Attractions and Places To See around Addington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Addington include a variety of historical sites and local establishments. The region offers opportunities for exploring man-made monuments and enjoying local hospitality. Visitors can discover several points of interest, making it suitable for those seeking family friendly things to do near Addington.
Best attractions and places to see around Addington
- The most popular attractions is Rear of the Temple of Friendship, a man_made_monument that was designed by James Gibbs and features the inscription "AMICITIAE S" (sacred to friendship). Today, the Temple has the feeling of a romantic ruin.
- Another must-see spot is Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, a man_made_monument. This water tower was built in 1938 and serves as a memorial to a 1943 RAF incident where a Wellington bomber struck the tower, killing all four crew members.
- Visitors also love George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton, a pub situated on the village green in Quainton. This establishment offers home-cooked food, coffee, and also functions as a village store, providing a view of Quainton Windmill.
- Addington is known for its historical sites, unique monuments, and local eateries. The area provides a range of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to community hubs.
- The attractions around Addington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 44 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
Rear of the Temple of Friendship
Highlight • Monument
Inscribed on the exterior of the building is AMICITIAE S (sacred to friendship), and inside were placed busts in white marble of Lord Cobham and nine of his friends: Earl Bathurst, the Earl of Chatham, the Earl of Chesterfield, Earl Gower, the Earl of Marchmont, Earl Temple, the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lyttleton, and Frederick, Prince of Wales. (Three of these men were Cobham's nephews: his heir Richard Grenville, later Earl Temple; William Pitt, later Earl of Chatham; and Sir George Lyttelton.) On the ceiling was a painting of Britannia surrounded by other figures, one of which held a label with the words "The Reign of King Edward III," another of which held a scroll with the words "The Reign of Queen Elizabeth," and a third holding a scroll with the incomplete title "The Reign of ------" which was covered by Britannia's mantle and which she seemed unwilling to look at.
Views from the portico include the Temple of Ancient Virtue in the Elysian fields to the northwest, the Queen's Temple at the far end of Hawkwell Field, and Lord Cobham's Monument, the Gothic Temple, and the Palladian Bridge along the east side. From the windows in the rear of the central room the Corinthian Arch can be seen, and at a time before the view was obscured by planting, the Temple of Venus could be seen on Kent's Bastion to the west. A fire in the early nineteenth century rendered the building an empty shell, and parts of it in danger of falling were demolished in 1884. Today the Temple has the feeling of a romantic ruin.
faculty.bsc.edu/jtatter/friends.html
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George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton
Highlight • Pub
So whether you're stocking up for the day ahead, popping in for a slice of cake or settling in after a long walk in the Buckinghamshire countryside, this place has got you covered. Not only this, there's a lovely view of Quainton Windmill. What's not to love?
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Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial
Highlight • Monument
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Bell Gate, Stowe Gardens
Highlight • Monument
1850s – New Inn closed as a hostelry. Bell Gate continued to be used until the late 19th century. The farmstead and smithy continued and the estate kennels were housed at New Inn for the deer hounds.
2011 – New Inn will once more welcome 21st century visitors to Stowe who will retrace the steps of 18th century tourists along Bell Gate Drive and through Bell Gate, the original entrance to this stunning landscape garden.
newinnatstowe.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/just-a-little-bit-of-history
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New Inn Visitor Centre
Highlight • Historical Site
The building was purchased in a ruinous condition by the National Trust in 2005. In 2010 work started on converting it into the new visitor centre, and since 2011 this has been the entrance for visitors to the gardens.[49] Visitors had formerly used the Oxford Gates. The New Inn is linked by the Bell Gate Drive to the Bell Gate next to the eastern Lake Pavilion, so called because visitors used to have to ring the bell by the gate to gain admittance to the property.
Source: Wikipedia
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Open every day of the week except Monday, popular with locals and cyclists alike. Great coffee, lovely selection of cakes, bacon sandwiches, plus many other options. Inside and outside seating.
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There is a water tap in the courtyard to fill bidons.
