Buckinghamshire

BOJANGLES CREATIVE CAFE

29 Hill Avenue, Amersham On The Hill, Bucks, HP6 5BX
Tel: 01494 434346
Web: www.bojanglescreativecafe.co.uk

Located in Amersham, Bojangles Creative Cafe houses a paint your own pottery studio in a relaxed, café-like atmosphere where people of all age groups enjoy painting on ceramics as well as more personalised items. The studio has over 300 types of pottery to paint…plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, vases, and lots of cool designs for kids! Our studio offers a very bright and colourful environment for your creative experience, so you can spend quiet time alone; quality time with your family or relaxing social time with friends and paint the perfect present or one of a kind. Your pottery is then professionally glazed and fired by us ready for your collection in a few days. Please contact for opening times etc.

Willen Lake

V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK15 0DS
Tel: 01908 691620   Fax: 0870 9911 763
E-mail: admin@whitecap.co.uk
Web: www.whitecap.co.uk

Willen Lake is a 180 acre park with much to offer. The park has a Watersports Centre offering a wide range of water sports including Sailing, Windsurfing, Power boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Raft building etc. The park has a full RYA Training Centre, BCU Training Centre and also WakeMK, the UK's Newest Cable Wakeboard and Water-ski centre. Aside from the water sports, there is also a Free Children’s Play area, High Ropes Course, Adventure Golf Course, Hire Centre (Bikes, Pedloes, Row Boats and even Powerboat Rides), there is a Miniature Railway, Café, Pub and a Health Club. The Parks are beautifully maintained by the Milton Keynes Parks Trust and the lake provides a great setting if only to have a drink and feed the ducks.

St. Tiggywinkles

The Wildlife Hospital Trust, Aston Road, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AF
Tel: 01844 292292    Fax: 01844 292640
E-mail: mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk
Web: www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk

All the residents in the Visitor Centre are permanent due to disability and would not survive if released back to the wild, therefore they are very happy to live their lives in the safe, supervised surroundings of the hospital grounds. The hedgehog memorabilia museum is a mass of hedgehog history viewing the many way in which hedgehogs have influenced us over the years from Egyptian time to present day. This amazing site is suitable for all ages. The baby bird and baby mammal viewing area: This is a seasonal section of the Visitor Centre during spring and summer where you can watch our dedicated staff and volunteers care for these orphaned wild babies. Baby birds are fed every fifteen minutes so you can imagine how busy this room will get (the baby area can only be viewed from behind glass). We also have a large range of British Wildlife goodies available in our Souvenir shop, and there is an outdoor café and picnic site.

Bletchley Park Trust

The Mansion, Wilton Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK3 6EB
Tel: 01908 640404    Fax: 01908 274381
E-mail: info@bletchleypark.org.uk
Web: www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Besides the Mansion there are Guided Tours, Exhibitions and the Cryptology Trail. Also you can see Aircraft Recovery, Computers, Churchill Memorabilia, Military Vehicles, Model Boats, Fire Engines, Cinema Projectors, Uniforms, Toy Collection, Model Railway... little wonder it is Britain's Best Kept Secret!

The Chiltern Brewery

Nash Lee Road, Terrick, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 0TQ
Tel: 01296 613647    Fax: 01296 612419
E-mail: enquiries@chilternbrewery.co.uk
Web: www.chilternbrewery.co.uk

The Chiltern Brewery, close to Wendover in the heart of the Chilterns, is a second generation family brewery and the oldest working brewery in both Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns. We can be found on a pleasantly rural stretch of the ancient pre-Roman droving road - the Lower Icknield Way - nestling between a historic drovers' moat and the foot of Coombe Hill, the highest point in the Chiltern Hills. Experience the ancient and revered art of the English Brewer for yourself by treating yourself to one of our increasingly popular fully-guided tours. You will be taken around the brewing rooms by our knowledgeable guides who will explain the brewing process from start to finish (Please call to reserve spaces as booking is essential). We also have a delightful brewery shop where you will be served by our courteous and helpful staff. You are welcome to browse in our shop which stocks a dazzling array of foods and drinks not found in supermarkets - as well as our full range of draught and bottled beers! We have everything from beer bread to malt marmalades, beer sausages to hop-leaf mustards and old ale chutneys, cheeses to chocolates and spirits, liqueurs and wines. A warm welcome awaits you.

The Hell-Fire Caves

West Wycombe Caves, West Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3AJ
Tel: 01494 533739    Fax: 01494 471617
Web: www.hellfirecaves.co.uk

The Hell-fire caves at West Wycombe are unique. They were excavated on the site of an ancient quarry in the 1750's by Sir Francis Dashwood (later Lord de Despencer) in order to provide work for unemployed farm workers following a succession of harvest failures. The chalk was used to build a main road between West Wycombe and High Wycombe. The caves are approached through an impressive flint forecourt resembling, from a distance, a Gothic church. A long winding passage leads past various small chambers to the Banqueting Hall and then over the River Styx to the Inner Temple, which is about 300 feet down beneath the church on top of the hill. Statues in colourful costumes of close friends of Sir Francis include Paul Whitehead, Steward of the Hell-fire Club; John Wilkes, the MP for Aylesbury; Lord Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty; and the American Benjamin Franklin, and together with a commentary and sound effects helps to bring this intriguing story to life.

