Attractions and Places To See around Padbury - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Padbury, a village in Buckinghamshire, England, offer a glimpse into its rich history and architectural heritage. The area features numerous listed buildings, many dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, alongside ancient historical sites. Visitors can explore medieval structures, Iron Age earthworks, and remnants of Roman presence, providing a diverse historical landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Padbury
- The most popular attractions is Rear of the Temple of Friendship, a man-made monument designed by James Gibbs. This historical site, inscribed with "AMICITIAE S" (sacred to friendship), now stands as a romantic ruin.
- Another must-see spot is Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, a man-made monument built in 1938. This site commemorates a significant historical event involving an RAF crew during World War II.
- Visitors also love George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton, a pub and cafe located on the village green. It offers home-cooked food, coffee, and serves as a village store, providing a convenient stop for visitors.
- Padbury is known for its historical sites, architectural landmarks, and local establishments. The variety of attractions offers insights into the region's past and present.
- The attractions around Padbury are appreciated by the komoot community, with 44 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 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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Temple of Ancient Virtue
Highlight • Monument
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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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Tips from the Community
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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When I called approx 2mths ago the pub and cafe were closed with board posted. It is possible some one else may be found to to reopen it....
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The Temple of Ancient Virtue is a circular peripteral ionic temple with a domed cella on a podium, approached by two flights of steps. The Temple of Ancient Virtue is a circular peripteral ionic temple with a domed cella on a podium, approached by two flights of steps. Built in the 1730's to a design probably by Kent. The design is inspired by the Temple of Sibyl at Tivoli. Copies of the original four statues of greek heroes representing the enlightened ideals of Lord Cobham and his Whig friends have been reintroduced. Although now largely obscured from the west, the Temple of Ancient Virtue, completed in 1737 to Kent’s designs, was intended to close the long vista known as the Great Cross Walk which passed at a slight angle across the south front of the house. This arrangement followed Joseph Addison’s vision of a ‘great road’ along which ‘the middle-aged party of mankind ... marched behind the standard of Ambition’. The temple was raised on a grass mound, and its site was far more open than it is now. The design was based on the ancient Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, which Kent knew at first hand from his extended sojourn in Italy in the 1710s, and from Book IV of Palladio’s Quattro Libri, here translated from the Corinthian to the Ionic order. The temple is inscribed on the outside ‘Priscae virtuti’ (‘To Ancient Virtue’) and was devised as a cenotaph to four Ancient Greeks who embodied the virtues that Lord Cobham found so lacking in the public figures of his own day: Socrates, Homer, Lycurgus and Epaminondas. The circular temple form has a solemnity and nobility well suited to memorial buildings, from Hawksmoor’s great mausoleum at Castle Howard (1729) to John Russell Pope’s Jefferson Memorial in Washington (1939). Bordered by laurel and elevated both by the grass mount and its own basement, with narrow stairs cut into it, this is an overtly exclusive building worthy only of a select few. The four Ancient Greeks are represented by life-size Portland stone statues signed by Peter Scheemakers, and for which he was paid in 1737. These were sold in 1921, but have recently been replaced in the form of casts taken from the originals. The chosen individuals represent four of the five branches of public life referred to in Addison’s essay – a general (Epaminondas), a legislator (Lycurgus), a poet (Homer) and a philosopher (Socrates). Above the niches are the following inscriptions (with translations taken from Defoe and Richardson’s Tour of 1742): I. EPAMINONDAS Cujus a virtute, prudentia, verecundia, Thebanorum respublica Libertatem simul & imperium, Disciplinam bellicam, civilem & domesticam, Accepit; Eoque amisso, perdidit. From whose Valour, Prudence, and Moderation, the Republick of Thebes received both Liberty and Empire, its military, civil, and domestick Discipline; and, with him, lost them. II. LYCURGUS Qui summo cum consilio, inventis legibus, Omnemque contra corruptelam munitis optime, Pater patriae, Libertatem firmissimam, Et mores sanctissimos, Expulsa cum divitiis, avaritia, luxuria, libidine, In multa secula Civibus suis instituit. Who having invented Laws with the greatest Wisdom, and most excellently fenced them against all Corruption, as a Father of his Country, instituted for his Countrymen the firmest Liberty, and the soundest Morality, which endured for many Ages, he having, together with Riches, banished Avarice, Luxury, and Lust. III. SOCRATES Qui corruptissima in civitate innocens, Bonorum hortator, unici cultor DEI, Ab inutili otio, & vanis disputationibus, Ad officia vitae, & societatis commoda, Philosophiam avocavit, Hominum sapientissimus. Who being innocent in a most corrupt State, an Encourager of the Good, a Worshipper of One only god, as the wisest of Men, reduced Philosophy from useless Indolence, and vain Disputations, to the Duties of Life, and the Advantages of Society. IV. HOMERUS Qui poetarum princeps, idem & maximus, Virtutis praeco, & immortalitatis largitor, Divino carmine, Ad pulcre audendum, & patiendum fortiter, Omnibus notus gentibus, omnes incitat. Who being the First of Poets, as he was the greatest, the Herald of Virtue, and Bestower of Immortality, known to all Nations, incites all, in a Divine Poem, honourably to dare, and resolutely to suffer. The inscriptions placed above the doorways invite the visitor to reflect on the qualities represented by these four men, but also on their counterparts and opposites in modern life, as represented by neighbouring buildings on which the doorways were aligned: Charum esse civem, bene de republica mereri, laudari, coli, diligi, gloriosum est: metui vero, & in odio esse, invidiosum, detestabile, imbecillum, caducum. To be dear to our Country, to deserve well of the State, to be praised, honoured, and beloved, is glorious; but to be dreaded, and hated, is a matter of Ill-will, detestable, weak, ruinous. Justitiam cole & pietatem, quae cum sit magna in parentibus & propinquis, tum in patria maxima est. Ea vita est in coelum, & in huc coetum eorum, qui jam vixerunt. Maintain Justice, and thy relative Duty; which, as it is great, when exercised toward our Parents and Kindred, so is greatest towards our Country. That life is the Way of Heaven, and to this Assembly of those, who have already lived. (MOLA survey 2019 Clearly visible in the SUA data and is situated on top of a well defined mound overlooking Worthy River to the east. Source: nationaltrust.org.uk
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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 in Padbury, Buckinghamshire?
