Elle09

We will be spending several nights at Cliveden and will have a car. Does anyone have day trip suggestions from Cliveden besides Windsor/Eton and London? Our interests include gardens, history, scenic vistas, etc.
Many thanks.

bettyk

In the early 1980's, we lived in Beaconsfield, Bucks, which isn't far at all from where you will be.

Beaconsfield has an interesting old town, but it's primary attraction is Bekonscot, one of the oldest model villages in Europe.

http://www.beaconsfield.co.uk/townguide/

http://www.bekonscot.com/

You don't say WHEN you will be staying at Cliveden, but note that Bekonscot doesn't reopen until mid-February.

Also not far from Beaconsfield is Amersham. I loved visiting this little town when I lived there.

http://www.britainexpress.com/counti...z/amersham.htm

Other places of interest in and arond Buckinghamshire:

http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/bucks/index.htm

janisj

Oh - there is sooo much you could see/do w/i a reasonable drive of Cliveden.

All the Thames-side towns/villages -- Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Sonning, etc etc.

Waddesdon Manor is just up beyond Aylesbury. That would be a "must" on my list. http://www.waddesdon.org.uk/

A bit farther away is Woburn Abbey http://www.woburnabbey.co.uk/

Since you are into gardens - I'd think Wisley would be a must. http://www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/gardens/wisley/index.asp

hetismij

Oxford, The Berkshire downs, walk along the Ridgeway and visit the Uffington White Horse http://tinyurl.com/5vbamh.
Chalfont St Giles has Milton's cottage which is worth a visit, and could be combined with bekonscot. http://www.miltonscottage.org/

All the Chiltern villages especially if you are a Midsomer murders or Vicar of Dibley fan.

West Wycombe hill and the Hellfire caves are fun too. http://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/

St Albans is a bit further away but is interesting and has Verulamium Roman museum. http://tinyurl.com/8o9jf5

optimystic

Near Windsor, at Runnymede, is the Air Forces Memorial. http://www.windsor-information.co.uk...esmemorial.php
Its a very moving and tranquil place, and from the observation deck on the roof the views over London in the distance are very good.
You can drive to the memorial or walk up the hill from Runnymede.

optimystic

Near Windsor, at Runnymede, is the Air Forces Memorial. http://www.windsor-information.co.uk...esmemorial.php
Its a very moving and tranquil place, and from the observation deck on the roof the views over London in the distance are very good.
You can drive to the memorial or walk up the hill from Runnymede. The walk from Runnymede is described here http://www.londontoolkit.com/whattod...ymede_walk.htm

Elle09

Hi All,

Many, many thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions. My husband and I will be there in early May and I believe that we will be able to visit most if not all of your fabulous recommendations.

I am truly appreciative of ALL the advice I have received through this forum. ~ Elle

hetismij

You should be there at bluebell time then! Do try and get into some woodlands to experience the sheer heaven of British bluebells. No doubt others here can advise on the best wood nearby to visit. Cliveden's own grounds may even offer one, I can't remember.
If you visit the Air Force memorial, which is indeed a wonderful, moving, tranquil place then you could combine it with Windsor Great park and Savill gardens, Virginia Water and the valley gardens- all one big park really. http://www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/

Elle09

Thank you Hetismij!
I cannot wait to see the gardens!~ Elle

hetismij

I just checked, and Cliveden has one of the best bluebell woods there is so I hope you get to see it and enjoy it!
http://tinyurl.com/97dhzg has a photo of it, not by me sadly, I'd love to be there at bluebell time!

Elle09

Wow, that is so pretty! Thanks again for your time and assistance. ~ Elle

bettyk

Very near to Cliveden is Burnham Beeches, a large area of ancient woodlands. We use to visit on our motorcycle. Don't remember if there will be any blooming bluebells, but it is a beautiful area just to walk about.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...ches&gbv=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Beeches