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Gullivers Land

Livingston Drive, Newlands, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK15 0DT
Tel: 01925 444888    Booking Hotline: 01908 609001
Web: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

At Gulliver’s we aim to provide the best possible day out for families with children between the age of 2-13 years and, as such, all the 30 rides and attractions are aimed to cater for their specific needs. Climb aboard the Veteran Cars or twist and twirl on the Mad Hatters Tea Party Ride in Lilliput Land. For the younger visitors there’s the Music Ride or the Galleons on which to ride or the Toy Town Play Area within which to jump and jive. Swing in the air on the Chair-O-Plans or the Pirate Ship. Dare you ride the Wild Mouse Coaster? From the very first moment you arrive at Gulliver’s you will be entering into another world. The centrepiece of which is the beautiful Lilliput Land Castle rising high into the sky above the whole of Gulliver’s Land. Let us transport you away from the day to day worries into a world of wonder and fantasy. Enjoy the sounds of laughter and fun in Toy land, mosey on down into the Old Wild West in Discovery Bay with its fortress and Old Time Railroad or into the jungle in Adventure Land with its Pirate Ship and Jungle Swing. Embark on a voyage of thrills on our two drop Log Flume - you’ll probably get wet. The sky’s the limit for fun when you visit Gulliver’s Land.

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Bradenham Village

nr High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 755573
E-mail: bradenham@nationaltrust.org.uk

Burnham Beeches: England's Ancient Wood

Boarstall Duck Decoy

Boarstall, nr Aylesbury, HP18 9UX
Tel: 01844 237488    Fax: 01296 696662     
E-mail: boarstall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Rare survival of a 17th-century decoy in working order. A once-common feature of the English countryside, the decoy is set on a tree-fringed lake, with nature trail and exhibition hall.

DEFRA – Rural Affairs

Tel: 08459 335577
E-mail: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Web: countrywalks.defra.gov.uk

More than 1800 walks etc in the United Kingdom. Simply select your destination and you will be rewarded with mini guides and map references to help you explore the countryside at your leisure.

Bernwood Butterfly Trail (Forest Enterprise)

South East England Forest District, Upper Icknield Way, Aston Clinton,
Aylesbury, HP22 5NF
Tel: 01296 625825    Fax: 01296 696662

The whole of Bernwood Forest was designated a Forest Nature Reserve in 1981 and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, because of its richness as a butterfly habitat. Extensive forest paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Path side vegetation management has provided the favoured habitats for butterflies and other flora and fauna. Follow the yellow waymarked path on an hour and a half walk around the forest to discover the variety of habitats to be found. Butterflies to watch out for include the White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Skippers, Marbled White and rare Black Hairstreak.

Chiltern Sculpture Trail (Forest Enterprise)

Forest Enterprise, Upper Icknield Way, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, HP22 5NF
Tel: 01296 625825    Fax: 01296 696662
E-mail: info@chilternsculpturetrail.co.uk
Web: www.chilternsculpturetrail.co.uk

Boasting over twenty specially commissioned sculptures, the Chiltern Sculpture Trail offers the visitor a unique environment in which to experience contemporary art. Set high in the Chiltern hills with unexpected views over the surrounding countryside, the trail meanders through Cowleaze Wood, a small but attractive working forest. Planted by the Forestry Commission between 1957 and 1966 Cowleaze grows a mixed crop of conifer and deciduous trees with carpets of bluebells making Spring a particularly good time to visit. Most of the sculptures can be accessed by walking the main woodland path. Other works are located deeper in the forest to be sought out by the more adventurous. As part of an ongoing collaboration with the Forestry Commission, new sculptures are added to the Trail each year whilst others are removed, creating a changing collection to delight even the most seasoned of visitors.

Wendover Woods (Forest Enterprise)

South East England Forest District, Upper Icknield Way, Aston Clinton,
Aylesbury, HP22 5NF.
Tel: 01296 625825    Fax: 01296 696662

Situated on the northern edge of the Chiltern escarpment this wood affords spectacular views across the Aylesbury Vale. It is owned by the Forestry Commission and managed by Forest Enterprise, an executive agency of the Commission. You are very welcome to explore all of the 325 hectares of mixed coniferous and broadleaved woodland. If you fancy an energetic day, why not try the large permanent orienteering course, designed to test the 'best', or the gruelling Fitness trail. Orienteering maps can be purchased from the office during the week, or from the tourist information centre in Wendover. Alternatively stroll along the 'all-ability' trail to reach the Chiltern's highest point, relax with a picnic in one of the many sunny glades or follow the Firecrest trail on an educational tour of the wildlife delights to be found in Wendover. Other facilities include a children's play area, toilets, barbecue stands, cycle routes and horse trails. A 100 acre sport mountain biking area has been created in the nearby Aston Hill Woods - riding by permit only.

