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 circular domed temple, has a collonade of surrounding pillars under a portico. You can see a flight of steps leading up to an open chamber. this is the Temple of Ancient Virtue at Stowe in Buckinghamshire.
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
Visitors reading in the Library
Claydon   Buckinghamshire

Explore Claydon House

Marvel at the architecture and discover beautiful wood carvings, a decorative staircase and a Chinese pagoda.

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Children bird watching
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

Open for the first time in three years, 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 May until September, 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