Amersham Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Amersham. Learn about local culture, customs, and safety tips, as well as transportation options and nearby destinations to explore.


Introduction to Amersham

Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire, in South East England, Amersham is a picturesque market town that offers visitors a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern convenience. With its quaint Tudor-style buildings, verdant countryside, and abundance of cultural and natural attractions, Amersham is a perfect destination for visitors looking to unwind, explore, and experience authentic English countryside life. Whether you are traveling solo, with family and friends, or on a romantic getaway, Amersham has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Amersham

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Amersham Museum: This small but fascinating museum showcases the rich history and heritage of Amersham and its surrounding areas, with exhibits featuring local industry, transport, and people.
  • St. Mary’s Church: This beautiful 13th-century church is a must-visit attraction for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. With its stunning stained glass windows, ornate carvings, and impressive tower, St. Mary’s is an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
  • Chenies Manor House: Just a few miles away from Amersham, Chenies Manor House is a stunning Tudor mansion that dates back to the 16th century. With its beautiful gardens, historic interiors, and fine collection of art and antiques, Chenies Manor House is a must-see attraction that transports visitors back to the Elizabethan era.

Natural Attractions of Amersham: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chiltern Hills: The Chiltern Hills, which run through Buckinghamshire, are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that offer visitors an abundance of picturesque walking and cycling trails, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Amersham Common: This charming nature reserve is a popular spot for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and leisurely strolls. With its tranquil ponds, winding footpaths, and abundant flora and fauna, Amersham Common is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • Shardeloes Lake: Fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers will enjoy this peaceful lake, set amidst wooded countryside. With its clear waters and abundant fish species, Shardeloes Lake is a popular destination for anglers, and also a great place for picnicking and birdwatching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Amersham

  • Chiltern Way: This 134-mile trail that runs through the Chiltern Hills is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, offering breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and plenty of stops for food and drink along the way.
  • The Chess Valley Walk: This pleasant walking path follows the course of the River Chess, passing through charming villages, historic landmarks, and beautiful countryside. With plenty of pubs, cafes, and shops along the route, the Chess Valley Walk is a great choice for a leisurely day out.

Best Things to Do in Amersham: Activities and Tours

  • Cookery Classes: Join a local chef and learn how to cook classic English dishes using local ingredients at one of Amersham’s many cookery schools.
  • Wine Tasting: Sample some of the region’s finest wines at one of the area’s many vineyards and wineries, and learn about the winemaking process from the experts.
  • Ghost Tours: Take a spine-tingling journey back in time with an eerie ghost tour of Amersham’s most haunted locations, and hear spooky tales of the town’s past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Amersham

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Amersham Museum and St. Mary’s Church
Day 2 Go for a hike in the Chiltern Hills and have lunch at a local pub
Day 3 Explore the nearby Chenies Manor House and Gardens
Day 4 Take a wine-tasting tour of a local vineyard
Day 5 Visit the peaceful Shardeloes Lake and go fishing
Day 6 Take a ghost tour of Amersham
Day 7 Relax at a local spa and enjoy a pampering treatment

Food and Drink Scene of Amersham

Must-Try Dishes

  • Traditional English Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, and black pudding, served with toast and a cup of tea or coffee.
  • Fish and Chips: No trip to England is complete without trying the national dish of fish and chips, and Amersham has plenty of fish and chip shops to choose from.
  • Afternoon Tea: Treat yourself to a quintessentially English afternoon tea experience, complete with scones, clotted cream, jam, and a variety of finger sandwiches and cakes.

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale: England is known for its real ale, and Amersham has plenty of pubs and microbreweries where you can sample the local brews.
  • Cider: British cider is a refreshing alcoholic beverage made from apples, and there are several local cider producers in and around Amersham.

