Things to do in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire has a wide choice of great of days out to keep all the family entertained. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre features steam engine rides, miniature railways and family fun. Bekonscot Model Village is the oldest model village in the world dating back to 1929 and features a model railway and gardens. Buckingham Old Gaol Museum, once the town’s jail, features artefacts from the town’s history – just don’t get locked in the cells! Chiltern Open Air Museum is something different – you can explore over 30 historic buildings that have been rescued and restored from the Chiltern area. Buckinghamshire’s historic buildings include the 14th century Boarstall Tower, the restored and working Ford End Watermill and Pistone Windmill – one of the first British windmills dating back to the 16th century.

Buckinghamshire’s proximity to the capital city and historic wealth means there are a large number of important houses, stately homes and glorious gardens open to the public. One of the grandest houses is Cliveden, a spectacular house perched high on a cliff overlooking the River Thames. The landscaped grounds extend to 375 acres with a number of gardens, fountains and ornate features. Hughenden Manor is the former home of Benjamin Disraeli and the house contains many artefacts of his time residence. Amongst the other houses in Buckinghamshire visitors can enjoy historic Nether Winchendon House – famous for its appearance in many films, the superb Stowe House with its magnificent gardens, Ascott, Claydon House, the French styled Waddeson Manor and West Wycombe Park.

Garden lovers can explore the cottage kitchen garden combination at Dorneywood Garden, the house is the country residence of the Chancellor, the walled gardens at Claydon Estate Gardens and Stowe Landscaped Gardens as well as the individual gardens at many of the stately homes.

If you are looking to be outside, then the Chiltern Hills are the place to be – whether it is walking, hiking or cycling you can enjoy the spectacular views. The Hellfire Caves at Wycombe offer the opportunity to go underground and explore the winding passages and caves that extend for over a quarter of a mile.

Looking for some retail therapy? The charming market towns of Buckinghamshire – including Aylesbury, Chesham, Marlow and Wendover have a range of boutiques, farmers markets and a choice of places to eat. If you are looking for something larger then head to Milton Keynes.

Buckinghamshire’s famous names include former prime minister Benjamin Disraeli, Olympic heroes Sir Steve Redgrave and Greg Rutherford, presenter James Corden and writer Terry Pratchett.
Buckinghamshire has a large range of annual events including PennFest, Buckinghamshire Food Festival, Wycombe Arts Festival, Marlow Town Regatta, Milton Keynes International Festival and the Bucks County Show.

Buckinghamshire’s traditional food includes Bacon Dumpling, Cherry Turnovers, Aylesbury Duck and Stokenchurch Pie – a meat pie covered in pastry.