I was recently invited to work with Visit Buckinghamshire. Come and explore our countryside they said…
I’ve done day trips before so knew some of the places and have even returned a few times. However, when I looked more closely and realised what Buckinghamshire really had to offer I was excited to spend 48 hours in England’s green and pleasant land. Buckinghamshire is definitely the perfect ‘Day Out’.
There is more to see than meets the eye on a day out in Buckinghamshire. Choose from stately homes, National Trust gardens, incredible museums and some excellent pubs. Fun fact for you.. there are more National Trust properties in Buckinghamshire than in any other county in the UK. That should make you sit up – it certainly made me.
7 highlights for a Day Out in Buckinghamshire
WADDESDON MANOR | AYLESBURY
A French Renaissance chateau housing an exquisite art collection with a National Trust garden to match.
My first visit to Waddesdon, many years ago, still resonates with me today as being one of the most stunning places to enjoy inside and out.
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire offers more than one reason to visit. It has an extraordinary history, an exceptional art collection, French porcelain to envy and rooms that will take your breath away.
The incredible National Trust garden is a mix of French formality and the perfect English country garden which can be appreciated at any time of the year. 300,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong, can they?! Oh, and did I mention they sell fine wine… because they certainly do!
Waddesdon Manor | What’s on info:
House & Grounds ticket £25.20, valid for 1 year.
Joana Vasconcelos’s Wedding Cake until 26 October 2023.
£15 Tours available Wednesday, Thursday and selected Sunday’s 10.30-4.30pm.
Catherine Goodman : Do you remember me… The Coach House Gallery until 29 October 2023.
Website to Waddesdon Manor.
ROALD DAHL MUSEUM | GREAT MISSENDEN
Roald Dahl Museum is in the quaint little village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire. It is delightful, interesting, inspiring and will ignite a passion for reading in anyone. Explore Great Missenden and discover the nooks and crannies that Roald Dahl used in his books. This museum is not just for children, adults too will love it. Read about my visit to the Roald Dahl Museum here
Roald Dahl Museum | What’s on info
Ticket are £7.95 and under 5’s go free, valid for 1 year.
Concessions available.
BLETCHLEY PARK | BLETCHLEY
Bletchley Park : The secret world of code breakers during WWII. This is the world you walk into at Bletchley and it is fascinating. Enigma code, secret briefings, everything you never thought you needed to know about this secret centre during the war is all here. Until 1974 no one knew this place existed. An extraordinary fact considering 9,000 people worked here during the war – 3,000 people a shift and 75% of them women.
Arriving at Bletchley, the house is less than 7 mins walk from the train station. It is one of the best days out from London if you are a history buff. Even if you aren’t, you will be fascinated. Over the weekend of 24/25 September step back in time for their 1940’s weekend… I can’t think of a better way to enjoy Bletchley for the first time. Book here.
Everyone should visit Bletchley at least once, but you are likely to return to bring someone who hasn’t been. A good cafe run by Benugo means you don’t need to worry about lunch… soup, a salad or a good old fashioned cake. Keep calm and keep eating cake!
Bletchley Park | Milton Keynes
Tickets are £25.50, valid for 1 year. Concessions and family packages available.
STOWE HOUSE AND GARDENS | STOWE
You cannot help but marvel at the grandeur of Stowe House and its National Trust gardens. It is now a private school, yet open all year round. Term time just means there are restrictions on what parts of the building you have access to.
I haven’t been to many places that have such stunning ceilings and architecture. In 1923 it was created into a private school, which continues to this day. Since 2001 £26 million has been spent restoring the house, and really shows. It’s a dream stately home to visit and look at the restoration of such a historic building. It has also featured in James Bond, The Crown and X Men.. That alone is huge draw for film buffs.
Stowe | What’s On
During October they have Luke Jerram’s Gaia visiting the Entrance Hall. Book early to avoid disappointment. On 15-26 October.
Tickets to the Stowe House are £13.00
HUGHENDEN MANOR | HIGH WYCOMBE
Hughenden Manor | Home to Prime Minister Disraeli and a secret map-making base. Disraeli was Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister and Hughenden Manor was his country residence. During WWII the Manor was taken over by the Air Ministry for a top secret map making base, known as Hillside. This only came to light over 60 years later, when a volunteer at the Manor was having a conversation with a visitor. This is definitely on my list of places to visit this autumn.
Hughenden Manor | High Wycombe
Tickets are £14. Free entry for National Trust card holders
CLIVEDEN HOUSE
Cliveden House| Built in 1666 as a gift to the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress. Better known now for iconic parties, politicians and scandalous affairs. Cliveden House is now a luxury hotel with a spa around that infamous pool.
You don’t have to stay in the hotel to enjoy the 376 acres of National Trust grounds. Manicured gardens and woodland lead you down to the Thames with stunning views across the countryside. Plan your day carefully and spoil yourself with afternoon tea on the terrace or a boat trip along the thames.
Cliveden House | Buckinghamshire
Tickets £17. Free entry for National Trust members.
THE CHILTERNS
The Chilterns | An area of outstanding natural beauty covering 324 square miles of English scenic countryside across four counties. At a time when we are encouraged to spend more time outdoors, this seemed to perfect place to finish up my Buckinghamshire Days Out. The Chilterns is a walkers paradise, and I’m told you will always find delicious pub grub along the way. I have linked back to the Visit Bucks website for a weekend away. In less than an hour you can be in the heart of the English countryside looking for red kites overhead inhaling the clean country air.
This post was part of an ad campaign I did with Visit Bucks
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