Things To Do
in Buckingham
Buckingham is a compact, historic market town in north Buckinghamshire, known for its attractive Market Hill, Georgian and medieval buildings, and a relaxed small‑town atmosphere. It hosts the University of Buckingham, adding a lively student presence alongside long‑established local life. The River Great Ouse and surrounding countryside make it a good base for riverside walks and exploring stately homes and woodlands nearby.
Markets, independent shops, and traditional pubs give visitors an authentic taste of rural English town life within easy reach of larger centres like Milton Keynes and Aylesbury.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and artisanal coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll around the town square, admiring the historical architecture and quaint shops. Visit the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum to learn about the town's fascinating history.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the picturesque Chandos Park, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowerbeds. Spend the afternoon wandering through the park's walking trails, or take part in outdoor sports available in the area. You could also explore local shops for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Dine at one of Buckingham's charming restaurants; try traditional British cuisine or savor international flavors. After dinner, relax with a leisurely walk through the park, where the evening lights create a magical atmosphere. End your day by enjoying a local theater performance or a movie at the nearby cinema.
After breakfast, set off to the stunning Stowe Landscape Gardens, which is just a short drive from Buckingham. Explore the meticulously designed gardens and discover the classical temples and statues that make this place a must-see. Take your time photographing the beautiful scenery.
Savor lunch at the café situated within the gardens, where you can enjoy light meals and refreshments with a view. Continue your exploration by walking the various trails and discovering the hidden gems of the gardens, such as the majestic lake and enchanting wooded areas. Make sure to visit the Gothic Temple for breathtaking views.
Return to Buckingham for dinner at a local gastropub, offering seasonal dishes made with fresh local ingredients. After your meal, enjoy a quiet evening at a nearby bar or pub, where you can chat with locals and unwind from your day's adventures. If you're up for it, seek out a trivia night or live music event.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $8-20 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, compact historic town with authentic market atmosphere
- Excellent access to peaceful countryside, gardens and riverside walks
- Friendly local pubs and cafés serving quality regional produce
- Close enough to larger towns (Milton Keynes, Aylesbury) for transport and amenities
- Limited late‑night entertainment and fewer dining options compared with cities
- Public transport can be sparse for reaching rural attractions—having a car is helpful
- Some businesses may have limited hours outside peak tourist season
- Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Buckingham
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Buckingham with historic facades, market stalls and colourful street life—great for morning and evening shots capturing local character.
A striking church with architectural detail and vantage points for views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Riverside walks offer peaceful water reflections, wildlife and charming boathouses—excellent for golden hour photography.
Nearby stately gardens, lakes and classical monuments provide dramatic landscape and architectural photography opportunities.
Historic streets, the Old Gaol museum and mellow stone buildings make for intimate urban shots with period atmosphere.
Food in Buckingham
Buckingham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British classic—roast meat with potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy; widely available at pubs and inns in town on Sundays.
Must-Try!
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by strong tea—easy to find in cafés and tea rooms around the Market Square.
Hearty meat or vegetable pies with mashed potato and gravy—typical comfort food served at local pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held in Market Hill on Wednesdays and Saturdays; stalls sell fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and occasional street-food vendors with sandwiches, cakes and regional specialties.
Seasonal food markets and weekend pop‑ups appear in town and at nearby estates—good opportunities to try local honey, charcuterie and artisanal breads.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People value orderly queues—wait your turn, especially at counters and bus stops.
A polite, reserved manner and saying please/thank you is expected in shops, pubs and public interactions.
In residential areas and village lanes keep noise low, especially at night—locals appreciate a considerate attitude.
Be on time for tours, events and restaurant bookings; punctuality is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Buckingham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service—typically 10–15% in sit‑down restaurants if service isn’t included; at pubs and cafés tipping is optional (rounding up or leaving change is common). For taxis, round up or add 10% for good service; hotel porters and cleaners may expect a small tip.
Contactless cards and chip‑and‑PIN are widely accepted; mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common. Cash (GBP) is still useful for small market stalls and some rural businesses—ATMs are available in town for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside—ideal for walking, gardens like Stowe are particularly attractive with spring flowers; occasional showers mean a light waterproof is handy.
Warmer, pleasant weather with long daylight hours—perfect for river activities, outdoor dining and events; expect busier weekends and occasional heatwaves in very warm years.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in woodlands and parks; quieter than summer, with good walking conditions and seasonal produce at markets.
Cold and often grey, with shorter days—fewer outdoor events but cosy pub evenings and potentially frosty landscape photography; snow can make some country lanes slippery.
Buckingham at Night
Hiking in Buckingham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long route following the River Great Ouse—pick local stretches for easy riverside walking, wildlife and flat, accessible paths.
Extensive paths through landscaped parkland, monuments and lakes—excellent for both short strolls and longer exploratory walks.
A mix of marked trails through mature woodland with varied terrain, great for families, mountain bikers and seasonal fungi or leaf‑colour photography.
Historic woodland areas with quieter footpaths, rich in wildlife and suited to peaceful country walks away from main roads.
Trails around the estate and parkland offering varied scenery—good for a half‑day hike combining open fields and woodland.
Airports
How to reach Buckingham by plane.
Approximately 25–40 miles south of Buckingham (depending on route); around 30–60 minutes by car. Offers a wide range of domestic and European flights and good road links to the town.
About 40–60 minutes by car in light traffic (longer at peak times); major international airport with numerous global connections and several ground transport options.
Around 1–1.5 hours by car north‑west of Buckingham; useful for domestic and international flights and sometimes a convenient alternative depending on connections.
Both are options with longer travel times (typically 1.5–2+ hours by car or a combination of rail and bus).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly local families and older residents with deep community ties and involvement in civic life.
Students and staff associated with the University of Buckingham add a young and international element to the town.
Professionals who commute to larger employment centres such as Milton Keynes or Bicester contribute to a mixed‑age daytime population.
Residents of nearby villages and farming communities who use Buckingham as a service and shopping hub.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are popular, with weekend matches and community involvement.
Village and town cricket is a traditional weekend pastime in the summer months.
Watersports on the River Great Ouse attract recreational paddlers and occasional community rowing activities.
Rugby union has a presence in local clubs and regional competitions, especially among youth and adult amateur teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buckingham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available at cafés and many pubs—classic options include vegetable pies, salads, omelettes and vegetarian roasts on Sundays.
Vegan options are growing but fewer than in larger cities; cafés and bistros often offer at least one vegan main and plant‑milk for coffee—ask ahead if you have strict needs.
Many cafés can provide gluten‑free sandwiches, cakes and alternatives, but cross‑contamination is possible in traditional kitchens—communicate gluten allergy clearly and consider specialist bakeries in nearby larger towns when necessary.