Where to Stay in Amersham: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Crown Inn: This charming 16th-century coaching inn offers stylish guest rooms, a cozy pub, and a restaurant serving classic British cuisine.
  • The Kings Arms Hotel: Set in an elegant Georgian building, The Kings Arms Hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving modern British cuisine, and a bar with a wide selection of drinks.
  • The Potters Arms: This cozy and welcoming gastropub offers comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant serving seasonal and locally sourced food, and a bar with a great selection of beers and ciders.

What to Buy in Amersham: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amersham Honey: Produced by local beekeepers, Amersham honey is pure, raw, and delicious.
  • Chiltern Hills Gin: Made with locally sourced botanicals, Chiltern Hills Gin is a smooth and flavorful tipple that makes a great souvenir or gift.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: Amersham is home to several talented potters and ceramicists, and you can find unique and beautiful pieces of pottery at local markets and craft fairs.

Local Culture and Customs of Amersham

  • Politeness: English people are known for their politeness and manners, so it’s important to say “please” and “thank you” when interacting with locals.
  • Queuing: English people take queuing very seriously, so be prepared to wait your turn in line.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in England, but it is customary to leave a small tip (around 10%) in restaurants and cafes if you receive good service.

Best Time to Visit Amersham

The best time to visit Amersham is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the countryside is at its most beautiful. However, Amersham also has plenty to offer in the winter months, with cozy pubs, festive markets, and scenic wintertime walks.

Do’s and Don’ts of Amersham

Do:

  • Do try the local food and drink, and support independent businesses.
  • Do respect local customs and traditions, and appreciate the beauty and heritage of the town.
  • Do take care of the environment, and follow the countryside code when exploring the outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be loud or disruptive, especially in residential areas.
  • Don’t leave litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the road; in England, cars drive on the left-hand side!

Safety and Health

Safety in Amersham

Amersham is a safe and welcoming town, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, as with any destination, visitors should take some basic precautions to ensure their safety and security:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers.
  • Use common sense when walking alone at night, and stick to well-lit and busy areas.
  • Be aware of the hazards of driving on the left-hand side of the road, and take care when navigating unfamiliar roads.

Health in Amersham

Amersham has several pharmacies and medical clinics where visitors can seek medical advice and treatment. Visitors from outside the UK may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance before their trip, to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Amersham: Transportation Options and Logistics

Amersham is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) northwest of London, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Amersham

  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 18 miles (29 km) from Amersham.
  • London Luton Airport (LTN): Approximately 26 miles (42 km) from Amersham.

Bus Stations Near Amersham

  • High Wycombe Bus Station: Approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Amersham.
  • Chesham Bus Station: Approximately 3 miles (5 km) from Amersham.

Other Options

  • Train: Amersham is served by the London Underground Metropolitan Line, which operates frequent services to London and other nearby towns and cities.
  • Car: Visitors with their own cars can reach Amersham via the M25 and M40 motorways.

How to Get Around in Amersham

  • Walking: The town center of Amersham is compact and easily walkable, and walking is a great way to explore the town’s charming streets and historic landmarks.
  • Cycling: The Chiltern Hills offer plenty of opportunities for cycling enthusiasts, and several bike rental shops can be found in and around Amersham.
  • Public Transport: Amersham is served by several bus routes, which provide connections to nearby towns and villages.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Amersham, and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Where to Go Next from Amersham: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Beaconsfield (5 miles/ 8 km)
  • High Wycombe (7 miles/ 11 km)
  • London (27 miles/ 43 km)
  • Oxford (28 miles/ 45 km)

Conclusion

With its charming mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Amersham is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience the best of England’s countryside. From hiking and biking in the Chiltern Hills to exploring historic churches and stately manors, Amersham offers numerous opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. So why not plan a trip to Amersham today, and discover all this charming town has to offer?

St Mary's Church, Old Amersham St Mary's Church, Old Amersham Market Hall Amersham Market Hall Amersham Gilbert Scott Court, Amersham Old Town Gilbert Scott Court, Amersham Old Town The Kings Arms The Kings Arms