Padbury and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Rear of the Temple of Friendship, a romantic ruin inscribed with "AMICITIAE S" (sacred to friendship). Another significant site is Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, which commemorates a World War II event. The village itself features St Mary's Church, the only surviving medieval building with parts dating to the thirteenth century, and Norbury Camp, an Iron Age hillfort.
Are there any ancient ruins or archaeological sites near Padbury?
Yes, Padbury has a deep ancient history. Norbury Camp is an Iron Age hillfort or enclosure with earthworks recorded since the sixteenth century. Additionally, prehistoric artifacts like a Neolithic to Bronze Age flint side scraper and a Neolithic stone axe have been found, along with Roman pottery and evidence of a Roman road passing through the parish near Grange Farm.
Where can I find examples of historic architecture in Padbury?
Padbury is known for its numerous listed buildings. You can see many timber-framed cottages from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as Stratfords Cottage and Trefoil Cottage. The old vicarage is another example of this period. Eighteenth and nineteenth-century brick houses like the White House also contribute to the village's historical character, alongside the nineteenth-century Village Hall, which originally served as a school.
What are some unique man-made monuments to visit around Padbury?
Beyond the historical buildings, you can visit the Rear of the Temple of Friendship, a man-made monument designed by James Gibbs. Another notable site is the Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, built in 1938, which serves as a poignant reminder of a World War II event. The Bell Gate at Stowe Gardens is also a significant historical entrance.
Are there places to eat or relax after exploring the area?
Yes, for a convenient stop, consider George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room, Quainton. Situated on the village green, it offers home-cooked food, coffee, and even functions as a village store. It's a popular spot for cyclists and those exploring the Buckinghamshire countryside.
What kind of outdoor activities, like hiking, are available near Padbury?
The area around Padbury offers several hiking opportunities. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options. For example, there's the "Avenue Walk – Path to the River loop from Padbury" which is an easy 4.9 km hike. For more options, explore the Hiking around Padbury guide.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for everyone around Padbury?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails near Padbury. The "Avenue Walk – Path to the River loop from Padbury" is an easy 4.9 km route, and the "Buckingham Old Gaol loop from Buckingham" is another easy 3.8 km option. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Padbury guide.
What do visitors enjoy the most about attractions around Padbury?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the variety of sites. The Rear of the Temple of Friendship is noted for its romantic ruin feel, while the George & Dragon is loved for its welcoming atmosphere, home-cooked food, and scenic views of Quainton Windmill. The historical significance of places like the Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial also resonates with many.
Can I find any viewpoints with scenic views near Padbury?
While not explicitly listed as a dedicated viewpoint, the Rear of the Temple of Friendship offers views towards other historical structures like the Temple of Ancient Virtue and the Queen's Temple. The George & Dragon also provides a lovely view of Quainton Windmill from its location on the village green.
What is the significance of the Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial?
The Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial was built in 1938 by the Buckinghamshire water board. It holds historical significance as the site where a four-man RAF crew, flying a Wellington BJ879, tragically struck the tower on April 11, 1943, during a foggy training exercise. The memorial commemorates their sacrifice.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in the Padbury area?
Several attractions around Padbury are considered family-friendly. The Rear of the Temple of Friendship, Mursley Water Tower and RAF Memorial, and Bell Gate, Stowe Gardens are all suitable for families. Additionally, the George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room is a great spot for families to enjoy a meal or snack.
What is the Temple of Ancient Virtue and what can I see there?
The Temple of Ancient Virtue is a circular Ionic temple designed by William Kent in the 1730s. It was conceived as a cenotaph to four Ancient Greeks—Socrates, Homer, Lycurgus, and Epaminondas—who embodied virtues Lord Cobham admired. You can see copies of the original life-size Portland stone statues of these figures, along with inscriptions reflecting on their qualities.
Where can I learn about the history of watermills in Padbury?
Padbury has a long history of watermills. While the current Padbury Watermill building dates to the seventeenth century with later alterations, historical records indicate a watermill has existed in Padbury since the time of the Domesday Book, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Most popular attractions around Padbury
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