Aylesbury

Aylesbury makes a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including stately homes and gardens. It's a pretty, historic place with a 13th-century church surrounded by small Tudor lanes and cottages. This market town has been associated with the Aylesbury duck since the 18th century, when flocks were walked 40 mi to the London markets. Kids will appreciate a visit to the Roald Dahl's Children's Gallery, which is open all year.