The Chilterns

Just a short train ride from the capital, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is celebrated for its ancient woodlands, prehistoric treasures and crystal-clear chalk streams. See the sights by bike – the 173-mile circular Chilterns Cycleway takes in all the hot spots – or lace up your walking boots for a scenic stroll. Whatever you do, be sure to take your binoculars: the wildlife in this area includes resident red kites, blackcaps and badgers.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Ashridge Estate covers 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills (nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate). Walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon, passing Bronze Age Barrows and an Iron Age hill fort. Stop by the Bridgewater Monument (shown top right) and climb the 172 steps to the top. For hardened hikers, the tenmile Chess Valley Walk traces the River Chess – plus plenty of pubs for a pitstop (walkingclub.org.uk). For a less arduous adventure, head to the Chiltern Open Air Museum. On 9-10 April, the Living History Festival will be telling the tales of British soldiers from the past 200 years. You can also visit the Victorian working farm and snoop around 37 reconstructed historical buildings (coam.org.uk).

WHERE TO EAT