When it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of London life, nothing beats a well-earned excursion 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 throughout the house and 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 (which is closed until April 2025). 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 its glorious glow-up that continues to be preserved to this day.
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. There are so many fantastic things to do in the area so here are some we think you should prioritise:
- West Wycombe Park (closed until April 2025): 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.
- 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 directly opposite West Wycombe’s other church St. Paul’s.
- 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 or some hearty scran at 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.