High Wycombe
Surrounded by some of most picturesque countryside in Southern England, High Wycombe is situated in a deep valley in the Chilterns. As the largest town in Buckinghamshire, High Wycombe developed around the 18th and 19th century mainly manufacturing furniture and was at one point 'the furniture capital of England'.
The town has a typical Georgian High Street, and is home to 'The Pepperpot', the nickname of the Little Market House. There is also the arcaded Guildhall, where an annual tradition, thought to date back to medieval times takes place, it is known as the 'weighing-in', where the Mayor and Charter Trustees are weighed, to see if they have been getting fat of the tax payers expense.
In the town there is also the Parish Church, which was founded by the Normans and was redeveloped in the 12th Century to almost it's current size. The monumental building is the largest church in the county and is home to many interesting monuments and memorials. The High Wycombe Museum is based in a historic 18th Century building surrounded by elegant gardens. There you can explore the history of High Wycombe, where the focus is on chairs and chair making.
To the East of the town there is a expanse of grassland called the 'The Rye', there is a lake, with hanging beech woods which encompass a nature trail. The lake is used for fishing, and in the summer month for boating.
About 1.5 miles from the town centre you will find Hughenden Manor Park. The Victorian Gothic house was home to the former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeili. The house is open seasonally, and there is free admission to the park all year round.
There is also the Wycombe Air Park which is about 2 miles South of the town centre. The park is home to the Blue Max Museum which has a fine collection of historic flying machines, which have starred in many films.
For entertainment the Wycombe Swan Theatre is a must. It is one of the finest theatres outside London and has a varied program of theatrical productions from ballet to classical theatre, modern theatre, one-man shows, and opera.