The Buckinghamshire Travel Guide takes a look at a range of visitor attractions, places of interest and offers useful tourist information for travellers. The county has a mix of urban and rural including the famous English countryside. The unfortunate tag of commuter county has been put on the county as is the case with the other Home Counties. The unfortunate tag should not detract from paying the county a visit. There is a nice mix of countryside and historic attractions making Buckinghamshire worth a visit.
Overview and Attractions
The county has well town towns such as Buckingham, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. Around Aylesbury are several of Buckinghamshire's most popular visitor attractions. The Chiltern Hills in southern Buckinghamshire provide a countryside retreat for those wishing to get away from it all. Most of the Chilterns are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a visit to this attractive area will confirm why the area has been given the title. The area is very popular among walkers, the terrain and environment is conducive for walking. Visitors can explore and drop in to a village pub for a spot of refreshment and a hearty lunch.
The charming town of Amersham has an attractive high street benefiting from Georgian and half-timbered buildings. Along the Thames there are many villages that have thankfully maintained their charm and character, it makes for a great place to visit especially if you are from more urban areas.
The town of Buckingham has the 12th century Chantry Chapel, now operated by the National Trust as its famous building. The chapel is located close to the church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The church was built in 1781, inside the church notable features include several Tudor bench-ends and a manuscript Bible dating back to 1471. The Town Hall was built in the mid 18th century this after a fire had destroyed the previous town hall building.
West Wycombe boats some fine examples of historic buildings, with many dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries. Shops on the high street give leaflets showing an architectural walking trail about the village. West Wycombe Hill contains a 13th century church, the interior emulates an Egyptian temple with Corinthian columns and marble floors. Close by are the West Wycombe Caves, in the 1750s the caves were excavated from an old quarry.
Milton Keynes located approximately half way between London and Birmingham, is a new town where building started in the late sixties, today it is a thriving town that has big expansion plans on the horizon. It benefits from being a well-designed new town and has parkland, tree lined streets and ever growing leisure and shopping facilities. Bletchley Park is known as a centre for code breaking during the second world war. Several thousands of people worked here and it is thought their efforts helped end the war perhaps two years earlier than was anticipated. Sometimes talked of in unflattering terms, the town is growing and flourishing and is worth a visit.
Aylesbury is one of the most important towns in Buckinghamshire and has continued to grow both in importance and size. There are tourist attractions close by in the form of Claydon House, Waddesdon Manor and Stowe Landscape Garden. In Aylesbury town there is St. Mary's Church that is surrounded by a conservation area. Close to this site are the Buckinghamshire County Museum and Art Gallery and the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery that share a site together. The museum's exhibitions concentrate on the history and culture of the Buckinghamshire region. The Roald Dahl Gallery is a joy for any of his many fans children and adults like that like his work.
The Roald Dahl Museum is located in the centre of Aylesbury. In the gallery characters from Roald Dahl's children's stories can be seen, kids can go inside James' giant peach, see the odd inventions with Willie Wonka, or take part in hands on experiments. There are optical toys, magic mirrors, an upside down room and more besides. There is much to see and do here and is sure to entertain the whole family.
Claydon House is a Georgian home famous for its celebrated association with Florence Nightingale and the interior carved decoration. The house is built in a rather classical style but it is inside where the house really shines. The rococco decoration is among the most striking you will see anywhere, there are a number of rooms in both Chinese and Gothic styles and some extremely ornate carvings. Situated in peaceful parkland, Florence Nightingale was a frequent visitor to Claydon, and her bedroom contains many of her personal mementoes, including letters and clothing.
Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in order to display the great collection of art treasures he had. The manor is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Aylesbury Vale, it is the last remaining complete example of 'le goût Rothschild'. The House contains the high quality French furniture, textiles and decorative arts from the 18th century with some great English portraits and Dutch paintings. Waddesdon is also known for having some of the best Victorian gardens in the UK. The garden contains the Aviary, containing species that were at one point part of Baron Ferdinand's collection and other birds besides. The Wine Cellars contain thousands of bottles of Rothschild wine going back to the 19th century.
Stowe Landscaped Gardens are managed by the National Trust. The gardens at Stowe were among the first of a new style of landscaped parkland that evolved into what is commonly known as the English landscape garden. The gardens at Stowe began back in the early 18th century, the famous gardens have had much time and effort spent on them over the years and the great sight they are today is a testament to this and the on going maintenance. There are peaceful woodland walks opening out to planned vistas with monuments as a focal point. Stowe Gardens rank highly in its contribution to England's great gardens and their influence has stretched to a number of other gardens over the centuries.
The Milton Keynes Theatre is the place to go for theatre fans, the theatre puts Milton Keynes on the cultural map of the UK. Along with the renaissance in the arts and culture in many UK cities and towns, the theatre helps establish Milton Keynes in the UK arts and culture field. The theatre has proved to be a big hit with theatre goers and with the latest equipment available here is at the forefront of a huge range of productions ranging from large-scale West End musicals to smaller, intimate drama. The auditorium ceiling has can accommodate varying shows and can be raised or lowered depending on the scale of the production.
Visitors seeking a friendly country pub can try the Ivy House, a real country free house pub set in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, with breathtaking views for company. There is also guest accommodation available. The meals are traditional British fare along with other exotic dishes. There is a comfortable bar to relax in whilst enjoying your drink, there is an extensive drinks menu and an impressive wine list. The Ivy House enjoys a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and its country feel adds to the experience. Address: The Ivy House, London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4RS and Telephone: +44 (0) 1494 872184.
Revolution is a stylish bar in Milton Keynes and has become a popular place to go in a short space of time. There is a menu with an extensive vodka range, of course can always enjoy your pint or wine if so wish. There is also a chill out zone for those wanting a quieter evening of chatting and relaxation. Famed for playing the best in house music, there are also themed nights where you can experience a variety of music genres.
Buckinghamshire is a county that has far more than just being a commuter country. It is a county with some great historical attractions for visitors to see and enjoy, there are towns such as Milton Keynes that are thriving and these urban spaces are contrasted to the open countryside that is only a short distance away in this region. The character filled countryside here is a definite highlight and offers a great retreat to enjoy.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
