Days Out Near Buckinghamshire You Might Not Have Tried
A canal bridge on the Grand Union Canal, just outside of Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is one of those counties that quietly has it all — historic houses, working farms, model villages, and some genuinely lovely stretches of the Chilterns, all within easy reach of Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Milton Keynes and the surrounding towns. Whether you're planning around the school holidays or just looking for a good weekend idea, there's rarely a shortage of options. If you've already worked through the obvious favourites, this guide rounds up some of the best-loved days out across the county, plus one option many Buckinghamshire families haven't yet tried — a relaxed narrowboat day just over the border in Hertfordshire.
Waddesdon Manor
A genuinely spectacular day out, Waddesdon Manor combines a grand Rothschild house with extensive gardens and grounds, set against views of the Chilterns and open countryside. It's the kind of attraction that works for a full day — house, gardens, and grounds all worth exploring — and is easily reached from Aylesbury.
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Beaconsfield
The world's oldest original model village, Bekonscot in Beaconsfield has been delighting visitors since 1929. Set across 1.5 acres of tranquil gardens with intricately detailed miniature buildings and a working model railway, it's a genuinely charming day out that tends to appeal just as much to adults as to children.
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
For a smaller, more focused day out, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden celebrates the author's legacy with three fact-packed galleries aimed at children aged 6 to 12 and their families. It's an easy half-day visit, and a lovely one for anyone with a Roald Dahl fan at home.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
A 25-acre working steam museum with one of the UK's largest collections of locomotives and rolling stock, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a genuine treat for train enthusiasts of any age, with regular steam train rides included as part of the visit and plenty to see even for those who wouldn't call themselves railway fans.
Odds Farm Park
A reliable choice for families with younger children, Odds Farm Park near Beaconsfield offers the usual farm favourites — animals to feed and stroke, tractor rides, and both indoor and outdoor play areas — making it a solid pick whatever the weather's doing.
Hell-Fire Caves, West Wycombe
For something a little unusual, the Hell-Fire Caves in West Wycombe are a series of man-made underground passageways and caverns with a genuinely intriguing history. It's a good choice for older children and anyone after a day out that's a bit different from the usual house, farm or model village format.
Wendover Woods
For a proper outdoor day, Wendover Woods sits right in the heart of the Chilterns, with a network of forest trails and some of the best views in the area. It's free to explore and a good option if you'd rather spend the day walking than queuing.
One more idea, just over the border
If you're based around Amersham, Chesham or the western side of Buckinghamshire, it's worth knowing that Canal Boat Day Hire operates a self-drive narrowboat hire from Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead — a short, easy drive just over the Hertfordshire border on the Grand Union Canal, and a genuinely different pace of day out from anything else on this list.
Rather than another attraction to walk around, a canal boat day puts your family in charge of the day itself — steering the boat, working through a lock together, and cruising a quiet, tree-lined stretch of canal with nowhere in particular to be. It's a genuinely different kind of pace compared to a busy visitor attraction, and often ends up being the part of the trip everyone talks about afterwards. No licence or previous boating experience is needed: every hire includes a full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration, with support through the first lock so everyone feels confident before setting off properly.
It's particularly well suited to:
Families looking for something a bit different from the usual day out — see our guide to family canal boat days out
First-timers who've never set foot on a narrowboat before — everything is explained on the day, covered in our first time canal boat hire guide
Businesses based in Buckinghamshire looking for a relaxed alternative to the usual corporate away day — see our team building days page
Free parking is available at the marina, and Apsley train station is roughly a two-minute walk away, making it a straightforward day trip whether you're driving over from Buckinghamshire or coming by rail. Fuel is included in the hire price, along with a flushing toilet, gas hob and everything you need for a comfortable day on board, so there's nothing extra to arrange once you've booked. If you'd rather everyone relaxed without anyone needing to steer, a professional skipper can be added to your booking too.
Planning your day
A few practical tips whichever days out you choose from this list:
Book ahead for the busier attractions. Waddesdon Manor and Bekonscot can get busy during school holidays, and canal boat hire on weekends and over summer books up weeks in advance, so it's worth planning early.
Weigh up the weather. Wendover Woods, Odds Farm Park's outdoor areas, and a canal boat day are all best enjoyed in good weather, while the Roald Dahl Museum and Buckinghamshire Railway Centre give you solid options if it turns wet.
Think beyond the school holidays. Several of these — Wendover Woods, the Railway Centre, a canal boat day — are just as enjoyable on a quiet weekday, and tend to be far less crowded outside of peak periods.
Pair a couple of ideas together. A canal boat day works well paired with lunch at one of the waterside pubs and cafés along the Grand Union Canal, giving you a fuller day out without much extra planning.
Consider a weekday visit for the quieter attractions, especially Wendover Woods and the Hell-Fire Caves, both of which are far more relaxed to explore outside of weekends and school holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Is a canal boat day out suitable for a Buckinghamshire family with young children? Yes. No previous experience is needed, life jackets are available for children, and the relaxed pace of the day makes it easy to manage with younger family members on board.
How far is Apsley Marina from Buckinghamshire? It's a short drive from towns like Amersham and Chesham on the western side of Buckinghamshire, just over the Hertfordshire border to Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead.
Do we need any boating experience to hire a canal boat? No licence or previous experience is required. A full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration is given before you set off.
Conclusion
From Waddesdon Manor's grand gardens to the model buildings of Bekonscot, Buckinghamshire has plenty of brilliant days out to explore. If you've already worked through the county's usual favourites, a canal boat day just over the border at Apsley Marina offers something genuinely different — a slower-paced, beginner-friendly day on the water, easily reached from Amersham, Chesham and the surrounding area. Check availability and book your day with Canal Boat Day Hire.