10 best day trips in driving distance (Buckinghamshire)
Sunnier days are finally upon us, even if they’re interspersed with cold winds and showers, which means many of you might be desperate to start getting out and enjoying a day trip with your family (we know we are!). This year’s trend of staycations and driving holidays means that most are willing to drive up to three hours for the right destination, according to our recent survey, and we’ve done the legwork for you to find all the best day trips within driving distance of Buckinghamshire for you and the family to enjoy.
Our roadmap out of lockdown is still on course, which means it’s never been a better time to get out and enjoy some fresh air. The benefits of being in nature are huge, with recent studies showing those who had the chance to spend time in the open air during lockdown found the stresses of the pandemic easier to handle than those who didn’t. So why not pick your favourite destination from the list below and enjoy some time away from home? Don’t forget to let us know where you decide to go!
The Wendover Mystery Treasure Trail
The perfect adventure day out for the whole family (suggested from age six upwards), the Wendover Mystery Treasure Trail is a thrilling whodunnit that will let you explore the area and learn about its history while having plenty of fun. Start on the Wendover High Street and see where it takes you…
Book and find directions here.
Go Ape Black Park
The Go Ape Black Park location is all about family fun (for more adult adventures, we suggest you try Wendover or Bracknell), with three treetop adventures suitable for children of all ages (over 1m tall). And for a completely different adventure, you can try a fun Nets Adventure suitable for all ages, 30 feet above the forest canopy!
Book and find directions here.
The Tring Spy Mission Trail
The most exciting way to see the sights of Tring, this family adventure will have you exploring the town while having plenty of fun. This is a two-mile trail that takes around two hours to complete – it’s a circular loop, so there’s no need to worry about finding your way back to the car afterwards!
Book and find directions here.
College Lake Nature Reserve
Once a chalk quarry, College Lake is now one of the area’s flagship nature reserves and offers loads of wildlife to see and discover. You can visit the discovery centre to learn about the native wildlife or make your way around one of the marked trails. There are also fun family-friendly events run throughout the year – find out what’s on here.
Find directions here.
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor has plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with fun events running year-round – currently an Easter holidays event including a fun family trail – and lots of wildlife to discover. Although the impressive house is closed at the moment, the café is still open for takeaway.
Book and find directions here.
Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate offers a whopping 5,000 acres of woodlands and grassland to explore. Rich in wildlife, there are plenty of species from butterflies to deer for you and the family to spot – why not make your own scavenger hunt to tick off while you’re there? You can find information about walking trails to follow on the National Trust website. The on-site car park is free.
Get directions here.
Stonor Park
With beautiful grounds to discover and an incredible adventure playground for kids to explore, Stonor Park is the perfect place for a day out – you can make it as relaxing or exciting as you like with all that’s on offer. Keep track of events currently on here.
Book and find directions here.
Penn Woods
Ideal for minibeast-hunting, leaf-collecting, pond-dipping, ladybird-spotting, snail-racing, picnicking and loads more, Penn Woods is the perfect day out, filled with fun for all the family. The Woodland Trust also offers activity packs (you’ll need to be a member) to print and take with you, and a network of paths makes it great for pram and wheelchair access.
Get directions here.
Ascott
The extensive gardens of Ascott House are an attractive mix of the formal and natural with specimen trees, shrubs and beautiful herbaceous borders. A more relaxed day out, this is perfect for families with older children or for those looking to take in the fresh air and quiet scenery. You’ll need to book your parking and ticket in advance.
Get directions here.
Coombe Hill
At 852 feet above sea level, Coombe Hill offers some of the best views in the Chilterns. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to the Cotswolds, and the chalky grassland and acid heathland is the perfect place for spending the day spotting wildlife, such as the beautiful Adonis blue butterfly. There’s also a Nature Play Trail for the kids to have fun exploring. Free parking is available but it can get busy, so we advise arriving early.
Get directions here.
Found your ideal day trip? It’s time to get everyone into the car and get going – just remember to bring plenty of snacks and music to diffuse the tension when the arguments start – did you know that 41% of people start arguing within the first hour of a trip? 18% argue because they’ve left something at home, so make sure you triple check that your little one’s favourite teddy is in the car, or your partner has their phone AND wallet, before setting off!
The most important thing to remember before a long trip is to make sure your car is in tip-top condition. After going so long without much use, it’s worth being extra careful to make sure you don’t end up waiting for recovery at the side of the road. Perrys can help with a health check and service for complete peace of mind before you set off.
Looking for the perfect car for the trip? We think a spacious family SUV is just right for the job, offering all the comfort, space and power you need for everyone to enjoy the journey.
Our Perrys Recommendations or view our range of used cars: