Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire, you say? Remind me – oh yes, the largest number of National Trust properties in any county in England; former home of children's author Roald Dahl; Chiltern hills walks; and weekend escape of the great and good at Chequers, the Prime Minister's grace-and-favour country retreat. Now you know where we mean. As one of the home counties, just a short hop from London, it's great for day trips and longer breaks, especially if you're into manor houses and stately homes such as Woburn Abbey, Stowe House and Cliveden (the latter now a luxury hotel but with gorgeous gardens open to all). Two separate museums celebrate Roald Dahl and his life and works, while at Bletchley Park the codebreakers of World War II once went about their top-secret work. The market towns of Amersham and Chesham are great for shopping and browsing, while the medieval village of West Wycombe – a lovely day out – is entirely owned by the National Trust. If you want a night or two in a lovely country inn or restaurant with rooms, you've come to the right part of the UK, while village B&Bs and market town hotels tend to be a cut above – though London prices hold sway this close to the capital, so doing Buckinghamshire on a budget and in any kind of boutique style is a challenge.

Best Places to Stay in Buckinghamshire Holidays – Accommodation and Places to Stay in Buckinghamshire I Cool Places