By Cheryl Chapman
There are many reasons to visit Buckinghamshire, but here are the top 10.
Wonderful walking
Walking and cycling opportunities in Buckinghamshire are exceptional. Over a third of the county is covered by the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are over 2,500 miles of public rights of way including National Trails. There’s also the 11-mile network of locks, towpaths and trails of the 200-year-old Grand Union Canal, and, of course, numerous woodlands and country parks.
Discover the beauty of the Chilterns
Glorious gardens
Bucks is home to more National Trust properties than any other county, many blessed with jaw-droppingly beautiful gardens. Picture perfect views, long winding paths and flower-filled formal gardens make the heart sing at Cliveden, Stowe, Hughenden and Waddesdon Manor.
Diners’ delight
Modern, classic, Thai, Indian, budget or Michelin-starred, you’ll find plenty to tickle your tastebuds. Real foodies should book ahead to secure a table at Tom Kerridge’s double Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers in Marlow – double yummy!
Marvellous museums
Discover the area’s rich past and its famous residents at one of the many museums dotted about the county. Of special interest are the Chiltern Open Air Museum, the Buckingham Railway Centre and the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.
Wildlife success story
Anyone who visits Buckinghamshire immediately notices the majestic red kites soaring overhead. Once a very rare bird that could only be found in Wales, the red kite has been successfully reintroduced to the Chilterns – look out for its forked tail, white flashed wings and distinctive ‘mewing’ calls.
Look out for the majestic red kites flying overhead
Spectacular sports
Watching or participating, there’s lots of choice. See MK Dons FC, Wycombe Wanderers FC or London Wasps in action, or head to Silverstone for F1 thrills. Golfers are spoilt for choice at a raft of courses. And it’s ski season all year round at Snozone in Milton Keynes.
Awesome art
Marvel at the Rothschild’s amazing collection of French decorative art at Waddesdon Manor, or nip over the border to Cookham, beloved home of one of the world’s greatest painters, Sir Stanely Spencer. The intimate gallery in the village houses more than 100 of his works.
Thames treasure
Whether messing about on, in or near it, the River Thames offers year-round pleasure to walkers, rowers, sailors, fishermen, bird-watchers… the list goes on!
The River Thames is popular with rowers, sailors, fishermen and bird-watchers
Birthplace of the Paralympics
The redeveloped Stoke Mandeville Stadium is known as the home of wheelchair sport and the birthplace of the Paralympic Games. It is now a state-of-the-art leisure complex and the national centre for disability sport.
Top shopping
The nation’s favourite pastime is well catered for in Bucks, with a mix of lively urban centres, picturesque market towns, traditional high street names and individual shops. The centre:mk in Milton Keynes is one of the area’s biggest shopping centres. Boutiques and small independent shops are numerous; also look out for farmers’ markets and farm shops for tempting local treats. Total shopaholics can travel to nearby Bicester Village for excellent savings on a range of designer goods.
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