The Chilterns

Chiltern Escarpment

There's 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...

Coombe Hill in early August

Coombe Hill 

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

Couple on Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire, looking west, in September.

Watlington Hill 

Discover fine views and fine 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

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  • The parterre and south front of the house at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire

    Hughenden 

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

  • The Temple of Music at West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire

    West Wycombe Park, Village and Hill 

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

  • The pagoda in the Water Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire surrounded by autumn colour

    Cliveden 

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

  • The rotating writing shed at Shaw’s Corner

    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 Ashridge Estate Herts

    Pitstone Windmill 

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

  • Parterre at Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire

    Waddesdon Manor 

    Magnificent house and grounds in the style of a 16th-century French château.

  • A sundial of box hedge topiary in the gardens at Ascott

    Ascott 

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