Local Authority BEACONSFIELD
Planning to visit somewhere new? Let some local knowledge guide you on your way
Who are you?
Susan Taylor, wanderer for many years with my husband.
Where are you a local authority?
Beaconsfield, a market town just off the M40 between London and the Chiltern Hills, an area undeservedly overlooked as an excellent family weekend break destination.
Why are you a local authority on this place?
I have lived just outside the town for over 10 years and spend many happy days and evenings here.
What do you love about it?
There is such a variety of things to enjoy, from Hughenden Manor (home to Benjamin Disraeli), Cliveden and Dorney Court, to shopping in Beaconsfield
New Town. London and Windsor are within easy reach by public transport, as are the region’s many picturesque villages. Children love Bekonscot Model Village and Odds Farm Park.
What’s your favourite place?
I never tire of walking in Burnham Beeches Nature Reserve (Beaconsfield was originally Bekensfeld, which means ‘clearing in the beeches’), keeping an eye out for muntjac deer, squirrels and numerous other creatures that call these woods home.
There are river walks from Cookham or Marlow, two towns also worthy of exploration, not least for their shops, pubs and restaurants. Talking of pubs, the oldest in Britain is 10 minutes from the centre of Beaconsfield. The Royal Standard of England began as a watering hole for local Saxons in the 1000s, celebrated Henry VII’s coronation in 1485, and reputedly hid Charles I during the Civil War – it is still a delightful place to while away a few hours over a pint or a plate.
Which local campsites would you recommend?
Wyatts Covert Caravan and Motorhome Club Site has exceptional facilities and is close to some really good walks.
Highclere Caravan and Camping
Park is another good choice (but do check if they are still restricting bookings because of Covid-19).
What food and drink is the area known for?
The Old Town is famous for its historic coaching inns, which date back to the time when Beaconsfield had become an important staging post between
‘Beaconsfield Old Town is famous for its many historic coaching inns’
London and Oxford. One of my own favourites is The Greyhound, offering a variety of excellent cuisines.
Tell us somewhere great to eat!
Try the Crazy Bear, Wycombe End, for a venue that is charmingly eccentric and definitely different. For traditional fare, the Pizza Express is a good bet.
Where can you get spare kit?
The nearest specialists are Berkshire Caravan Repairs or Wokingham Motorhomes, both near Reading.
Where can you find the cheapest fuel?
Try the Esso Sargeants Mead, London Road, for reasonably priced fuel.
Where should you avoid while you’re in the area?
At just over 23 miles away from the many attractions of the capital, a trip from Beaconsfield to London is always popular, but a new Ultra Low Emission
Zone has been introduced and driving towards London will take you within the zone and could incur charges.
Best, then, to leave the motorhome on site and let the train take the strain. They run frequently from Beaconsfield and take around 30 minutes to reach Marylebone, in the heart of the city.
I would also suggest not driving into Beaconsfield on busy market days.
Share a highlight only a local would know!
Beaconsfield has several famous literary connections, including Enid Blyton and GK Chesterton. The town has featured in many films and TV shows, including Brief Encounter,
Hot Fuzz and Midsomer Murders.