweries too, and the highest quality farm shops offer exceptional home-grown food to cook back in your retreat.

From the chicest restaurant to the most traditional country inn, there are simply hundreds of amazing eateries in Buckinghamshire waiting to be discovered. Fancy a cream tea in a spectacular setting? No problem – head to Danesfield House in Marlow with the River Thames and the Chilterns as a backdrop. It’s just one of many that’ll whet your whistle. 

After something a little boozier? There are amazing country inns and pubs waiting to be discovered, whether you’re after a real ale or two or a sumptuous Sunday lunch. There’s a host of breweries, vineyards and distilleries to visit, such as Daws Hill Vineyard nestled in the Chilterns, The Chiltern Brewery with its own shop and Puddingstone Distillery, home to award-winning gin – chin chin!

For connoisseurs of food, there are a plethora of farm shops (some award-winning), where you’ll be able to pick up tasty morsels like local cheese, meats, bread and cakes to take back to your luxury self-catering home in Buckinghamshire. There’s a host of places to eat too, from stylish cafes to Michelin-starred pubs like The Coach in Marlow to fine dining at the Artichoke in Amersham. 

With more National Trust properties than any other county in England, it’s not surprising that Buckinghamshire is a must for history buffs. From impressive stately homes such as Cliveden which overlooks the Thames, to poet John Milton’s 16th century cottage, you’ll not want for places to choose from. 

For petrol heads, no stay in Buckinghamshire would be complete without a visit to Silverstone, and now you can enjoy it first hand at The Silverstone Experience, a fully immersive show that’ll impress even the most ardent of fans. Shoppers seeking a bargain should pay a visit to Biscester Village with over 160 designer brand outlets offering discounts of up to 60%.

The AONB that is the Chilterns dominate Buckinghamshire and is a wonderful place to explore, from the plentiful tracks and trails for walking, cycling and horse-riding to the pretty villages to discover. The Chiltern Open Air Museum is a fascinating place with over 30 reconstructed building from across the county.