Buckinghamshire is a scenic ceremonial county in South East England known for its historic market towns, natural beauty in the Chiltern Hills, cultural landmarks like Bletchley Park, and strong rail and public transport connections.
Basildon Park is a Grade I listed Palladian country house in Berkshire featuring neoclassical interiors and extensive landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore both the grand historic interiors and the outdoor parkland, with exhibits including a nostalgic 1950s kitchen. The house has been restored and is open to the public, offering a rich glimpse into English country house history and architecture. It has also served as a location for several notable films.
Cock Marsh is a protected marshland area in Berkshire, featuring diverse chalk grasslands, ponds, and an ancient Bronze Age round barrow cemetery. It offers natural and historic interest with its biological diversity and archaeological significance, managed by the National Trust.
2 Oct, 16 Oct…
A volunteer-led social walk across Cookham Commons, taking in heathland, woodland paths and countryside views. Participants can learn about the area and its care while walking at a relaxed pace and meeting others.
Long Crendon Courthouse is a 15th-century timber-framed building in Buckinghamshire, historically used as a wool store, manorial court house, and village poor house, now a National Trust property.
Greys Court is a Tudor country house with historic interiors and extensive gardens featuring a medieval castle tower, a walled garden with a maze, and ornamental plants, open to the public under the National Trust.
Berkhamsted Castle is a historic Norman motte-and-bailey castle ruin in Hertfordshire, England, originally built in 1066. It features extensive earthworks and medieval deer park grounds, and offers outdoor exploration of its significant historical remains and scenic location. Managed by English Heritage, it is open daily for free public visitation.
Ashridge is a National Trust country estate in Hertfordshire featuring a notable early Gothic Revival stately home, extensive woodlands, gardens designed by Humphrey Repton, and the Bridgewater Monument. The estate also hosts the Hult Ashridge executive education program within the house.
Boarstall Duck Decoy is a historic 17th-century duck trap in Buckinghamshire set in natural woodland. It is still operational with demonstrations organized by the National Trust, offering a unique insight into traditional waterfowl catching methods and ornithological study.
Buckingham Chantry Chapel is a historic 15th-century chapel in Buckingham, noted for its Norman doorway and status as the oldest building in town. Owned by the National Trust, it is currently open to the public as a second-hand bookshop, offering visitors insight into medieval ecclesiastical architecture and local heritage.
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Michael Bevington gives a lecture on Sir John Vanbrugh’s work at Stowe, including archaeological evidence for his buildings and his contribution to the landscape vision developed with Lord Cobham and Charles Bridgeman. The 60-minute talk is followed by audience questions.
Buckingham is a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, England, known for its charming Georgian streetscapes, a longstanding market tradition, and cultural landmarks including the University of Buckingham and the Buckingham Old Gaol museum.
Hughenden Manor is a Victorian mansion and former country house of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, featuring historic rooms, memorabilia, and extensive gardens in Buckinghamshire. Now owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a blend of indoor historical experience and outdoor natural beauty with views over the valley.
3 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family activity trail in Hughenden’s formal gardens, inspired by the children’s book The Great Big Halloween Hunt. Children can search, play and explore along the route.
The Pavilions is an indoor shopping centre in Uxbridge, Greater London, featuring around 60 stores and built around the historic Uxbridge Market square. It offers a covered environment for shopping with a history dating back to 1973.
Boarstall Tower is a Grade I listed 14th-century moated gatehouse and National Trust property in Buckinghamshire. Visitors can explore the historic fortified gatehouse and its surrounding gardens, with a history linked to the English Civil War.
Dunstable Downs, the highest point in Bedfordshire, is a chalk escarpment in the Chiltern Hills offering outdoor activities like gliding and kite flying, with rich natural history and ancient archaeological sites. It is managed by the National Trust and accessible via walking trails.
7 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 (another 142 days)
Families can enjoy outdoor play at Dunstable Downs, including a welly wander, building woodland dens, making muddy creations, and playing outdoor hopscotch while exploring seasonal changes and wildlife.
Houghton House is a ruined Jacobean mansion in Bedfordshire, owned by English Heritage and open for free public access during daylight hours. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this historic Grade I listed building situated on elevated land with scenic countryside views.
Ascott House is a Grade II* listed English country house with a rich Rothschild family history, featuring extensive gardens, notable art collections, and a historic cricket ground on its estate. Visitors can explore both indoor historic rooms and art, as well as extensive outdoor gardens and grounds.
Coombe Hill is a prominent hill in the Chilterns, featuring a historic Boer War memorial monument and commanding extensive scenic views. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and annual events such as a fell running race. The site is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare plants and wildlife habitat.
Claydon House is a historic English country house in Buckinghamshire, showcasing exquisite rococo interiors, a unique Chinese room, and gardens, with a museum dedicated to nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, offering visitors both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is a 9.5-acre garden in Bedfordshire laid out in the form of a cathedral using various tree species. It serves as a living tribute and a place of reflection with chapels for each season and is managed by the National Trust.
