National Trust Properties in Buckinghamshire

The County of Buckinghamshire is part of the old Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, and lies northwest of London, and it is bordered by Greater London, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

The county is the home of Pinewood Studios, and Dorney Lake, which is where the 2012 Summer Olympics rowing events will be held. The author Roald Dahl also included many local features and characters in his stories.

National Trust Properties in Buckinghamshire

There are 16 National Trust properties in Buckinghamshire.

Some are rather small, and are also fairly close together, so it is possible to visit two or three in a single day out.

As National Trust members have free admission to any properties, this works out at excellent value.

ASCOTT

Wing, near Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire LU7 0PS
Telephone: 01296 688242
Email: ascott@nationaltrust.org.uk

Ascott is a half timbered farmhouse, that dates back to Jacobean times.

It was transformed by the de Rothschilds family in the late 19^th century, and now has a magnificent collection of paintings, fine furniture, and oriental porcelain.

The grounds are extensive and are a mixture of formal gardens and natural areas, with specimen trees and shrubs.

Things not to be missed at Ascott are one of the best picture collections in Britain, the topiary sundial, and the Dutch Garden which has a fountain with a statue of Eros.

BOARSTALL DUCK DECOY

Boarstall, near Bicester, Buckinghamshire HP18 9UX
Telephone: 01280 822850
Email: boarstalldecoy@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is a rare site and one of only a few 17^th century working duck decoys that are left in the UK.

BOARSTALL TOWER

Boarstall, near Bicester, Buckinghamshire HP18 9UX
Telephone: 01280 822850
Email: boarstalltower@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is a 14^th century gatehouse with a moat, that was once part of a fortified manorhouse, and was built by John de Haudlo.

The property is tenanted, and is only open on certain Wednesdays throughout the summer months.

BRADENHAM VILLAGE

Near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Telephone: 01494 755573
Email: bradenham@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is a scenic village that has a number of cottages clustered around a village green.

There is also a 17^th century manor house (not open to the public) but this building together with the church do provide a magnificent backdrop.

The village is open all year round, and there is designated parking for National Trust visitors at the village green above the cricket pavilion.

BUCKINGHAM CHANTRY CHAPEL

Market Hill, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 1JX
Telephone: 01280 822850
Email: buckinghamchantry@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is a 15^th century chapel that was restored by Gilbert Scott in 1875.

The chapel is open as a second hand bookshop that also has a coffee shop.

The chapel is open all year round, except for Christmas Day.

CLAYDON

Middle Claydon, near Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 2EY
Telephone: 01494 755561
Email: claydon@nationaltrust.org.uk

Claydon is an impressive country house that was created by Sir Ralph Verney in the 1750's.

His intention was to create a house that had such extraordinary grandeur, that it would make those of his neghbours look inferior, and he would also outdo his political rivals.

However, the dream was not to last, as within thirty years Sir Ralph was facing financial ruin.

The property is still occupied by the Verney family, and has been for more than 550 years. Today the interiors that remain are some of the most lavish that were created in the 18^th century.

The family had connections to Florence Nightingale, and visitors can wander through the rooms that were used by her, as well as other extravagantly decorated rooms.

Visitors are also able to walk through the parkland and around the lakes.

Dogs are only allowed in the park on leads.

Claydon is open to the public from March through to the end of October.

CLIVEDON

Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA
Telephone: 01494 755562
Email: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk

Cliveden is a large country estate that overlooks the River Thames, and it is open for most of the year.

The property was once the hub of society, and belonged to Waldorf and Nancy Astor. In more recent years it became infamously linked to the Profumo Affair.

There are a number of formal gardens at Clivedon, including the Topiary Garden, and the Long Garden, which is planted seasonally. Sculptures and statues, both ancient and modern, are to be found throughout the grounds.

For anyone who loves art and architecture, Clivedon makes a great day out.

DORNEYWOOD GARDEN

Dorneywood, Burnham, Buckinghamshire SL1 8PY
Email: dorneywood@nationaltrust.ork.uk

Dorneywood is a 1930's style garden, with herbaceous borders, a rose garden, cottage garden and a lily pond.

The property is open certain Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to July.

No photography is permitted.

HUGHENDEN MANOR

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4LA
Telephone: 01494 755565
Email: hughenden@nationaltrust.org.uk

Hughenden Manor is an impressive manor house, and was the residence of Queen Victoria's favourite Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, from 1848 to 1881.

Visitors can see a large collection of personal memorabilia from this famous occupant, as well as exploring the cellars which were used for secret World War II activities. There are also a number of hands-on exhibits for children.

The formal garden has been recreated, and is based on the original designs of Mary Anne Disraeli, and there are in addition some lovely woodland walks through the grounds.

KING'S HEAD

King's Head Passage, Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2RW
Telephone: 01296 391501
Email: kingshead@nationaltrust.org.uk

The King's Head is one of England's best preserved coaching inns and is located in the heart of the historic market town of Aylesbury.

The inn dates back to 1455, and still retains many of the original architectural features, including rare stained glass windows, wattle and daub walls, and the original stables.

LONG CRENDON COURTHOUSE

Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 9AN
Telephone: 01280 822850
Email: longcrendon@nationaltrust.org.uk

Long Crendon is a well preserved example of an early timber-framed building.

The ground floor was originally the village poor house.

Visiting times are limited to some Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from April to September.

PITSTONE WINDMILL

Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire
Telephone: 01442 851227
Email: pitstonemill@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is a rare example of an early form of windmill, and is located at the end of a rough track.

There are no toilet facilities on the site, which is open on Sundays only from June to August.

STOWE LANDSCAPED GARDEN

Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 5DQ
Telephone: 01494 755568 (Infoline)
Email: stowegarden@nationaltrust.org.uk

Stowe is one of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England, and has inspired writers, philosophers, artists, politicians and other visitors since the 18^th century.

The family that created Stowe were once more wealthy than the king.

The National trust acquired the gardens in the late 1980's, and have been restoring the temples and monuments, of which over 40 remain.

There are numerous walks through the woodlands and valley, with the temples and lakes adding an inspiring backdrop.

Guided walks are available and dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead.

The grounds are open all years round, with the shop and tea room open at the weekends throughout the year, and also Wednesday to Friday from March to October.

WADDESDON MANOR

Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH
Telephone: 01296 653211
Email: waddesdonmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk

This is an unusual building to see in England, and is a renaissance style chateau that was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his large collection of art treasures and to entertain his guests from high society.

There are 45 rooms open to the public, and the displays include fine French furniture, English portraits and Dutch Old Masters.

Visitors can also see Marie-Antoinette's writing desk, and a fine collection of Sevres porcelain..

The Victorian garden is reputed to be one of the finest in Britain, and has seasonal display, fountains and a statuary.

There is a large aviary at the centre of the garden, with species of birds that were once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection.

WEST WYCOMBE PARK

West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3AJ
Telephone: 01494 755571
Email: westwycombe@nationaltrust.org.uk

The mansion is a unique theatrical design, and is lavishly decorated. It has been used in a variety of movies and television productions, including The Duchess and Little Dorrit.

The landscaped gardens were created in the middle of the 18^th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, who was the founder of the Dilettanti Society and the notorious Hellfire Club.

Visitors can stroll around the lake and discover the temples and follies that were created by Sir Francis.

The Hellfire Caves and Café are privately owned.

(Note: Any fans of the original Avengers will remember the episode that featured an investigation into the Hellfire Club).

WEST WYCOMBE VILLAGE AND HILL

West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Telephone: 01494 755573
Email: westwycombe@nationaltrust.org.uk

This historic village has cottages and inns that are of architectural interest and that date back to the 16^th century.

There are splendid views across the Buckinghamshire countryside from West Wycombe Hill.

The church, mausoleum and nearby caves are not National Trust properties.

The nearest public toilet facilities are in the village.

About The National Trust

The National Trust is an independent charity in the UK that helps to protect and open to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments.

The charity also looks after forests, woods, beaches and farmland, as well as archaeological sites, castles, nature reserves and historic villages.

The National Trust has over 3.6 million members, and a team of 55,000 volunteers.

More than 14 million people pay to visit National Trust properties annually, and 50 million are estimated to visit open air sites.

CLICK HERE to find out more and to join The National Trust.

Sources:

The National Trust

Buckinghamshire on Wikipedia

The Counties Of Great Britain