CHILTERN COTTAGES
LINKS TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
In the Museum you will be introduced to Amersham's history in a collection of exhibits from fossil and archaeological finds to the town's more recent past. You will discover the stories of the "Amersham Martyrs" and the Medieval wall paintings, the coaching town and attendant wheelwrights, old local crafts of lace, strawplait work and chairmaking. There are personalities from the past, scenes of the annual fair, the story of a stately home (Shardeloes), the Brewery, fluctuations of the River Misbourne, local wildlife, reminders of wartime experiences... and much, much more. The Museum's archive includes a large number of photographs going back to Victorian times and many of these are now available for everyone to see on a new touch-screen computer system.
Milton's Cottage, Chalfont St Giles
This museum is set in the house that John
Milton lived in to escape the Great Plague of London. Full of historic books
and artefacts relating to this great writer and his time. A must for anyone interested in Literature
or Politics.
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Explore more than 30 rescued historic
buildings. Learn about the methods and materials used to build them. Experience
the heritage of the Chilterns. Roam through 45 acres of woods and parkland. See
nature at its best along our woodland walk. Take a look around Skippings Barn,
home to the Hawk and Owl Trust. Everyone can enjoy our hands-on activities.
Bekonscot Model Village
The Oldest Model Village in the World,
originally opening to the public in 1929. Time has stood still for over 70
years, portraying rural England as it was in the 1930s
West Wycombe Park
A perfectly preserved rococo landscape garden,
created in the mid-18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the
Dilettanti Society and the Hellfire Club. The house is among the most
theatrical and Italianate in England, its façades formed as classical temples.
The interior has Palmyrene ceilings and decoration, with pictures, furniture
and sculpture dating from the time of Sir Francis. West Wycombe Caves are also
nearby
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=267
Waddesdon Manor
Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, creator of
Waddesdon, loved France and French art. In 1874, with his French architect
Destailleur and his landscape gardener Lainé, he built this Renaissance style
château. Over 35 years Ferdinand lovingly assembled from all over Europe an
outstanding collection of paintings, furniture, carpets and curiosities to
please his weekend guests. Outside, his creation included a Victorian formal
garden, parkland, Rococo-style aviary, winding walks, colourful trees and
panoramic views.
Princes Risborough Manor
Princes Risborough Manor is an elegant,
L-shaped, red-brick 17th century house. Although only short distance from
Princes Risborough High Street, the manor house and garden, are set in a
peaceful and secluded location behind their little walled courtyard.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=381
Cliveden
This spectacular estate overlooking the River
Thames has a series of gardens, each with its own character, featuring topiary,
statuary, water gardens, a formal parterre, informal vistas, woodland and
riverside walks. The present house, the third on the site, was built by Charles
Barry for the Duke of Sutherland in 1851. Once the home of Nancy, Lady Astor,
it is now let as a hotel and is open only on certain days.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=259
Hughenden Manor
The home of Victorian prime minister and
statesman Benjamin Disraeli from 1848 until his death in 1881. Most of his
furniture, books and pictures remain in this, his private retreat from the
rigours of parliamentary life in London. There are beautiful walks through the
surrounding park and woodland, and the garden is a recreation of the colourful
design of his wife, Mary Anne.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=261
Pitstone Windmill
One of the oldest post-mills in Britain,
dating from 1627
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=264
Royal Insight
The Official Website to the Royal Family with
information on their residences and when you can visit them. Windsor Castle,
Buckingham Palace, The Queen's Gallery, The Royal Mews and Frogmore are local
to Old Amersham
www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page1.asp
Historic Royal Palaces
Website for The Tower Of London, Hampton Court
Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House & Kew Palace
www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/home.asp
Legoland Windsor
Ideal Theme Park for younger children (3 -
13), open from Easter until the autumn
http://www.lego.com/legolandnew/windsor/default.asp
Thorpe Park
Ideal Theme Park for older children (>10)
and adults
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
An extension to London Zoo, opened in 1931 to
allow studies on larger animals. A great attraction for all the family.