Things To Do
in Amersham

Amersham is a historic market town in Buckinghamshire at the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills. Its narrow, timber-framed High Street and Market Place give the Old Town a timeless charm. The town serves as a tranquil base for exploring rolling countryside, woodland trails, and nearby cultural attractions just a short train ride from London.

Visitors can enjoy heritage, charming pubs, and family-friendly stops while soaking up quintessential English village life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Amersham's Historic High Street
morning
:

Start your journey by wandering along Amersham's quaint High Street, lined with charming 16th-century buildings. As you stroll, make sure to visit the local shops and cafes to experience the town's unique flavor. Don't forget to stop by the Amersham Museum to learn about the area's rich history.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local eatery, take a leisurely walk to the Amersham Church, a beautiful structure dating back to the 12th century. Spend some time exploring the peaceful church grounds and local gardens. You can also pop into the nearby shops for some souvenirs.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Amersham's cozy restaurants, known for their traditional British cuisine. Post-dinner, grab a pint at a local pub to mingle with residents and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. If feeling adventurous, check out a live music event or show at a nearby venue.

day 2
Visit the Historic Chesham Bois
morning
:

Start your day with a hike in Chesham Bois, where you'll encounter stunning countryside views and fresh air. The woods are perfect for a morning stroll, allowing you to connect with nature. Bring along a packed breakfast to enjoy while basking in the beauty of the area.

afternoon
:

Following your morning trek, visit the local art galleries featuring works from talented artists in the region. Lunch at a quaint café nearby will give you a taste of local delicacies. Afterward, explore the scenic gardens and parks, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, treat yourself to dinner at a fine dining restaurant that showcases seasonal ingredients. The evening can be spent at a local theater, enjoying a play or live performance while immersing yourself in British culture. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk back through the streets of Chesham Bois.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/tea$3-5
🚆Public transport fare (one-way)$4-7
🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night)$120-180
🧁Cupcake or pastry$3-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Historic charm and easy access to countryside
  • Family-friendly with low-key nightlife
  • Short rail ride to London and other Chiltern towns
  • Limited late-night nightlife
  • Rural transport can be infrequent
  • Crowds on market days due to proximity to London

Places to Visit in Amersham

Visit one of these nice places.

Amersham Old Town Market Square

The timber-framed façades and the Market Place provide classic English townscape shots, especially at dawn or dusk.

St Mary's Church, Amersham

Iconic spire and stonework make a striking subject against the blue sky or mist over the Chilterns.

Shardeloes Lake and Park

A tranquil lake setting with reflections and parkland vistas, ideal for landscape and nature photography.

Chiltern Hills viewpoints near Amersham

Rolling chalk hills and woodlands offer sweeping valley views—perfect for panoramic shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Amersham

Local food in Amersham centers on seasonal produce from the Chilterns, traditional pub fare, and a growing scene of independent cafes and farmers’ markets. Expect hearty dishes built on quality ingredients like beef, game, cheese, and fresh vegetables, often paired with local ales or cider.

Amersham Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Buckinghamshire Beef and Ale Pie

Slow-cooked beef in a rich ale gravy with a flaky pastry, a pub staple across Amersham’s inns.

Must-Try!

Roast with Seasonal Greens

A classic Sunday roast featuring locally sourced meat and seasonal vegetables.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Dense sponge cake with a rich toffee sauce, a favorite dessert in local eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Amersham Market

Weekly market in Market Place offering local produce, baked goods, and hot snacks.

Chilterns Farmers’ Market

Nearby markets with cheeses, honey, breads, and homemade treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Amersham experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, so layers and a light waterproof are handy. Snow is possible in winter, though heavy snow is not common. Spring and autumn bring pleasant conditions and beautiful light for photography.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

British etiquette favors orderly queues; wait your turn and avoid jumping lines.

Greetings

A simple hello or good morning; punctuality and politeness are valued.

Respect for private spaces

Be mindful of garden gates and private properties near pubs or farms.

Safety Guide

Safety

Amersham is generally safe for visitors. Take standard countryside caution on hills and in dimly lit streets at night. Be mindful of traffic on narrow lanes and watch for cyclists on popular routes.

Tipping in Amersham

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 10-15% for table service is common where service isn’t included.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted; contactless and mobile wallets are common; some small venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with warm, mild weather; expect occasional showers; flowers in full bloom and plenty of outdoor events in gardens and pubs.

Autumn

Golden hedgerows and russet leaves; harvest markets and cosy pubs become focal points; cooler evenings require extra layer.

Winter

Cold, crisp air with possible frost; festive lights in the Old Town and fewer crowds; indoor attractions become appealing.

Spring

Blossoms and fresh greens, longer daylight; ideal for walks along the Misbourne and through woodland trails.

Nightlife Guide

Amersham at Night

Amersham’s nightlife is relaxed and village-friendly rather than a party scene. You’ll find traditional pubs with cosy fires, occasional live music, and wine bars or cafes with late openings, especially around Old Town. For a livelier evening, many locals take a short train ride to nearby towns or into London.

Hiking in Amersham

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Chiltern Hills circular from Amersham

Popular long-distance route with rolling woodlands and sweeping valley views.

Misbourne Valley Walk

Scenic riverside trail following the Misbourne through rural lanes.

Ridgeway to Great Missenden

Section of the Ridgeway with chalk pastures and historic villages.

Airports

How to reach Amersham by plane.

London Heathrow Airport

Major international hub about 25-35 miles away with rail connections to London; drive or take rail to central London, then onward to Amersham.

London Luton Airport

Alternative international gateway about 25-40 miles away; accessible by train or bus via London.

London Gatwick Airport

Southeast of London about 50-60 miles away; connected by road or rail to London.

London City Airport

Farther away but accessible by rail to central London and onward to Amersham.

Getting Around

Walkability

Amersham is highly walkable in the Old Town with compact streets and good river and hill views; some areas require short climbs; beyond the town center, footpaths and trails are well-marked but can involve longer walks or hills.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families and commuters who work in London or nearby towns.

Retirees

A comfortable, peaceful town appeal to retirees seeking countryside living.

Young Professionals

Some younger residents due to easy London access and local amenities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular sport in local clubs and schools.

Cricket

Seasonal matches and practice on village greens and county grounds.

Rugby

Local clubs and social rugby events during autumn and winter.

Transportation

Traffic

Road traffic in and around Amersham can be light to moderate; main routes connect to the M40 and A404. Public transport is reliable but may have reduced frequencies on weekends; trains to London operate from Amersham and Chesham on the Metropolitan/Chiltern lines.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Amersham.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most pubs and cafes offer vegetarian options and meat-free mains; look for veggie pies, risottos, and seasonal salads; ask about egg and dairy use if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the NHS; residents can access local GP practices in Amersham and nearby towns, with hospitals in Wycombe or High Wycombe for A&E and acute care; pharmacies are widely available in town centers.

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