Watch out Cotswolds – there’s another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around, and this slice of English countryside is closer to the capital, with all the tranquillity, quaint villages and rural landscapes you’d hanker for in a weekend break. Market towns such as Amersham, Henley-on-Thames and foodies’ favourite Marlow are what make the Chilterns worth the trip.
The Chilterns’ untouched beauty means for a place to rest after a soul-nourishing hike or cycle, the towns and villages on its edges are the best bet. If you love a restored historical pub with chic rooms, you’ll be thrilled at the amount found here, but there are solid options for both higher and lower budgets, as well as some lovely country piles.
