Did you know Buckinghamshire is blessed with more National Trust properties than any other county in England? It truly is the perfect destination to for exploring stunning countryside, historic towns and quality attractions.
1. Bletchley Park
You may know a little about Bletchley Park already without even realising. During World War Two this was the top-secret home of the Codebreakers and a place of exceptional historical importance. Set on beautiful grounds you'll have plenty to do during your visit with hands-on displays as well as an introductory exhibition and an interactive multimedia guide which the kids will enjoy too. Immerse yourself in all that Bletchley Park has to offer and take a step back in time. You'll find a cafe, coffee shop, snack kiosk & tea room on site so you can really make a day of your visit.
Price:
Standard admission tickets are valid for unlimited free returns for a year from the day of your first visit.
Adults £17.75, Concessions (Over 60's & Students with valid ID) £15.75, Children (12-17) £10.50, Children (Under 12) Free, Family Ticket £46.25
Opening Times:
Summer opening (1 March – 31 October) 9.30am - 5pm
Winter opening (1 November – 28 February) 9.30am - 4pm
Address:
The Mansion
Bletchley Park
Sherwood Drive
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK3 6EB
Contact:
01908 640404
enquiries@bletchleypark.org.uk
2. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Located in Aylesbury, this 25-acre working steam museum is just amazing. It has one of the UK’s largest collections of locomotives, rolling stock and railway memorabilia. Why not take a tour of the exhibition hall and see gloriously restored exhibits with tracks displaying priceless vehicles awaiting restoration. Or take a peep into the Royal Dining Coach dated back to 1901, used by Winston Churchill & Dwight D Eisenhower for secret war strategy planning meetings! There's so much to see and do you'll want to stay all day...Luckily there's a cafe on site to keep you fuelled. There are special events year-round so do check the calendar before you go and kids will absolutely love the 'Day out with Thomas' if you can make it (Usually on a Saturday & Sunday).
Prices:
There are various prices depending on the type of experience you would like. Check here for full details and of course against the calendar.
Opening Times:
Monday - Friday 10.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday - Sunday 10.30am - 5pm
Address:
Station Road
Quainton
Aylesbury
Bucks
HP22 4BY
Contact:
01296 655720
office@bucksrailcentre.org
3. Waddesdon Manor
Built between 1874 & 1885 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of art and entertain the fashionable world - this Manor is an absolute must when visiting Buckinghamshire. You will delight in exquisite architecture, art galleries & collections during your visit to the Manor which is located in Aylesbury. From the outside alone, it is almost impossible not to marvel at the breathtaking design..Where else in the UK can you find a French Renaissance château?! Make sure you check the 'Whats On' section before you visit for events, as the Manor and surrounding grounds play host to many during throughout the year.
Price:
You can either pre-book or buy tickets on arrival. Do check opening times & dates prior to doing so. Check online for prices as they vary depending on days & preferences.
Opening Times:
Check online for times as they vary by month & location of the grounds.
Address:
Waddesdon
Aylesbury
HP18 0JH
Contact:
Various email & telephone numbers can be found HERE
4. Hughenden
Hughenden Manor holds a rich history. Not only was it once the home of Benjamin Disraeli, of whom was known to be Queen Victoria's favourite prime minister. It was also the base for a secret map-making organisation during the Second World War. There are plenty of daily talks & tours to allow you explore both of the stories as you roam the historic building. Follow in the footsteps of the Disraeli's and take a stroll in the gorgeous grounds around the Manor and immerse yourself in the stunning gardens and countryside.
Prices:
There is an option to add additional payment with Gift Aid should you wish.
(Whole Property) Adult £10.90, Child £5.45, Family £27.25
(Gardens Only) Adult £4.50, Child £2.65, Family £11.65
Opening Times:
Check the calendar before you visit for opening times as they do vary.
Address:
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP14 4LA
Contact:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden
5. Chiltern Open Air Museum
In 1976, Chiltern Open Air Museum was founded with the aim to rescue threatened buildings. The number of historic buildings that have been saved and restored now sit at over thirty with more in store. The Museum's collection focuses on vernacular buildings in particular, with their overall aim being to tell the story of the unique history of the Chilterns through buildings, landscapes and culture for the enjoyment, inspiration and learning of present and future communities. The Museum is also home to a historic working farm, here you will find farm animals as well as three Heavy Horses who you can visit, day dependent. Check the 'What's On' section before you visit for any Events & Experience days.
