When it comes to escaping the notorious hustle of London life, nothing beats a well-earned day out to the English countryside. Luckily for us Londoners, there are plenty of fabulous country villages dotted around the city, and West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire is an undisputed favourite thanks to its undeniable charm and unique relationship with the National Trust.
Stroll through a perfectly preserved village and its surrounding countryside, where every brick, tree, and building has a story to tell; where time seems to be frozen, offering a captivating mix of history and beauty, both natural and man-made.
Why is West Wycombe owned by the National Trust?
West Wycombe is a rare gem, one that has been under the care of the National Trust since the 1940s. The centrepiece of the village is its grandiose Palladian mansion house, decked out with the most theatrical and Italianate ornamental features both in at the house and in its gardens.
The Dashwood Family are the most notable residents of the house, playing a key role in preserving the village’s historic architecture, quaint cottages, and the magnificent West Wycombe Park. However, the history of the area stretches back even further!
Their earliest records state that the manor of West Wycombe belonged to the Bishops of Winchester, going back to 1086. It lived many lives and wouldn’t belong to the Dashwoods until the late seventeenth century, when the manor would get rebuilt to the building we know and love today.
The Dashwoods are most famously recognised by Francis Dashwood’s notorious Hellfire Club, an exclusive club for high society that would meet in the nearby caves (which you can still visit, but are not owned by the National Trust).
Things to do in West Wycombe
West Wycombe offers the perfect day out for history buffs, nature vultures, and anyone seeking something a little out of the ordinary.
West Wycombe Park is open for a limited time every year from spring until autumn. In anticipation of this long-awaited reopening, here are some fantastic things to do in the area we think you should prioritise:
- West Wycombe Park: Home to the previously mentioned Dashwood mansion, this park and estate boast immaculate landscaped gardens, classical status, and serene lakes. It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing walk and soak up the grandeur of 18th-century England.
- West Wycombe House: Open for a limited time throughout the year, the West Wycombe House is a must-visit for history and art lovers alike. With its striking architecture, decorated in an eclectic mix of Baroque, Rococo and classical styles, you could spend a good couple of hours exploring the house and its storied halls.
- Hellfire Caves: Explore the underground meeting place of the Hellfire Club, located a short walk away from the village at the foot of West Wycombe Hill. Venture into the caves and tunnels to discover a world of intrigue, legends, and perhaps a ghost story (or two).
- St. Lawrence’s Church and the Golden Ball: Perched on top of West Wycombe Hill, this glorious church is worth visiting with its instantly recognisable golden ball on top of the tower, and it’s conveniently located close-by to the other church, St. Paul’s (and no hill is required for the latter).
- West Wycombe Village: The village itself is a delight to wander through, with its cobbled streets, Georgian facades, and traditional pubs (but more on that next)
- West Wycombe’s pubs: Enjoy a couple of pints in the village pubs, including The Swan Inn and The George and Dragon, both of which date back to around 1720.
Getting there from London
Reaching West Wycombe from London is super straightforward. You can catch a direct train from London Marylebone to High Wycombe, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, it’s a quick 10-15 minute bus or taxi ride to the village. Heck, you can even hike for an hour if you fancy a little challenge. If you prefer to drive, it’s about an hour’s journey via the M40.
For more information on West Wycombe, click here to visit the village’s official website or click here to visit the National Trust Website.