High Wycombe Travel Guide
Plan your trip to High Wycombe with this comprehensive tour guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.
- Introduction to High Wycombe
- List of Places to Visit in High Wycombe
- Hiking/Biking Routes of High Wycombe
- Best Things to Do in High Wycombe: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for High Wycombe
- Food and Drink Scene of High Wycombe
- Where to Stay in High Wycombe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in High Wycombe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of High Wycombe
- Best Time to Visit High Wycombe
- Do’s and Don’ts of High Wycombe
- Safety and Health
- Getting to High Wycombe: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in High Wycombe
- Where to Go Next from High Wycombe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to High Wycombe
High Wycombe is a town situated in Buckinghamshire, in South East England. It is a historic market town and is located just 35 miles northwest of London. High Wycombe has a rich history with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic age. It is known for its furniture industry, which has been a significant part of the local economy for centuries.
List of Places to Visit in High Wycombe
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Wycombe Museum
Wycombe Museum provides an insight into the rich history of the town and its development over the years. The museum displays a collection of artifacts and objects ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. It is located in Castle Hill House and admission is free.
Hughenden Manor
Hughenden Manor is a stunning mansion set in over 400 acres of parkland on the outskirts of High Wycombe. It was the home of the former British prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the house and gardens and learn about the life and times of Disraeli.
West Wycombe Park
West Wycombe Park is a magnificent 18th-century mansion set in extensive landscaped gardens and parkland. The house is open to the public and visitors can explore its lavish interiors, including the famous golden ballroom.
Natural Attractions of High Wycombe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
The Rye
The Rye is a beautiful park situated in the heart of High Wycombe. It has a large lake and offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, and walking. The park is especially beautiful during the autumn months when the trees turn golden and red.
Hellfire Caves
Hellfire Caves are a series of man-made chalk and flint caverns that were used by the secret society Hellfire Club in the 18th century. The caves are open to the public and visitors can explore the eerie underground passageways that were once used for secret ceremonies.
High Wycombe Hill
High Wycombe Hill is a popular spot for hiking and biking. The hill offers stunning views over the town and the surrounding countryside. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from gentle walks to more challenging treks.
Hiking/Biking Routes of High Wycombe
High Wycombe is a great base for hiking and biking with a variety of routes to choose from. Some of the popular routes include:
- The Chiltern Way - A long-distance footpath that stretches for 170 miles through the Chiltern Hills, passing through High Wycombe.
- The Ridgeway - One of the oldest long-distance trails in England. It follows the historic route used by prehistoric man, and passes through High Wycombe.
- The Cycle Chilterns Route - A 170-mile cycle route that takes in some of the best scenery in the Chilterns, passing through High Wycombe.
Best Things to Do in High Wycombe: Activities and Tours
Wycombe Swan Theatre
The Wycombe Swan Theatre is a popular venue for live performances, including plays, musicals, and comedy shows. It has a capacity of over 1,000 and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Wycombe Sports Centre
Wycombe Sports Centre offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, and sports hall. It is open to the public and is a great place to stay active and healthy.
The Rye Parkrun
The Rye Parkrun is a free weekly 5km run that takes place every Saturday morning. It is open to runners of all abilities and is a great way to meet new people and stay fit.
Week-Long Itinerary for High Wycombe
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the town centre and visit Wycombe Museum |
| 2 | Visit the Hellfire Caves and High Wycombe Hill |
| 3 | Take a bike ride along the Chiltern Way |
| 4 | Spend the day at Hughenden Manor and its gardens |
| 5 | Go for a walk in the Rye and have a picnic lunch |
| 6 | Attend a performance at the Wycombe Swan Theatre |
| 7 | Relax at Wycombe Sports Centre and take a swim |
Food and Drink Scene of High Wycombe
Must-Try Dishes
Chop Sauce and Chips
Chop sauce and chips is a local speciality and consists of chips smothered in a spicy sauce made with onions, vinegar, and spices.
Buckinghamshire Bacon Badger
The Buckinghamshire Bacon Badger is a delicious sandwich made with thick slices of locally sourced bacon, served in a soft bap with ketchup and brown sauce.
Local Beverages
Rebellion Brewery
Rebellion Brewery is a local craft brewery that produces a range of award-winning beers. Their flagship beer is the Rebellion IPA, which is a rich and hoppy Indian Pale Ale.
Chiltern Valley Winery
Chiltern Valley Winery produces a range of hand-crafted wines using locally grown grapes. Their English Sparkling Wine has won several awards and is a must-try for wine enthusiasts.
Where to Stay in High Wycombe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
High Wycombe offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Buckingham Hotel
The Buckingham Hotel is a family-run hotel located in the heart of High Wycombe. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving traditional British cuisine.
Travelodge High Wycombe Central
Travelodge High Wycombe Central is a budget-friendly hotel located in the town centre. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and is within walking distance of all the town’s attractions.
What to Buy in High Wycombe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Furniture
High Wycombe is famous for its furniture industry, and there are many furniture shops and showrooms in the town. Visitors can buy locally made furniture and bring home a piece of High Wycombe’s history.
Wycombe Wanderers Merchandise
Wycombe Wanderers is a local football team, and their merchandise is a popular souvenir among sports fans. Fans can buy replica shirts, scarves, and other memorabilia.
Local Culture and Customs of High Wycombe
High Wycombe has a rich cultural heritage and has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the years. The town celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Wycombe Arts Festival and the Winter Festival of Lights.
Best Time to Visit High Wycombe
The best time to visit High Wycombe is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the town’s beauty during the autumn months (September-November) when the trees change colour and the scenery is stunning.
Do’s and Don’ts of High Wycombe
Do:
- Do try the local speciality, chop sauce and chips.
- Do enjoy the stunning scenery and take a walk in the Rye.
- Do visit the Hellfire Caves and High Wycombe Hill.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
- Don’t be disrespectful towards local customs and traditions.
- Don’t forget to try the locally produced beer and wine.
Safety and Health
Safety in High Wycombe
High Wycombe is generally a safe town to visit, and visitors are unlikely to encounter any serious safety concerns. However, visitors should still take sensible precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding walking alone at night in quiet areas.
Health in High Wycombe
High Wycombe has several medical centres and hospitals, and visitors can access medical treatment if required. Visitors should take the usual precautions when travelling, such as ensuring they have adequate travel insurance.
Getting to High Wycombe: Transportation Options and Logistics
High Wycombe is well served by public transport, and there are several options available for visitors.
Airports Near High Wycombe
The nearest airports to High Wycombe are London Heathrow and London Luton. Visitors can take a train or bus from both airports to High Wycombe.
Bus Stations Near High Wycombe
High Wycombe Bus Station is located in the town centre and is served by several major bus companies, including Stagecoach and Arriva.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to High Wycombe by train. The town is served by Chiltern Railways, and there are regular services to London, Birmingham, and other major cities.
How to Get Around in High Wycombe
High Wycombe is a small town, and visitors can easily get around on foot or by bike. There are also several taxi and bus services available for those who prefer not to walk or cycle.
Where to Go Next from High Wycombe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
High Wycombe is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns and cities. Some of the top destinations include:
- Oxford - A historic city famous for its university and stunning architecture.
- Windsor - Home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
- London - The capital city of England, with a wealth of attractions and activities on offer.
Conclusion
High Wycombe is a charming town with a rich history and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, biking, and exploring local museums and historical sites. With a range of accommodation options, visitors can find something to suit all budgets and tastes. Plan your trip to High Wycombe and explore this wonderful town for yourself!
