Nestled at the very end of the Metropolitan Line, a substantial 26 miles from the heart of London, lies Chesham Underground station. As the farthest Tube stop from the capital, it promises a unique adventure, and a recent visit uncovered an unexpectedly heartwarming community that makes the lengthy trek utterly worthwhile.
The Long Haul to a Buckinghamshire Gem
The journey itself is an experience. Located in the commuter belt town of Chesham in Buckinghamshire, the trip took an hour and a half. With services departing only every half an hour, timing is crucial. I arrived just five minutes before a scheduled departure, only to find myself waiting on the platform for a further 25 minutes—a significant delay by London standards—pondering alternative routes to this seemingly remote destination.
Upon finally arriving and taking the brief two-minute walk to the high street, I was immediately struck by the vibrant scene. Despite local grumbles about an abundance of cafes, charity shops, and nail bars, the street was lined with a delightful array of independent retailers. From a traditional pharmacy and hardware shop to an optician, an antique store, and a music shop, the variety was impressive.
A Culinary Delight and Market Day Buzz
The bustling pedestrianised high street, which has served as a picturesque backdrop for productions like The Imitation Game and Black Mirror, led me to Gerry Martins, the local butcher. It was here I encountered the town's famous Chesham sausages, with staff revealing they sell thousands each week.
The butchers' reputation was cemented when a fellow customer, who specifically travels from another town to buy them, emphatically urged me to try a sausage roll. Her compelling endorsement was not misplaced; the sausage roll was incredible. A subsequent stop at Darvells bakery for a custard danish provided another sublime pastry experience.
My visit coincidentally fell on a market day, which occurs twice weekly. The market was a hive of activity with greengrocers, florists, and bakers. The greengrocer's stall had been virtually cleared out, a testament to its popularity with locals.
The True Heart of Chesham: Its People
While the shops and food were highlights, the true magic of Chesham lies in its people. Chatting with Jason, a fishmonger at Crystal Waters who has been trading there for 15 years, he affirmed that the people of Chesham are lovely. This sentiment echoed throughout my visit; everyone was remarkably chatty, kind, and welcoming.
This sense of a close-knit community was palpable. I witnessed locals greeting each other by name in the street, a refreshing sight that speaks volumes about the town's character. Venturing beyond the high street revealed streets of quaint, architecturally diverse old houses, each telling a story of generations past.
Although the surrounding Chess Valley and Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beckoned, my exploration was cut short by rain and a dying phone. The return journey to London was a gruelling two hours, including a 20-minute signal failure stop at Harrow, a stark reminder of the station's remote connection.
Despite the logistical challenges, Chesham was a lovely surprise. Its wonderful independent shops and pretty buildings create a quaint atmosphere. But it is the welcoming, warm, and conversational nature of its residents that would truly compel me to return.
For those considering a move, house prices in Chesham have an overall average of £499,539 over the last year, notably lower than London's overall average of £653,631. Flats in the area fetched an average of £246,279. Overall, sold prices were 4% down on the previous year and 1% down on the 2022 peak of £506,204.
