Beat the winter blues in the Chilterns

Have a look at the vast range of options available at art centres, museums and studios around our region: 

1. Featuring local and international artists, Queens Park Art Centre has a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions and open days running throughout the day and evenings for all ages and abilities. From painting to pottery, needle felting to woodcarving – there’s something for everyone.  
2. Missenden School of Creative Arts runs weekend, weekday and summer school courses in art, craft, textiles and general interest. Held at Missenden Abbey, get creative in a beautiful Chilterns setting.  
3. Amersham Museum offers a variety of workshops and exhibitions often based around local and historical crafts. To view their current programme visit their website.
4. Wycombe Museum organises talks and workshops based on its collection of exhibits and local historians. Available on Tuesday 17th January? Look out for the evening drawing workshop with exclusive access to the museum’s collections. 
5. Bucks County Museum offers talks and group workshops alongside permanent and featured exhibitions.  
6. ‘Where Inspiration Blooms…’ has a wide variety of creative workshops from their studio in Holmer Green. You’ll discover lots of two hour and half day classes in art, pottery and textiles starting from £35. Try something new – lino printing is available in March. 
7. Art tutor Samantha Watkins has put together an amazing art experience: Sketching and Painting with the Travelling Artist. Join her for a relaxing four-hour drawing and painting experience, on a scenic walk around Goring and the surrounding hills of the beautiful Chilterns. Artist materials are provided so you can reflect and record memories in your traveller’s sketchbook whilst enjoying breath taking views.  
8. Matt Writtle is an award-winning photographer who has created a series of experiences based around Chesham, aimed at enhancing people’s wellbeing. Experience a unique view of the Chiltern Hills through the power of photography. Taster sessions start at £25 for an hour.  

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, try this creative writing workshop, Sour Cherry Soup, provided through our Chalk Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership project. This is a free evening event at the Wycombe Arts Centre on 18th January, exploring the sights and sounds of the Chilterns, including memories and stories about the past present and future. Everyone is welcome from 14 years upwards and no previous experience is necessary. 

Playwright Sara Clifford will transform the material into a one-woman show to be performed at various venues across the Chilterns next summer. 

There are dozens of clubs and organised activities right across the Chilterns catering for all tastes and abilities. Join one to get fit, make friends and share experiences.  

1. Chiltern Explorers is a walking social group on Meetup. They offer a wide range of guided walks across the Chilterns and further afield. Their walks often start at tube or railway stations, or free car parks. They are relaxed and enjoyable, often ending with a well-deserved pub break! 
2. The Chiltern Society organises a popular programme of walks and rides throughout the year, designed to improve both physical and mental health. Anyone is welcome to join in their half-day, day or special interest walks. Most walks are around 5 miles long and there are 2 or 3 walks on offer every week. 
3. Chiltern Young Walkers is a friendly and sociable walking group aimed at people in their 20s and 30s. Make friends, join hikes or socialise at their regular pub outings and events. 
4. The Ramblers website has lots of information on walking on its website and lists regular events. You can use the search function to find a walk, group or event near you. 
5. Park runs operate throughout the Chilterns AONB. They provide 5-km (and sometimes 3-km) outdoor courses in lovely settings that will lift your mood as you go. Run at your own pace and with friends and family. Visit the website to find one near you. 
6. The Ramblers also organises hundreds of free Health Walks each week across the Chilterns AONB. These volunteer-led walks have something for all abilities. They are sociable and fun, and you don’t need any special equipment to join in, just comfortable shoes. 

1. Feel the wind in your hair and take a friend on an unusual vehicle on a Chilterns Trike tour! 
2. Treat your kids to a family bushcraft day and learn new skills together.
   • Path Hill Adventures is based at the Hardwick Estate near Madpledurham. 
   • Backwoods offers outdoor cooking, axe throwing and art and nature workshops near Stokenchurch. 
   • Dave Willis Bushcraft offers wilderness living skills and woodland crafts for small groups near Chalfont St Giles.
3. Take a friend on a half day cycle or e-bike tour with lunch in the Chilterns. 
   • Broom Wagon cycle tours offer this near Henley. 
   • Wild cycles offers a range of wilder cycling adventures. 
4. Book a guided walk or hike with a friend. 
   • Walk Works offers guided walks in the Southern Chilterns & Reading area. 
   • Nature Kicks offers longer challenging hikes and camping adventures with experienced guide Shameer Shah. 
   • Pipsticks Walks offers navigation skills and literary walks.