Visiting the Aylesbury Vale

Hidden amongst the Chilterns and surrounding Aylesbury Vale countryside are an array of National Trust places with unique quirks for you to escape the hustle and bustle of the towns. From a grand eighteenth-century house at Claydon to the rural Boarstall Duck Decoy, the monumental gardens at Stowe to the years of justice served at Long Crendon Courthouse and a treasure trove of books to discover at Buckingham Chantry Chapel.

A golden palace stretches across the horizon with a view of a lawn and lake
Stowe   Buckinghamshire

The gardens at Stowe

Discover the stories behind the paths of vice, virtue and liberty that run throughout the gardens, and the individual beauty and significance of each area. Ask us about where to enjoy the best views, walks and picnic spots.

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A black and white archive image of Chantry Chapel, Buckingham
Buckingham Chantry Chapel   Buckinghamshire

The Chantry Chapel, Buckingham

This fifteenth-century chapel was restored by Gilbert Scott in 1875 and is now open to the public as as a second-hand bookshop. As the oldest building in Buckingham, when we decided to make some internal alterations, we needed to carry out a detailed archaeological survey first.

Uncover the Chantry's history
Florence Nightingale and Sir Harry Verney in 1880 in the grounds of Claydon, Buckinghamshire
Claydon   Buckinghamshire

Explore Claydon House

Home to the Verney family for 400 years, Claydon has many tales to tell. Visit in 2020 as we celebrate two special anniversaries.

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Purple and blue bell shaped bluebells far and wide in the woodland at Boarstall Duck Deocy
Boarstall Duck Decoy   Buckinghamshire

Things to see and do at Boarstall Duck Decoy

Enjoy exploring the woodland and learn about rural life in times past. From building dens to strolling the undercover of ancient trees to spotting the resident wildlife, you'll find lots to see and do on a visit to Boarstall Duck Decoy.

Plan your visit to Boarstall Duck Decoy
Exterior of Long Crendon Courthouse, Buckinghamshire
Long Crendon Courthouse   Buckinghamshire

History of Long Crendon Courthouse

Explore the history and stories of this 400 year old courthouse and learn about its different uses over the years.

Explore Long Crendon Courthouse
Boarstall Tower
Boarstall Tower   Buckinghamshire

Boarstall Tower

Explore the garden and soak up years of history as our knowledgeable guides show you inside the Tower. Don't miss this little gem, open on the last Sunday of each month from April until October, 11am-5pm.

Take me back in time
Coombe Hill in Buckinghamshire
Walking trail

The King's Head, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 

Set in the heart of this historic market town, the 15th-century King's Head is one of England's best preserved coaching inns. Dating back to 1455, the building has many fascinating architectural features, including rare stained-glass windows, exposed wattle and daub and the original stabling for the inn. Take a walk in the nearby Chilterns countryside, and afterwards visit the pub for a refreshing drink.

Walking in the Chilterns