10 Best Things to Do in Buckinghamshire

Bridego Bridge may look like an ordinary bridge, but it was actually the site of one of the biggest robberies in the history of England, the Great Train Robbery. In 1963, a gang of men attacked the Royal Mail train on its way from Glasgow to London, getting away with £2.6 million before their eventual capture. Walking around the area with the knowledge of what happened there in 1963 adds an odd atmosphere to the experience. By the bridge, you'll find a plaque that commemorates the infamous heist.

The Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm & Eco Centre is home to a variety of wildlife and fascinating creatures that you can see in interactive encounters. Suitable for adults and kids alike, this educational centre puts you up close and personal with all sorts of animals, including barn animals like goats and chickens and lovable furry creatures like bunnies and hares. Don't forget to check out the birds and reptiles as well, which are arguably best experienced with a guide telling you all about their unique attributes.

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is a fun children's museum housed in the former favoured writing space of writer Roald Dahl. Dahl was known for children's stories such as 'James and the Giant Peach', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda', this museum offers valuable insight into these stories and the life of the author himself. Along with the storybook attractions, children can partake in fun activities, such as making up Gobblefunk words and creating a custom stop-frame animated story.

Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is a quaint model village with a running miniature train that you can visit for a slice of history. Dating back to 1929, this is the oldest model village in the world, so seeing the figures here frozen in time provides valuable insight into the past, while also being impressive in their own right. The attention to detail on every figure, the environment and the train is immaculate, and the sheer size of it is larger than you could imagine.

Waddesdon Manor is a massive 19th-century manor built in the French Renaissance style with impressive gardens and historical artefacts on display. This manor is set on expansive parkland, so there's plenty of green space for outdoorsy types to enjoy, especially when visiting the colourful gardens. You'll also find bird bedding sculptures and an artificial Pulham Rock. Inside Waddesdon, you'll find extravagant decor and an impressive selection of wines that you can experience with wine tasting events or by getting your own bottle in the shop.

West Wycombe Park is a historical country house open for tours that show off British 18th-century architecture with Palladian and neoclassical design choices. When you venture inside this country house, you'll notice that it takes bits and pieces from several architectural movements for an eclectic look. The Grade I-listed building features an array of columns with interior decorations reminiscent of what you'd find in a 16th-century Italian villa. Be sure to check out the surrounding gardens as well for a lovely outdoor stroll.

Stowe National Trust is a well-maintained area of walking paths featuring grassy fields, vibrant gardens, lakes and iconic bridges to traverse. These paths date back 3 centuries, yet a modern-day stroll feels like nothing has changed. The paths are as welcoming and fulfilling as ever, considering how many writers, artists and philosophers they've inspired in the past. Plus, the National Trust has been working to maintain more than 40 temples and monuments throughout the area that you can peruse.

The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a massive collection of steam locomotives and memorabilia that you can explore through its comprehensive museum. The museum features a working steam engine that you can examine and ride on to get a glimpse into the past. Additionally, you'll find a miniature ride-on railway if you're looking for something fun for the kids. Don't forget to check out the station building as well, with its cafe and gift shop for refreshments and souvenirs. The building itself dates back more than a century, yet it's remarkably well-maintained.

Odds Farm Park is home to numerous farm animals that you and the kids can visit with in person for up-close animal encounters. The farm features goats, pigs, bunnies, sheep and more along with some newborn animals. In addition to visiting with the animals, your kids can enjoy an array of activities that vary by season like egg collecting and cow-milking demonstrations. You'll even find several outdoor play areas featuring water sports and log plays. Don't forget to check out the summer tractor and trailer rides and the adventure maze as well.

The Dockey Wood Bluebells are an iconic part of the forest that consist of a blanket of bright bluebell flowers covering the forest floor. Showcasing rich shades of purple and blue, the blanket of bluebells creates a visually stunning and tranquil environment for an afternoon hike in the forest. The vibrant colours contrast with the darkness of the tree trunks and their light-green leaves for incredible beauty. Along with bluebells, the forest hosts rare butterflies in spring and vibrant foliage and fallow deer in autumn.