Wendover | Chilterns National Landscape (2024)

Wendover is a sophisticated and unspoilt market town, offering a gateway to the Chilterns countryside as the Ridgeway National Trail passes through it.

Before you head out, though, there’s plenty to fill some gentle mooching time, from antiques and chocolates, to the leading aviation art gallery, Aces High. There’s heaps of history to discover as well. At the crossroads in the town centre, stands the distinctive red-brick, spired Clock Tower, which started life as a small market hall in 1842.For refreshment, enjoy a stop at the 17th-century Bel & The Dragon at The Red Lion hotel and pub.

Since 1464, Wendover has had a Royal Charter enabling it to hold a weekly market. Held every Thursday, there are a wide variety of stalls to suit everyone’s needs, such as savoury and sweet bakes, fruit and veg, cheese, seafood, pet supplies, plants and fashion. An excellent local produce market also appears on the High Street on the third Saturday of every month.

Wendover’s choice of refreshments is fabulous – shop for coffee, wine or a deli platter at No 2 Pound Street, or enjoy a hot chocolate while shopping for gifts at Rumsey’s Chocolaterie. Afternoon tea at Lady Grey is just the thing after a brisk winter walk.

Town and countryside merge in Wendover; the picturesque cottages on the High Street are just a stone’s throw from woodlands and panoramic views. In fact, the Chiltern Hills reach their highest point (267 metres) just outside town at Haddington Hill in Wendover Woods.

Managed by Forestry England, Wendover Woodsis the perfect playground for adventure and activity. Perched on the edge of the Chilterns escarpment, this huge site provides year-round interest with rich and varied habitats. Enjoy its numerous trails for walking and cycling, the fitness trail, adventure playground, orienteering, the café, picnics and barbeques, plus seasonal highlights of bluebells and autumn colour. Trails include: a 2.8-mile Firecrest Trail that takes you through the habitat of the firecrest, Europe’s smallest bird; a Family Cycle Trail that is well surfaced; and an Easy Access Trail.

Still in Wendover Woods, Aston Hill Bike Park is one of the South East’s premier mountainbiking areas. Its 4-mile XC loop, 5 downhill trails and 4X track offer something to challenge all ages and abilities. You can also take courses here to get you up to speed!

If you’re looking for something different, there’s also a Go Ape! at Wendover Woods. This fantastic Treetop Challenge allows you to swing through the trees like Tarzan! Enjoy spectacular views of the Chilterns from high up in the trees. With a smattering of high wires, crossings and wind-in-your-face zip wires, this is an adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again!

Coombe Hill and Low Scrubs walk can be reached on foot from Wendover centre, rewarding the climber with panoramic views over the Vale of Aylesbury. When you reach the top, look out for the Prime Ministerial country retreat at Chequers. The house was gifted to the nation just after the First World War to enable Prime Ministers to entertain dignitaries.

Our Views of the Vale Walks take in both Coombe Hill and Wendover Woods. Starting from the town centre, they travel through ancient beech woods and carpets of wildflowers. The 3½-mile circular Coombe Hill Walk involves a long, steady climb up to the monument at the top, which remembers the Buckinghamshire men who fell in the Boer War. The 7-mile circular Walk to Wendover Woods follows part of the Ridgeway National Trail.

For something a little more sedate, try a stroll along the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the town. Opened in 1799, the canal originally linked the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne, Hertfordshire, to the town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire. Yet, it has been unnavigable since 1897 and is currently being restored.

For cyclists, Wendover Cycle Loopis a 14-mile circular ride, starting and finishing in Wendover. The route goes through rolling, wooded countryside, passing several traditional pubs along the way.