Prices & Opening Times:
These really do vary depending on when you are looking to visit. I would suggest taking a look at this 'Plan Your Visit' page for full details. If you are visiting during term time you will find admission prices a little cheaper.
Address:
Newland Park
Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Giles
Buckinghamshire
HP8 4AB
Contact:
01494 871117
enquiries@coam.org.uk
Things to do with the kids
1. Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre
You might not know it but Roald Dahl moved to Great Missenden from Manhattan in 1954 and for 36 years, this is where he wrote all of his famous children's books. To be exact, in a specially built writing hut in his back garden, the inside of which you can now view in the Museum! Located on Great Missenden High Street, you will find three hands-on galleries as well as free drop-in crafts available on a daily basis. A visit wouldn't be complete without a little storytelling of course and why not see if you can book your little ones into a Roald Dahl workshop, some of which do incur a small charge. Even if you aren't visiting with children, it may be worth a walk by just to see such an iconic Museum.
Prices:
Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance either online or call 01494892192.
Adults £6.60, Children (5-18) £4.40, Children (Under 5) Free, Concessions (Over 60 & Students, those with a disability) £4.40, Family ticket £21.00
Opening Times:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
Open on certain Mondays during the year, please see HERE
Address:
81 to 83 High Street
Great Missenden
Buckinghamshire
HP16 0AL
Contact:
01494 892192
http://www.roalddahl.com/museum
2. Go Ape Wendover
If you're feeling adventurous why not unleash your inner ape in Wendover! This is also the only Go Ape location in the UK which exclusively offers an 'Extreme route' which is great for the older kids and parents alike so everyone can really enjoy the day out. Between the scrambling nets, climbing walls, goat crossings & Tarzan swings...You'll be in for a day of adventure, that's for sure! There are a few restrictions with regards to the minimum age (10) and a minimum height of (1.4m) so be sure to make sure everyone meets these before your visit.
Prices & Opening Times:
Book online / Opening times vary year-round so be sure to check on the website too.
Address:
Wendover Woodland Park
St Leonards Road
Upper Icknield Way
Aston Clinton
HP22 5NF
Contact:
https://goape.co.uk/days-out/wendover
3. Bekonscot Model Village & Railway
Since opening in 1929, Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is now the world's oldest & original model village. Very much an enjoyable day for the whole family - you'll take a step back in time to the 1930's and become immersed in how England used to be. There's so much to see and don't forget to hop on the Bekonscot Light Railway which runs every day! With a Tea Room on site as well as a play area, there's plenty to keep everyone occupied and having a day of fun!
Prices:
Adult £10, Children £6.00, Under 2's Free, Concessions £8, Carers £4. Various family tickets also available
Opening Times:
Open only on weekends - Check online for any closures.
Address:
Warwick Rd
Beaconsfield
HP9 2PL
Contact:
01494 672919
info@bekonscot.co.uk
4. Gullivers Land
Designed for families with children aged between 2 & 13, there are so many exciting rides which will ensure that everyone has a fun-filled day out! If you're taking under 5's, there's also a number of rides just for them too. Aside from rides, there are also plenty of Attractions & Experiences for the children to enjoy. There are several kid-friendly places to eat within the theme park so you will have plenty of choices. Another great feature of Gullivers Land is the family-friendly amenities available including baby change rooms, warming facilities and feeding rooms.
Prices:
(Online, 2 days in advance) Adult £16.95, Child £16.95, Senior £15.95, Concession £14.95, Under 90cm Free
(On the gate) Adult £19.95, Child £19.95, Senior £18.95, Concession £14.95, Under 90cm Free
Opening Times:
See calendar for times.
Address:
Gullivers Land
Livingstone Drive
Newlands
Milton Keynes
MK15 0DT
Contact:
Urgent enquiries 01925444888
For any questions, you might have it's best to give Gulliver's Land an email using their online contact form
https://www.gulliversfun.co.uk/
5. Woburn Safari Park
Embrace your wild side at Woburn Safari Park! Depending on what you would like to see, you can book onto a Road or Walking Safari. You'll venture through Savannah Grasslands, African Forests, Land of the Lemurs, Desert Springs and many, many more exciting locations..all whilst staying in England! The Park boasts over 1000 animals so this is a real treat for all.
Prices & Opening Times:
Vary year round - see calendar.
Address:
Woburn Safari Park
Milton Keynes
Bedfordshire
MK17 9QN
Contact:
01525 290407