Chiltern Hills

A holiday to England should definitely include a visit to Chiltern Hills, or “the Chilterns” as they’re known to the locals, an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) north of London. The Chilterns are a region of stunning rolling hills, and was initially preserved in 1965 for its quaint villages, charming landscapes, and historic significance.

The Chilterns are located in Buckinghamshire, and are conveniently accessed by transit directly from London, with convenient trips out of London Marylebone train station. On fine weekends, you’ll find the Chiltern Hills full of ramblers and road cyclists out from London. If you’re in London for a holiday, a trip to the Chilterns is a great way to easily see the English Countryside.

The top activities in the Chilterns are hiking/walking and biking. The trails are well maintained, however walking in England means that the hiking trails are not well marked. Make sure you have a map with you and you know your route! The Chilterns are great for family outings, as there isn’t the type of elevation gain you find in the mountains on the entire continent. If you are used to hiking tall mountain summits, do not let the lack of elevation fool you. The stunning views, landscapes, and even wildlife so close to the city will leave you surprised and often take your breath away.

The Chilterns are covered with historic sites dating back to the Bronze Age and everything in between, which make a walk or bike ride along the trails that much more exciting. A weekend break is really a great way to explore this wonderful place. There are many quaint villages throughout the Chiltern Hills, and a weekend in a cute little town, with a cozy local pub and comfortable Inn is a wonderful weekend break away from the Big Smoke.

A trip to the Chilterns is a perfect trip in itself, and a great break from chaotic London!