Forget long, winding car journeys for your next rural retreat. A picturesque village in Buckinghamshire offers the quintessential English countryside experience, complete with historic charm and superb transport links right to its doorstep.
A Seamless Journey from City to Countryside
The village of Burnham in Buckinghamshire provides everything you could want from a country escape. Its greatest asset is arguably its connectivity. The village boasts its own train and London Underground station, serviced by the Elizabeth Line. This direct tube link makes it an ideal destination for Londoners seeking a weekend away without a lengthy trek.
Upon arriving at Burnham station, the heart of the village is just a 20-minute stroll or a swift five-minute taxi ride away, meaning a car is entirely optional. The village centre, once a market town, retains its historic character with meandering streets and an attractive, narrow High Street.
Exploring Burnham's Charms: From Pubs to Ancient Woodland
Burnham's elongated High Street is brimming with independent shops, traditional pubs, and locally-run restaurants, alongside a few familiar chain stores. For a classic country house stay, consider the Burnham Beeches Hotel. This grand Georgian manor, set within manicured gardens, operates as a cosy four-star hotel.
Its popular Oak Character Rooms feature vintage-style decor with four-poster beds and bathtubs, plus modern amenities like Nespresso machines. Guests can hire bikes from the hotel to explore the surrounding area, with a cycle to the Burnham Beeches Nature Reserve highly recommended. This sprawling ancient woodland offers year-round beauty and trails where you might spot deer, badgers, and ponies.
After a day of exploration, a cosy pub awaits. The Blackwood Arms is a local favourite, often with bikes parked outside. It offers a rustic dark wood interior, a menu of classic British dishes, and a charming garden with stunning views. The pub is dog-friendly, even featuring a treat vending machine for four-legged visitors.
Golf, Gardens and Festive Lights
For other activities, the historic Burnham Beeches Golf Club on the village outskirts provides a challenging course with beautiful countryside vistas. Culture and nature lovers should visit the National Trust's Cliveden Gardens and Maze, home to 80 acres of spectacular Grade I listed formal gardens.
As Christmas approaches, these gardens are transformed with enchanting twinkling light trails, creating a magical festive atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a pint in a rustic pub, a romantic hotel stay, or a bracing walk through ancient woods, Burnham delivers a complete countryside experience remarkably close to the capital.