Black Park Country Park

Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DR
Tel: 01753 511060    Fax: 01753 550280
E-mail: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk

This popular park is set within 530 acres of attractive woodland, grassland and heathland with a 13 acre centre-piece lake. There are many recreational opportunities for the visitor: waterside and woodland walks, a lakeside café, orienteering course and a children's woodland play area. Part of the film "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was filmed in Black Park. Centenary Lodge Visitor Centre - further improvements have been made to parking facilities and to the section of path around the western end of the lake to allow easier access to the Visitor Centre. A Ranger Service is available. Disabled parking spaces, disabled picnic tables and hard-surfaced tracks for wheelchairs. A 'Batricar Countryman' electric wheelchair is now available.

Denham Country Park

Denham Court Drive, Denham, Buckinghamshire, UB9 5PG
Tel: 01753 511060    Fax: 01753 550280
E-mail: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk

The 69 acres of Denham Country Park offer opportunities for quiet informal recreation with links to local footpaths, bridleways and the South Bucks Long Distance Route. Bounded by the Grand Union Canal and the Rivers Colne and Misbourne, wildlife opportunities abound. The Three Rivers Trail enables visitors to enjoy the water-based interest while the 3/4 mile long Coot Trail has been specially designed for the younger visitor. The Colne Valley Park Visitor Centre, at the entrance to the Park houses attractive displays and refreshment facilities for visitors. The Park has Disabled parking spaces, disabled picnic tables and hard-surfaced tracks for wheelchairs.

Langley Park Country Park

Billet Lane, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0LT
Tel: 01753 511060    Fax: 01753 550280
E-mail: countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk

A historic parkland of 130 acres which once housed extensive herds of deer. There are many formal features to interest the visitor, including the rhododendron and azalea-filled Temple Gardens, and the walled Arboretum which has many beautiful species of trees and shrubs. The pond has been restored to an attractive feature. Nearby a group of trees were planted in 1994 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the D-day landings. Langley Park is easily accessible by road, being located opposite Black Park off the A412 Slough-Uxbridge road. The Park has Disabled parking spaces, disabled picnic tables and hard-surfaced tracks for wheelchairs.

Snakemoor Local Nature Reserve

Haddenham Parish Council
Tel: 01844 291254 - Chairman of HPC Snakemoor Management

Snakemoor has recently been designated a Local Nature Reserve following an agreement with English Nature. At Snakemoor, within 2 hectares, you will find several footpaths, a hay meadow and a pond in addition to the variety of trees. There is an increasing range of flowers starting with an attractive display of snowdrops in February. The rare flower, the 'snakeshead' fritillary, is becoming established in the lower end of the meadow and may be seen in early May. A variety of hedging and trees along the boundary have been planted since 1992. Among these are guelder rose, field maple and crab apple. There is a pond which holds water for some of the year. The retained dampness encourages wetland plants and other wildlife such as frogs and dragonflies.

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Oak Farm Rare Breeds Park

Broughton, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5AW
Tel: 01296 415709
E-mail: original@oakfarm13.freeserve.co.uk

A small, traditional working farm with friendly sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and poultry including the famous Aylesbury Ducks. The animals all have names and many are rare breeds. Special food is available for hand-feeding. The park also has a picnic/play area and a short countryside walk. Bring your wellies after wet weather!

Odds Farm Park

Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0LX
Tel/Fax: 01628 520188
E-mail: oddsfarm@oddsfarm.co.uk
Web: www.oddsfarm.co.uk

The perfect all-weather place for both parents and children, this busy hive of permanent child-friendly attractions and special seasonal activities is open all year round. The Playbarn is a must for youngsters who enjoy clambering over straw bales - and enterprising under 5s can climb aboard tractors to brush up their driving skills. There is a bright tearoom and plenty of benches and picnic tables where parents can watch their children at play.

Westcroft Stables

Slad Lane, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0PP
Tel: 01494 488464     Fax: 01494 488767
E-mail: info@homeofrestforhorses.co.uk
Web: www.homeofrestforhorses.co.uk

Set in a typically lovely part of the Chiltern Hills, the Home of Rest was established in 1880s as a charity to help working London horses and is still funded completely by donations. It is home to 125 horses, donkeys and ponies, including many much-loved characters ranging from 30-year-old Echo, injured in the Hyde Park bomb blast, to Cleo - rescued from a car scrap yard - or friends Henry and Troy, who came here from a Donkey Sanctuary in Devon.