Buckinghamshire's picturesque roads: the 6 most beautiful routes on a roadtrip
April 11, 2025
Buckinghamshire, located in the heart of England, is a land full of picturesque landscapes, historic estates and charming villages. It's the perfect place for an unforgettable roadtrip to discover the beauty of the British countryside. In this article, we will present 6 of the most beautiful routes that will delight both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Get ready to travel through the green hills of the Chiltern Hills, along meandering rivers and through historic gardens. Each of these routes offers unique experiences and breathtaking views that will stay in your memory for a long time. Whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic weekend for two, or a solo journey for inspiration, Buckinghamshire has something for everyone. Embark with us on this fascinating journey and discover the hidden treasures of one of England's most beautiful counties.
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Routes 1 and 2: From Ivinghoe Beacon to Chiltern Hills
Our journey begins from Ivinghoe Beacon, one of the highest points in Buckinghamshire. This spot offers stunning views of the countryside and is the perfect starting point for our roadtrip. Ivinghoe Beacon, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5, is not only a great vantage point, but also a place with a rich history. The hill was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, which adds to its mysterious, almost pagan charm. The route leading to the summit can be steep in places, but the effort is fully rewarded by the panorama spreading from the top. It is worth remembering to dress warmly, especially in winter, as it can be windy at the summit.
From Ivinghoe Beacon we head toward the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside. This route, rated 4.7, takes you through the heart of the Chiltern Hills, offering unforgettable views of the scenic hills and valleys. This park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find numerous hiking and biking trails that allow you to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Note the diversity of the landscape - from open fields to dense forests, each turn of the road brings new and fascinating views.
Comparing the two routes, Ivinghoe Beacon offers more spectacular, panoramic views, ideal for those who like to enjoy the scenery from a height. The Chiltern Hills, on the other hand, is a paradise for those who prefer longer walks and more varied terrain. Both locations are family-friendly, although Chiltern Hills may be a better choice for families with young children due to its gentler paths.
In terms of amenities, Chiltern Hills offers more options, including picnic areas and a cafe where you can relax and have a snack after an active day. Ivinghoe Beacon is more natural and rugged, which may be an advantage for some. Both locations are free, making them attractive to travelers on a budget.
It's worth remembering that both Ivinghoe Beacon and Chiltern Hills can be crowded on weekends and during vacations, so arriving early is recommended to avoid parking problems. Regardless of the route chosen, both locations offer a memorable experience and are a great start to our journey through the scenic roads of Buckinghamshire.
Routes 3 and 4: Historic Cliveden Gardens and Ashridge Estate
The next leg of our journey is at two exceptional sites managed by the National Trust - Cliveden and Ashridge Estate. Both of these places combine natural beauty with rich history, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Cliveden, with a rating of 4.7, is a true gem among English estates. This impressive garden complex stretches along the banks of the River Thames, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills. Cliveden Gardens is known for its diversity, from formal floral parterres to wild woodland paths. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and picnic in the shade of centuries-old trees. We especially recommend a visit in spring, when the gardens explode with the colors of blooming rhododendrons and azaleas.
On the other hand, Ashridge Estate, also rated 4.7, offers a very different kind of experience. It's a vast forest complex, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Ashridge is famous for its beautiful beech forests, which turn a sea of gold and red in autumn. It's a great place for long walks, cycling or wildlife watching. In spring, the forest is covered with a carpet of bluebells, creating a magical, almost fairy-tale-like setting.
Comparing the two places, Cliveden offers a more structured experience with manicured gardens and a historic estate. It is an ideal destination for those interested in architecture and horticultural history. Ashridge Estate, on the other hand, attracts wildlife lovers and those who prefer a more natural, woodland setting.
When it comes to amenities, Cliveden has the edge. It features a restaurant, café and gift store. Ashridge Estate offers more basic amenities, but it is this 'wildness' that is its main asset.
Both locations are family-friendly, but Cliveden may be a better choice for families with young children due to its easier terrain and more amenities. Ashridge Estate would be ideal for families with older children who enjoy active recreation.
As for prices, both sites are managed by the National Trust, which means that members of the organization have free admission. For those outside the NT, ticket prices are moderate, but it's worth checking the current rates on the official website, as they can change seasonally.
Both Cliveden and Ashridge Estate offer unique experiences that you will long remember. Whether you choose the elegant gardens of Cliveden or the wild woods of Ashridge, each of these places is an important point on the map of Buckinghamshire's scenic roads.
Route 5 and 6: Modern recreation in Black Park and historic beauty of Stowe Gardens
Our journey along Buckinghamshire's scenic roads is coming to an end, but there are two more special places ahead that are sure to be memorable for any traveler.
The fifth point on our itinerary is Black Park Country Park, rated 4.7. This is a modern recreational complex that offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. The park stretches over 200 hectares and includes a beautiful lake, dense forests and vast open spaces. It's an ideal place for active recreation - you can bike, run, walk or simply enjoy a picnic outdoors. There is a well-equipped playground for children, and nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe a variety of flora and fauna. Black Park is also a popular film location - scenes for such productions as 'Harry Potter' and 'James Bond' were shot here.
The last stop on our trip is Stowe Gardens, managed by the National Trust and rated 4.7. It is one of the most important works of English garden art of the 18th century. Stowe Gardens is a true landscape masterpiece, full of classical temples, monuments and bridges scattered among picturesque lakes and lawns. It is a place that impresses not only with its natural beauty, but also with its wealth of history and architecture. Walking through the gardens, you can admire more than 40 monuments and buildings, each with its own fascinating history.
Comparing the two places, Black Park Country Park offers more modern and varied attractions, ideal for families with children and those seeking an active vacation. Stowe Gardens, on the other hand, attracts lovers of history, architecture and the classic beauty of English landscape gardens.
In terms of amenities, both places are well equipped to accommodate visitors. At Black Park, you'll find a café, restrooms and picnic areas. Stowe Gardens offers a restaurant, gift store and visitor center with an interactive exhibit on the history of the gardens.
Both places are family-friendly, but Black Park may be a better choice for families with young children because of its playground and more casual atmosphere. Stowe Gardens will be ideal for families interested in history and wanting to combine education with recreation.
As for prices, admission to the Black Park is charged only for parking (about £2.70 for 2 hours, as of 2023), making it very affordable. Stowe Gardens, as a National Trust site, requires an admission ticket (about £16 for adults, £8 for children, as of 2023) unless you are an NT member.
Both Black Park Country Park and Stowe Gardens offer unforgettable experiences, though each in a different style. Black Park is modern recreation surrounded by nature, while Stowe Gardens transports us to a world of history and classic beauty. These two places are the perfect culmination of our journey along Buckinghamshire's scenic roads, showcasing the diversity and richness of this fascinating region of England.
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