Berkshire College of Agriculture is a further education agricultural college in Burchetts Green, Maidenhead, offering courses in agriculture, animal care, and construction on a large farmland campus with student accommodation.
West Wycombe Park is an 18th-century English country house near West Wycombe village, Buckinghamshire, featuring unique Palladian and Neoclassical architecture. Set within extensive landscaped gardens adorned with classical follies and temples, the house offers public access during summer and serves as a venue for weddings and corporate events. It remains the residence of the Dashwood family and is owned by the National Trust.
Hartwell House is a historic Jacobean and Georgian country house in Buckinghamshire, famous as the exile home of King Louis XVIII and now a National Trust leased hotel with landscaped Capability Brown gardens and historic scientific connections.
Waddesdon Manor is a Grade I listed Neo-Renaissance country house in Buckinghamshire, England, managed by the National Trust and owned by the Rothschild Foundation. It features remarkable art collections, formal gardens, an aviary, and historic wine cellars, with public access including exhibitions, dining, and child-friendly activities.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An interactive display explores the history and family tree of the Rothschild family, including their connections to Waddesdon Manor and their interests in art, horticulture, nature and sustainability.
Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire offers a 360-acre drive-through safari experience with a wide range of animals including lions, elephants, and rhinos. It includes a Foot Safari area with smaller animals and interactive exhibits, as well as leisure amenities such as a family restaurant and play zones, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Friars Square is a large indoor shopping centre in Aylesbury featuring over 60 shops and restaurants, a multi-storey car park, and a bus station, anchored by House of Fraser.
Aylesbury is the historic county town of Buckinghamshire, England, known for its historic market square, cultural arts centres, the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, and its notable theatre scene. It has rich history including medieval origins, a strong duck breeding tradition, and was the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.
Dorneywood is an 18th-century Georgian country house near Burnham, Buckinghamshire, owned by the National Trust and used as a grace-and-favour residence for senior UK government ministers. Visitors can explore the historic interiors featuring artwork and the extensive gardens and parkland surrounding the house, with public tours available in summer.
3 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to play an interactive folklore adventure around Cliveden, encountering goblins and other creatures. The event also includes scheduled children’s craft drop-ins and age-appropriate storytelling sessions.
Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire are a prestigious English landscape garden featuring extensive parkland, architectural monuments, classical temples, and historical structures designed by prominent 18th-century architects and gardeners. Managed by the National Trust, the gardens offer a significant outdoor visitor experience with preserved landscapes and classical architecture, a visitor centre, and a rich heritage of garden design.
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a zombie-themed trail through Stowe Gardens, solving puzzles to help a scientist find an antidote and clear the zombies from Lamport. The trail is designed for children aged 6 and over.
Cliveden House is a historic Italianate mansion in Buckinghamshire managed by the National Trust with extensive formal gardens, woodlands, and themed outdoor areas. It features a richly decorated interior with notable rooms and art, a historic clock tower, and a unique outdoor maze. The estate provides diverse visitor experiences including house tours, garden walks, family-friendly activities, and dining options.
13 Oct, 15 Oct…
Join a volunteer-guided tour of the ground floor of Cliveden House and hear stories about the Astor dynasty and the house’s history. Tours run at regular intervals and explore rooms where notable visitors were once received.
The Central Milton Keynes Shopping Complex includes thecentre:mk and Midsummer Place, two large adjoining indoor shopping centres with over 270 stores. The original centre opened in 1979 and is a Grade II listed building noted for its modernist architecture and daylight-filled arcades. The venue features indoor public spaces, markets, and extensive landscaping along with shops, restaurants and notable public art installations.
Harmondsworth Great Barn is a Grade I listed medieval barn in Greater London, renowned as the largest timber-framed building in England and a masterpiece of medieval carpentry. Built in the early 15th century, it is open to the public for free from April to October and managed by English Heritage and local volunteers.
Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe is a large indoor retail and entertainment complex featuring over 100 shops, a cinema, bowling alley, and a library with step-free access, complemented by ample parking and an adjoining bus station. It serves as a major regional shopping destination with facilities and events catering to all ages.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow an interactive adventure inspired by British folklore at Hughenden, working together to heal a rift between the human and spirit worlds. The story features characters such as a mysterious Old Crone, goblins and boggarts.
High Wycombe is a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, England, known for its rich furniture-making heritage, cultural attractions, and green spaces in the Chiltern Hills. It offers a walkable town centre with shopping centres, museums, parks, and theatres alongside good public and rail transport connections.
The King's Head is a historic 15th-century coaching inn in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, featuring original architecture including a Great Hall, 13th-century cellars, and a scenic courtyard. It is operated by The National Trust, offers food and drink on-site, and has notable ghost stories and Tudor-era rooms.
Pitstone Windmill is a historic 17th century post mill in Buckinghamshire, known as the earliest windmill dated in the British Isles. Visitors can explore the outdoor site and learn about traditional corn milling. The National Trust manages the site, which is open to the public on summer Friday afternoons.