The Chilterns

Chiltern Escarpment

There are rolling hills, woodland walks and grand houses tucked away in the Chilterns - a perfect patch of countryside on London's doorstep.

Places to visit

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Our countryside sites...

Autumn at Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill 

Enjoy an easy walk to the monument (not NT) for incredible views across the Aylesbury Vale from the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns. Wander back past chalk grassland alive with wildlife to the picnic area where you can explore the natural play trail.

Watlington Hill in late autumn

Watlington Hill 

Discover fine views and wildlife as you walk to the top of Watlington Hill. The hill has a long, triangular shaped chalk white mark and is a SSSI. It's an especially good place for watching red kites.

Dunstable Downs to Ivinghoe Beacon on a clear summer's day

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate 

Soar above a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations. Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. These Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated for the quality of their chalk grasslands. As well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer you.

Ashridge Estate in autumn

Ashridge Estate 

Ashridge Estate boasts ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows.

Trees with orange and yellow leave on

Sharpenhoe 

Ancient woodland and chalk escarpment with fantastic views

a view from within the Tree Cathedral

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral 

This Tree Cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'.

A woodland path at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire

Downloadble walks to try in the Chilterns 

Take in some rolling hills and grand views on one of our downloadable walking trails in the Chilterns

Find a Chilterns trail

Other places to visit in the Chilterns

The parterre and south front of the house at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
The Temple of Music at West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire
The pagoda in the Water Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire surrounded by autumn colour
The rotating writing shed at Shaw’s Corner
Pitstone Windmill at Ashridge, Bucks
Spring has come to the gardens at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Wisteria in bloom at Ascott

Hughenden 

Country home of the Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden offers a vivid insight into the life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister.

West Wycombe Park, Village and Hill 

The elegant Palladian home of the Dashwood family, historic village and countryside.

Cliveden 

Find out more about the gardens and countryside at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire 

Shaw's Corner was the beloved home of George Bernard Shaw for 44 years. He left it to the Trust on his death, and we've taken care of it ever since. Shaw was a towering figure of the 20th century, renowned for his wit and imagination and the enduring characters of his plays. The house is much as Shaw left it, with a fascinating collection of personal effects. You can also visit his famous writing hut, which is tucked away at the bottom of the garden.

Pitstone Windmill 

A rare and striking example of an early form of post mill

Waddesdon 

A Rothschild House and Gardens

Ascott 

Half-timbered house originating from 1606, transformed by the Rothschilds in the late 19th century, containing superb collections.