By Cheryl Chapman
There are so many things to do in Buckinghamshire, but here are the top 10.
Tour a brewery
Real ales are enjoying a revival right now, so sup up at The Chiltern Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Buckinghamshire at the site of a wonderful brewery shop. Alternatively, the equally entertaining Rebellion Brewery in Marlow hosts open nights on the first Tuesday of every month where visitors can taste its wares and enjoy talks.
Make sure to enjoy a pint or two while you’re here
Relax
Have a spa day at Stoke Park in Stoke Poges or Danesfield House Hotel in Marlow, or relax with a cream tea at Hartwell House, Aylesbury. Or why not sample one of the many traditional pubs and inns tucked away across the county?
Get your heart racing
Thrill-seekers can push their driving skills to the limit at the Silverstone circuit in the north of the county, or enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled tree-top or segway adventure at Go Ape! in Wendover Woods or Black Park. For the ultimate thrill, ski or skydive at Xscape in Milton Keynes.
Step back in time
Journey to the glorious age of steam and ride a steam-hauled passenger engine across the beautiful rolling countryside on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. Or travel through 2,000 years of history at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. See one of the famous Enigma machines and unearth the secrets of strategic deception, code-breaking and evacuee stories at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes.
Walk in the BFG’s big footsteps
Buckinghamshire was famously home to one of our quirkiest and best-loved children’s authors, Roald Dahl. His wonderful works are celebrated in the brilliant Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden and also at the Bucks County Museum & Roald Dahl’s Children’s Gallery in Aylesbury.
Learn about one of the best-loved children’s authors at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Get walking…
Buckinghamshire is a walker’s paradise with 2,500 miles of public rights of way, National Trails and acres of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore by foot or bike.
…or rowing
Spend a day by, or even on, the River Thames and then head to the River & Rowing Museum in nearby Henley-on-Thames to explore the magical story of The Wind in the Willows. For kids’ adventure activities in boats and canoes, visit Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow.
Visit a National Trust property
Bucks contains the most National Trust properties in the country, so enjoy heritage treasures and glorious gardens at Stowe, Waddesdon Manor, Claydon, Hughenden, Ascott House and Cliveden. Many of the National Trust’s properties house excellent restaurants and cafes, so why not drop in for lunch?
Explore the magnificent Waddesdon Manor
Get closer to nature
Meet the animals at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Aylesbury, enjoy indoor play, tractor rides and farm animals at Odds Farm in Wooburn Common, or head to the county’s latest attraction – The Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm and Eco Centre in Alyesbury Vale.
Take in a show
For an array of comedy, drama, music and opera visit Milton Keynes Theatre, Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre or the Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe. For more intimate shows, Queens Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury or The Elgiva in Chesham are ideal.
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