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The Chilterns

Walking, Chilterns
ACTION & ADVENTURE
The Chilterns begin just north-west of London in the Thames Valley and roll a swathe of green across parts of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1985, this compelling countryside is home to birds such as the red kite and is peppered with prehistoric sites. One of the brilliant things about the Chilterns is its accessibility. Duck off the M4 for the southern Chilterns, the M40 for its heart, or the M1 for the northerly reaches. A great many walks begin and end at rail stations, too. For instance, a 4.5-mile circular route from Great Missenden, Bucks, takes you through woodland and pasture, with rather special views over Misbourne valley along the way.
Further information The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (www.chilternsaonb.org).
Getting there
By rail: Great Missenden is served by Chiltern Railways (08456 005 165/www.chilternrailways.co.uk) from Marylebone. Use National Rail (08547 48 49 50/www.nationalrail.co.uk) for planning other rail travel in the Chilterns.
By road: Exit M25 at J16, take M40, A355, A413, then A4128 to Great Missenden. Use ViaMichelin (www.viamichelin.com) for planning other road travel in the Chilterns. Feature continues

Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Buckinghamshire
FAMILY
Roald Dahl has captured the imaginations of generations of children and grown-ups with his fantastic characters and stories. His world of Oompah-Loompas, frobscottle and minpins is brought to life at this museum, which was established in 2001 with the aim of telling the story of Dahl’s life, preserving his archive and inciting a love of creative writing in everyone. Arranged around a courtyard, the museum is inspiring for all ages, but particularly for kids as there are an impressive amount of hands-on activities and exhibits. Younger visitors receive an ‘ideas book’ upon entry to write and add stickers to record their visit. Grown-ups will enjoy the displays of original documents, a replica of Dahl’s writing hut (in which he produced almost all his work), and top tips from today’s leading authors. The museum is popular, particularly in the school holidays, so you will need to book to avoid disappointment.
Further information Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, 81-83 High St, Great Missenden, Bucks (01494 892 192/
www.roalddahlmuseum.org). Open Tue-Sun and bank holidays 10am-4.30pm, closed Mondays. Adults £4.95, children (five-18) £3.50, under-fives free.
Getting there
By rail: Great Missenden is served by Chiltern Railways (08456 005 165/www.chilternrailways.co.uk) from Marylebone.
By road: Exit M25 at J16, take M40, A355, A413, then A4128 to Great Missenden.

Broughton Castle, Oxfordshire
HERITAGE
Home to the Saye and Sele families for more than 600 years, Broughton Castle is a noble pile constructed between 1300 and1500 and is surrounded by a three-acre moat. The castle and its grounds were the setting of the film ‘The Madness of King George’ and parts of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and have been immaculately kept by the owners. The Great Hall’s original medieval features have been added to with an elaborate eighteenth-century pendant ceiling. Elsewhere, the King’s Chamber, used by James I and Edward VII, has a stucco chimneypiece with a central panel depicting dancing wood spirits and an overmantle inscribed with extracts from Ovid. Outside, the spectacular gardens are the stuff of fairytale.
Further information Broughton Castle, Banbury, Oxon (01295 276 070/www.broughtoncastle.com). Open Wed, Sun, bank holiday Mon 2-5pm, additionally Thurs in July & Aug. £6.50, children (five-15) £2.50, under-fives free.
Getting there
By rail: Banbury is served by Chiltern Railways (08456 005 165/www.chilternrailways.co.uk) from Marylebone. A taxi to the castle costs about £5. By road: Exit M25 at J16, take M40 to Banbruy, then B4035 to the castle.

Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
HERITAGE
Excavated by hand in the 1750s and restored in the 1950s, the West Wycombe caves consist of almost a mile of winding underground passages and echoey caverns which acted as the meeting place for the infamous Hellfire Club. Run by Sir Francis Dashwood, this exclusive group of influential figures met irregularly and in secret between 1746-1763 and held great feasts in the huge banqueting hall (which is still avaliable for party hire) some 100 feet underground. The interconnecting and effectively lit caverns are overwhelmingly large, and the guided tour transports you back to a bygone era, steeped in history, intrigue and scandal.
Further information West Wycombe Caves Ltd, High Wycombe, Bucks (01494 533 739/www.hellfirecaves.co.uk). Open daily 11am-5.30pm, last admission 5pm. Adults £5, children & senioirs £4, family £15.
Getting there
By rail: High Wycombe (1 mile from caves) is served by Chiltern railways (0845 600 5165/www.chilternrailways.co.uk) from Marylebone.
By road: Exit M40 at J4. Follow signs towards Aylesbury, A4010 West Wycombe.

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