Attractions and Places To See around Chiltern - Top 20

The Chilterns are rich in natural beauty. You can discover the dramatic chalk escarpment with panoramic views from places like Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon. Explore ancient woodlands, such as those found at Ashridge Estate, which are stunning with bluebells in spring. The region also features clear chalk streams like the Chess and Misbourne, offering tranquil settings for walks and wildlife spotting, particularly in the Chess Valley. Don't miss Shardeloes Lake, a beautiful man-made lake perfect for scenic walks and bird-watching.

Yes, the Chilterns are dotted with significant historic and cultural sites. You can visit Old Amersham Town Centre, known for its preserved high street and 13th-century parish church. Other notable places include Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-style château with art collections and gardens, and the Chiltern Open Air Museum, which preserves historic buildings. The The Lee Village Green is another attractive spot, embodying the charm of traditional English villages.

The Chilterns offer a variety of outdoor activities, especially walking and cycling. You can find numerous trails for all skill levels. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Chenies loop via River Chess or the Amersham & Old Amersham loop. If you're into running, there are trails such as the Chess Valley Circular: Chesham Loop. Cyclists can explore routes like the Chiltern Heritage Trail or the Great Missenden village loop. You can find more details on these activities and routes in our guides for easy hikes, running trails, and cycling around Chiltern.

Absolutely! The Chilterns offer several family-friendly options. The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden is a popular choice for children and fans of his books. Many of the historic villages, like Old Amersham Town Centre and Chalfont St Giles with its village green and duck pond, are pleasant for family strolls. Nature reserves like College Lake Nature Reserve also provide engaging experiences for all ages to observe wildlife.

For breathtaking views, head to Coombe Hill, the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, offering vistas over the Aylesbury Vale. Ivinghoe Beacon provides spectacular 360-degree views and marks the start of the Ridgeway National Trail. Whiteleaf Cross, a large chalk figure, also offers panoramic views from Whiteleaf Hill. You can also enjoy views from Chenies Climb and Village, which provides nice scenery on the approach.

The Chilterns are renowned for their charming villages. Old Amersham Town Centre is a must-see with its historic architecture. West Wycombe is an eccentric village featuring a medieval high street and the Italianate-style St. Lawrence Church. The Hambleden Valley is home to picturesque villages like Hambleden, Turville, Fingest, and Skirmett, with Turville famously used as a filming location. The Lee Village Green is another attractive spot for a peaceful visit.

Beyond the well-known spots, the Chilterns hold some unique finds. The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Heritage Railway offers a scenic journey on a preserved railway line. Pulpit Hill Iron Age Hillfort is a well-preserved ancient monument tucked away in quiet woodland. For a quirky experience, visit West Wycombe with its unique architecture and follies. The River Chess Stepping Stones and Weir offer a delightful natural feature for a peaceful walk.

The Chilterns offer beauty throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly popular. In spring, the ancient woodlands, such as those at Ashridge Estate, are vibrant with bluebells. Autumn brings stunning yellow and orange foliage across the heavily wooded areas. Summer is ideal for long walks and enjoying the chalk streams, while winter offers crisp views and peaceful walks, though some paths might be muddy.

Yes, many villages and towns in the Chilterns have pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Old Amersham Town Centre is known for its independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Chalfont St Giles also offers pubs, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great pit-stop. The The Royal Standard of England is a historic pub that provides a welcoming stop.

Visitors frequently praise the Chilterns for their tranquil settings and natural beauty. Many appreciate the scenic walks around places like Shardeloes Lake, noting the opportunities for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife. The charm of historic villages like Old Amersham, with its delightful architecture and welcoming cafes, is also a highlight. The peaceful atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature are consistently mentioned as key attractions.

Yes, the Chilterns feature several significant monuments. At the summit of Coombe Hill, you'll find the Coombe Hill Monument, a memorial dedicated to men from Buckinghamshire who died in the Boer War. Another impressive structure is the Bridgewater Monument, a 108-foot tall monument at Ashridge Estate, which visitors can ascend for views of the surrounding countryside. St Mary’s Church and Garden of Remembrance in Amersham also provides a place for reflection.