A place blessed with verdant, peaceful countryside, beautiful wildlife and a lack of big cities, Buckinghamshire is an underrated place to holiday. For a restful yet entertaining trip, kick back and relax in one of the luxurious properties in our collection, perfect for the discerning guest, and let us plan your itinerary of places to visit in Buckinghamshire. Here at Plum Guide, we are travel experts after all, so if you heed our advice on where to go on your trip, you're guaranteed a memorable time for all the right reasons.
Waddesdon Manor Aviary
Flowers and a conservatory in a manicured garden at Waddeston Manor Aviary, Buckinghamshire | Photo by Chris Lacey (c) National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
A little known fact about Victorian England is the trend that swept the nation in the late 19th century to build exotic bird aviaries in one’s house. A lot more impressive than the Aga and velvet sofa-led trends that make up today’s interior inspiration, having your own aviary was quite the status symbol. The trend was led by the Rothschild family, a banking dynasty you’ve probably vaguely heard of. They built the aviary at Waddesdon Manor and the rest of the country followed suit.
Built in 1889 and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the aviary is still undeniably impressive (and frankly, puts your last house extension to shame. We can guarantee that you used far less gold leaf, at least). Today, it focuses on conservation and houses many species of birds that are endangered or even extinct in the wild. Some of the creatures are even named after the Rothschilds, as the family scientifically described and studied them before anyone else. The manor itself is also a fascinating place to spend a few hours exploring, with plenty of exotic curiosities and beautifully well-kept gardens. Just don’t let your kids sneak the birds any snacks - they’re on a special diet (who isn’t these days?) and it could be fatal to them.
Spring Stream, Plum Guide home in Buckinghamshire, England
Lacey’s farm shop
The produce in this area is second to none, and that means Lacey’s Farm Shop should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Buckinghamshire. The Laceys have been farming in the Chilterns since the 1880s and it’s still very much a family business. This stuff is a lot better than what you can usually find in your local Waitrose, trust us. Foodies, visiting this farm shop should top your list of things to do in things to do in Buckinghamshire.
The family opened a farm shop a few years ago and it’s been incredibly popular ever since, with visitors coming from far and wide for their superior food. Produce includes locally grown fruit and vegetables, homemade pies, sandwiches and other snacks just begging to be taken on an idyllic rural picnic, eggs from the farm’s hens and meat also from the farm, which is butchered on site. Food miles aren’t really a thing here. You mustn't miss the award-winning Guernsey milk and cream, all of which is produced, bottled and processed on the farm. You can even pop over to say hello to the cows which made your morning latte so delicious.
Redwick, Plum Guide home in Slough, England, UK
Bletchley Park
Red brick building behind neat garden at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, England
Always wanted to be a spy? Now’s your chance. Everyone’s heard of Bletchley Park, the famous headquarters of the code breaking operation during world war two, but did you know you could actually visit and learn its secrets? If you identify as a bit of a nerd (no shame in that - we all wish that we’d been the ones to invent Facebook and Bitcoin, after all), you’ll love it here. This place birthed modern information technology and will teach visitors about cryptography, the innovative nature of technology, the role of the secret service and intelligence agencies, and how the Allies won the second world war. In a world undergoing seemingly never-ending technological advancements, Bletchley Park is one of the more fascinating and intelligence-boosting places to visit in Buckinghamshire.
The Lark Ascending, Plum Guide home in Buckinghamshire, UK
Linford Lakes Nature Reserve
Just want to get away from the world? Linford Lakes Nature Reserve is the place to go. Here, you’ll finally be able to hear yourself think and to let go of the stress of that job that you don’t really like but that pays the bills. Perfect for a bucolic day trip from London, there’s a practically endless array of wildlife here, from barn owls, short eared owls and great white egrets. In the springtime you can even see nesting herons. And of course, there are the usual (but no less adorable) suspects of deer, foxes and badgers.
If nature’s not really your thing, Linford Lakes also offers a variety of activities for visitors to partake in. Bat walks, wild dying and felting classes, and foraging and cooking classes are just some of what’s on offer. If your trip to Linford Lakes Nature Reserve inspires you to take up birdwatching, take your binoculars and you’re certain to spot some interesting avian sights on the river.
Whistle A Happy Song, Plum Guide home in Oxfordshire, UK
