Uncover Secret Scenic Spots In Bucks

2025-07-08T15:42:31Z

Buckinghamshire is famed for its rolling Chiltern Hills, historic villages and idyllic countryside. While places like Waddesdon Manor and the Market Towns get their fair share of visitors, there are many lesser-known spots perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and soak in tranquillity and stunning scenery.

Here’s a guide to some of the county’s most beautiful and under-the-radar locations, combining classic walking routes, secret gardens, peaceful water spots and some personal favourites.

The Ridgeway: Princes Risborough to Ivinghoe via Aston Rowant

One of the oldest paths in Britain, the Ridgeway National Trail offers a spectacular stretch from Princes Risborough to Ivinghoe Beacon, passing through the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. This route features chalk downlands, ancient woodland and abundant wildlife, including soaring red kites.

For a manageable outing, try the Aston Rowant Discovery Trail, a 5-6 mile circular walk with waymarked paths and no stiles. The trail rewards walkers with panoramic views, wildflower meadows, and historic landmarks, plus cosy village pubs nearby.

Explore the Aston Rowant Discovery Trail

Fingest, Turville and Hambleden Valley

These charming villages are nestled in one of the Chilterns’ loveliest valleys, featuring beech woods, open meadows, and classic cottages. The National Trust has a circular walk covering Hambleden, Fingest and Turville, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying peaceful countryside.

Don’t miss Cobstone Windmill on Turville Hill—a favourite for photographers and film buffs alike.

Discover the Hambleden Valley walk

The Lyde Garden, Bledlow (Just Outside Buckinghamshire)

Just a short walk from the Lions pub in Bledlow, the Lyde Garden is a hidden water garden set in a former watercress bed. Free to visit, it offers a tranquil setting of lush ferns, primulas, and astilbes alongside gently flowing streams. This serene spot feels like a secret oasis.

More about The Lyde Garden

Marsworth Reservoirs and the Grand Union Canal

A quieter alternative to the better-known reservoirs nearby, Marsworth offers beautiful waterside walks along the Grand Union Canal. Ideal for birdwatchers, the area is home to herons, ducks and other wildlife, with peaceful towpaths perfect for gentle strolls or cycling.

Whiteleaf Hill

Famous for its striking chalk cross carved into the hillside, Whiteleaf Hill is a nature reserve with ancient woodland, rare plants, and great views of the surrounding countryside. It’s an atmospheric spot perfect for short walks and quiet reflection.

Learn more about Whiteleaf Hill

Aston Rowant Cutting

This dramatic chalk cutting beneath the M40 motorway is a unique geological feature, often shrouded in mist, creating an atmospheric setting. It’s also a hotspot for red kite sightings and wildflower displays in spring and summer.

More on Aston Rowant Cutting

Coombe Holes beneath Ivinghoe

Hidden chalk ravines, or coombe holes, lie beneath the scarp edge near Ivinghoe. These secluded valleys offer a rugged landscape for exploration, far from the usual walking trails, ideal for those seeking a quieter connection with nature.

Read about droving and coombe holes in the Chilterns

Tips for Exploring Buckinghamshire’s Hidden Spots

• Parking & Access: Use village car parks such as Hambleden, Princes Risborough or Turville for easy access to these trails.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is perfect for wildlife spotting and avoiding crowds.
• Seasonal Highlights: Bluebells in spring at Aston Rowant; orchids and butterflies in early summer on chalk grasslands.
• Where to Eat: Cosy pubs in Fingest, Turville, Bledlow and Risborough offer excellent local fare and a warm welcome.
• Wild Camping: For the adventurous, wild camping near Ivinghoe Beacon and Pitstone Hill offers stargazing and sunrise views in true wilderness style.

Overview

Whether you want sweeping hilltop panoramas, secret gardens, or peaceful waterside walks, Buckinghamshire’s lesser-known spots deliver unforgettable countryside experiences away from the crowds.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Buckinghamshire, check out all of the activities going on across the county!

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