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Situated about 330 ft (100 m) to the east of the Corinthian Arch, the inn was built in 1717 specifically to provide accommodation for visitors to the gardens. It was expanded and rebuilt in several phases. The inn housed a small brewery, a farm and dairy. It closed in the 1850s, then being used as a farm, smithy and kennels for deer hounds. The building was purchased in a ruinous condition by the National Trust in 2005. In 2010 work started on converting it into the new visitor centre, and since 2011 this has been the entrance for visitors to the gardens.[49] Visitors had formerly used the Oxford Gates. The New Inn is linked by the Bell Gate Drive to the Bell Gate next to the eastern Lake Pavilion, so called because visitors used to have to ring the bell by the gate to gain admittance to the property. Source: Wikipedia
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From Ledburn to Marsh Gibbon and back (50 miles) with this cafe just over half away around. A welcome stop just before the two long hills into Whitchurch and Cubblington. A great place to stop and refuel! Good coffee, good food, friendly staff, pretty village and just as important, friendly locals!
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From here it is not far to the Palladian Bridge.
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A popular cycling cafe adjacent to the pub. Sit inside, in the courtyard on on the green.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Addington?
Addington and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Rear of the Temple of Friendship, a romantic ruin designed by James Gibbs, or the Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, which commemorates a 1943 RAF incident. Additionally, the Bell Gate and New Inn Visitor Centre offer insights into the history of Stowe Gardens.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Addington?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Rear of the Temple of Friendship, Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, Bell Gate, Stowe Gardens, and the New Inn Visitor Centre are all categorized as family-friendly. The George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton also welcomes families.
Where can I find a good coffee shop or place to eat near Addington's attractions?
The George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton is a popular spot. Situated on the village green, it offers home-cooked food, coffee, and even functions as a village store. It's known for being cyclist-friendly and provides a lovely view of Quainton Windmill.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Addington's attractions?
The area around Addington is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking and road cycling routes. For hiking, explore options like the 'Addington Parish Church loop' or 'St Laurence Church, Winslow loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Quainton Windmill – View of the Valley loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Addington and Road Cycling Routes around Addington guides.
Are there easy walking trails near Addington?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Avenue Walk – Path to the River loop from Padbury' (4.9 km) or the 'Addington Parish Church loop from Addington' (5.1 km). These are perfect for a relaxed stroll. Discover more easy options in the Easy hikes around Addington guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Addington?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and unique character of the sites. The Temple of Friendship is admired for its romantic ruin aesthetic, while the Mursley Water Tower offers a poignant historical reflection. The George & Dragon is loved for its welcoming atmosphere, homemade food, and scenic views.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting near Addington?
While the main attractions are well-regarded, exploring the smaller villages and their local establishments can reveal hidden charm. The George & Dragon in Quainton, for example, serves as both a pub and a village store, offering a genuine local experience with a view of Quainton Windmill, which might be considered a charming discovery for many.
What is the best time of year to visit Addington's attractions?
The attractions around Addington, many of which are historical sites and monuments, can be enjoyed year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can provide a quieter, more atmospheric experience, especially for historical ruins.
Are there any circular walks available near Addington?
Yes, many of the hiking routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the 'Addington Parish Church loop from Addington' is a circular route. You can find more detailed circular options within the Hiking around Addington and Easy hikes around Addington guides.
What kind of natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
While many attractions are man-made monuments, the region offers scenic countryside views. From the Rear of the Temple of Friendship, you can enjoy views towards other historical structures within Stowe Gardens. The George & Dragon in Quainton provides a pleasant view of the Quainton Windmill and the surrounding village green.
Is there parking available for attractions in Addington?
While specific parking details for each attraction are not provided, most historical sites and visitor centers, especially those managed by organizations like the National Trust (such as Stowe Gardens, which includes Bell Gate and New Inn Visitor Centre), typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For local establishments like the George & Dragon, village parking or street parking is usually available nearby.
Most popular attractions around Addington
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