To see the Chilterns you’ll need a comfortable base whether thats a campsite, country inn, a bed and breakfast or a luxury Chiltern hotel.
If its luxury you’re after look no further than the Compleat Angler at Marlow; a great starting point for Chilterns exploration with the advantage of riverside walks by the Thames. Or why not pamper yourself at the famous Champneys Health Spa nestled in the hills above Tring?
Chilterns accommodation is enriched by a wealth of charming old coaching inns and country pubs.
On a budget? There’s plenty of Bed and Breakfast places and a fair few campsites to choose from as well.
Chilterns accomodation should be booked in advance at peak times to avoid disappointment.
Its not so easy to find a really good bed and breakfast in the Chilterns. That’s because the very best are hidden away.
In Little Hampden, just a couple of miles from Great Missenden station, a winding lane leads to The Rising Sun which always used to be a wonderfully tucked away pub but now no longer serves ales or offers bed and breakfast. The pub welcomed walkers and was just off the Chiltern Way and worth making a detour to from The Ridgeway. Because of its special character and location this Chilterns bed and breakfast used to be highly recommended.
The Chilterns offer several possibilities for camping.
Chilterns campsites are quiet and rural in character, not the larger resort type parks you find more typically at the coast.
Highclere Farm camping near Chalfont St Giles is ideally situated for visits to the Chiltern Open Air Museum and Milton’s Cottage. This reasonably priced campsite has facilities for caravans as well as tents. The camp ground has woods nearby and is situated just a mile from the nearest train station at Chalfont.
Hurley Riverside Park near Maidenhead is right on the River Thames at Hurley village and just on the edge of some magnificent Chilterns countryside. There is a minimum two night booking for this popular campsite.
Swiss Farm Camping Park is within walking distance of the Thames at Henley and yet also offers easy access to the Chilterns. Its a quiet family campsite and an ideal base for exploring the Chilterns.
Whatever the weather Chilterns camping is always an adventure.
The Chilterns has many fabulous hotels, many with historical interest, some which have appeared in movies and others which are just well kept secrets.
One of the best known Chilterns hotels is The Crown Hotel at Amersham the interior of which was used in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Just along the road the exterior of the Grade II listed Kings Arms was also used as the ‘Jolly Boatman’. Amersham old town is quite picturesque, has several interesting shops and cafes and makes a good hotel stop in the Chilterns.
Here’s two suggestions for a really special hotel stay in the Chilterns.
The Compleat Angler in Marlow is renowned for its celebrated restaurant and fabulous riverside location.
The Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow was frequently visited by Queen Victoria, subsequently bought by the Astors and latterly made famous by the Profumo Affair. The Cliveden Estate and gardens are quite magnificent – a 5 star Chilterns hotel stay.
A no less memorable hotel break would be one located right in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. From The George Inn in Great Missenden the possibilities for walkers are limitless. The George is a comfortable old inn and very convenient for a visit to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.