Buckinghamshire (often called ‘leafy Bucks’ by locals) is one of England’s prettiest counties, a small home county situated on the River Thames. Not far from London, this is popular as a place to live for rich commuters, who prefer a village pond lifestyle, to city flats!
The only ‘new town’ is Milton Keynes. Despite being described as a ‘town that your mum could have built’, it has over 22 million trees, more bridges than Venice, shoreline lake walks and 5000 acres of public parks.
Denham (pretty parks, walks on Grand Union Canal and indie shops) means this village is home to many celebrities). Previous residents have been Sir John Mills, Sir Roger Moore, Cilla Black and Paul Daniels.
Although the outdoor and railway scenes for the iconic film Brief Encounter were filmed in the Cumbrian town of Carnforth, the studio scenes were filmed at Denham Film Studios (long gone, to be replaced by luxury homes).
A beautiful old building in Buckinghamshire is Pitsone Windmill. This is a good example of a post mill (the earliest type of European windmill, supported by a single post to revolve, when facing the wind).
Towns & Villages of Buckinghamshire
Buckingham sits at the county’s historic core. Once the county town, it remains proud of its medieval roots. Picturesque streets wind around the Old Gaol, a former prison now housing a local museum.
Princes Risborough edges onto the Chiltern Hills. It’s famous for green valleys and panoramic walks. Cherry orchards and cricket pitches tie the town to its rural roots.
Marlow graces the Thames with elegant bridges and riverfront strolls. Known for boating and dining, this spot blends waterside peace with vibrant food and culture.
Haddenham is a large village with four ponds, the name derived from Old English for ‘the home of the Hadding tribe’.
It’s one of just three villages in English that uses a ‘Wychert’ method of building with white clay, mixed with straw to make walls, then thatched or topped with red clay tiles.
The Chilterns: Rolling Hills Just Outside London
The Chilterns (threatened by HS2 project) is a set of chalk hills covering over 660 square miles in Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to protect all creatures (keep dogs away from bluebells and other spring bulbs).
Nestled just outside London, the Chilterns offer rolling hills, leafy woodlands, charming market towns and sweeping countryside views. This National Landscape is packed with outdoor adventures, pubs with roaring fires and historic landmarks.
Nature thrives in the Chilterns. You’ll often spot badgers, deer, and foxes roaming hedgerows and fields. Red kites, once rare, glide above the valleys most days.
The Chilterns are a haven for walkers and cyclists. The Ridgeway, one of Britain’s oldest roads, weaves through ancient woodlands and chalky hillsides.
You’ll spot red kites soaring above, bluebells in spring, and peaceful villages on every route. Signposted trails suit every level, from family rambles to full-day hikes. Bring a bike for quiet lanes or challenging climbs with big views.
Villages here mix old English charm with friendly faces. Wendover, Amersham and Marlow stand out for their timber-framed houses and cobbled streets.
Each town has its own vibe, with cafés, bookshops and markets selling local honey and cheeses. Visit St Mary’s Church in Old Amersham or the riverside promenades in Marlow for a taste of Chilterns history.
The Chilterns are dotted with welcoming country pubs, some dating back centuries. Think low-beamed ceilings, roaring fires in winter and leafy beer gardens in summer. Many serve local beers and seasonal produce.
Tiggywinkles: The World’s Busiest Wildlife Rescue
Tiggywinkles began in the founder’s back garden, and now (in the heart of the Chilterns countryside), it runs the world’s leading wildlife hospital. Although we associate it with helping hedgehogs, it helps all species.
Not only does it treat tens of thousands of patients each year, but it runs accredited courses for volunteers and vets, and has a popular visitor centre to educate (there is even a hedgehog museum!)
Most creatures are returned to the wild. Those not able to (like blind hedgehogs or three-legged deer) live in near-natural conditions in the grounds, where they can live the rest of their lives in safety, with regular health checks.
Learn how to help your local wildlife rescue.
Tiggywinkles opened its doors in 1983, setting the standard for wildlife care. Founded by Les Stocker and his family, it was the first specialist wildlife hospital of its kind.
The team quickly built a solid reputation for treating injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals using proper veterinary techniques. This approach inspired dozens of similar centres across Britain.
Tiggywinkles operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff and volunteers respond to emergencies day and night. They treat animals suffering from road accidents, poisoning, attacks, and natural injuries.
An easy way to raise funds is to sign up with easyfundraising (nominate Tiggywinkles, then anytime you buy things with shops or services, it donates a portion of profits, at no cost to you).
You can if preferred donate anonymously, set up a giving account at Charities Aid Foundation.
Bletchley Park: The Story of Alan Turing
Bletchley Park is the country estate house where clever boffins broke codes during World War II to decrypt German army & air force messages.
One man who worked there was maths genius Alan Turing, whose work likely saved millions of lives, by helping to end World War II. Yet in 1952 was prosecuted for being gay, and had to accept chemical castration as an alternative to prison.
He died from a cyanide-laced apple though no-one knows whether it was suicide, murder or an accident (he used to conduct experiments in his house).
In recent years, he received a public apology from Gordon Brown (when Prime Minister) and a pardon from the Queen, for the appalling treatment he received.
From 1939 to 1945, Bletchley Park served as the top-secret home of Britain’s codebreakers. Thousands of mathematicians, linguists, chess champions, and puzzle lovers worked day and night.
Over 75% of Bletchley Park’s workforce were women. They filled key roles, from running complex codebreaking machines to handling secret military traffic.
Historians estimate that Bletchley Park’s work cut World War II short by two years and saved millions of lives. By listening in on enemy plans, the Allies could avoid attacks.
Once the war ended, Bletchley Park faded into obscurity. In the 1990s, a group of supporters saved the site from demolition. Today, it’s a museum open to the public, showing off restored huts, original codebreaking equipment, and interactive displays.
Other Stately Homes in Buckinghamshire
Another (controversial) stately home in Buckinghamshire is Cliveden House, the scent of the 1961 Profumo Affair at the peak of the Cold War.
When it was found that an MP was having an affair with 19-year old Christine Keeler (who was also accused of having an affair with a Russian spy).
Mandy Rice-Davies (accused with having an affair with Lord Astor whose family owned Clivedon House) became famed for her remark during the trial when the defence counsel suggested she was lying. She replied ‘Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he?
Another Buckinghamshire stately home is Waddesdon Manor, built in the style of a French chateau, with stunning gardens to reflect the wealth of the Rothschild family. Now owned by the National Trust.
