Step back in time

Tucked away down a winding country road, this charming Tudor manor house was visited by both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Once part of the Duke of Bedford’s estate, it was restored in the 1950s by the MacLeod Matthews family. Features include award-winning gardens, a tea room, a medieval wall and even a dungeon!

Splendid National Trust gardens and riverside walks can be found at Cliveden, in the grounds of a mansion that was once home to Nancy Astor, Britain’s first female MP. There is an impressive maze with 500 metres of paths, and seasonal trails and events to enjoy.

This intimate and picturesque 16th-century mansion lies on a site with 900 years of history to reveal. First mentioned in the Domesday Book, tranquil walled gardens and medieval ruins (such as a Tudor donkey wheel used to draw water for the house) can be found around its grounds.

The country home of Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, offers a vivid and entertaining insight into his personal and political life. The formal garden has been recreated and there’s an interesting Second World War room in the cellars. The four-mile Hughenden Boundary Walk explores the surrounding estate, visiting the Disraeli monument and the church where ‘Dizzy’ is buried.

The Stonor family have resided at Stonor Park for more than 850 years, making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. The sweeping grounds are breathtaking and the site of a perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle; the house is filled with fascinating art and artefacts; and for children, there is Tumblestone Hollow – an exceptional adventure playground.

Held just outside Aylesbury, the Chiltern Hills Vintage Vehicle Rally is a great day out for all, bringing together owners of classic vehicles from across the Chiltern countryside. There’s 1,000 vehicles on show and a variety of entertainments, such as children’s rides, dog shows, trade stands and hog roasts!

Part of the old Great Western line, the railway operates steam- and diesel-hauled services on a 7-mile round trip from Chinnor to Princes Risborough. Sit back and gaze at picturesque Chiltern views, or stop off to enjoy these lovely market towns.

Held in September, the festival celebrates the heritage of the Kop Hill Climb races held in the early 1900s, when thousands flocked to see drivers like Malcolm Campbell and Henry Segrave. Today, more than 400 historic vehicles run the hill, while many more are displayed among the family friendly activities and festival atmosphere.

Dating from the 11^th century, Berkhamsted Castle is a towering motte-and-bailey castle – an impressive reminder of a once-mighty Norman stronghold. Enjoy an atmospheric stroll around the place where William the Conqueror was formally offered the English crown following his defeat of the Saxons at the Battle of Hastings.

Soak up spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the Beacon, or scour the hillside for signs of the past, such as the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and numerous burial mounds. This windswept landscape is placed on the ancient Ridgeway National Trail, which has been used by travellers for more than 5,000 years.

Close to Princes Risborough, the oldest smock windmill in the country was rescued and restored by volunteer members of The Chiltern Society. Today, you can see its distinctive wooden machinery (dating from around 1650) and climb inside it using steps and ladders to explore all four floors.

Visit Chalfont St Giles and discover the home of poet and parliamentarian, John Milton, who took refuge from the London plague in the Chiltern Hills. It was here that he finished Paradise Lost. Still atmospheric, the cottage provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of this influential man.

Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve offers panoramic views over the Chilterns countryside. But it is most famed for what sits atop it – the chalk figure of the Whiteleaf Cross. The Cross has dominated the local landscape for several centuries. It was first officially noted in the 1700s, but its full history is unknown and the subject of much folklore.