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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Berkhamsted is a historic market town in Hertfordshire, England, featuring a medieval castle, vibrant cultural scene including an independent cinema and the BFI National Archive, and surrounded by the scenic Chiltern Hills AONB.
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.
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.