Set just outside the Chilterns AONB in Buckinghamshire, on the border with Berkshire, you will find Cliveden Estate.

In the heart of the Estate stands Cliveden House. We will dedicate another post to this grand mansion later on.

For now, we want to elaborate on the great estate surrounding the house.

Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden’s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands are now managed by the National Trust.

Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens as you stroll through a series of impressive gardens. Each with their own individual charm.


Images by Cool Places Britain
Walking

Cliveden’s wider estate offers extensive views across the Berkshire countryside and scenes of the river Thames below.

There are many trails to choose from. We headed down to the river (172 steps) to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Thames-side paths.

Make sure you visit the Duke’s Seat to enjoy a unique vista of the Parterre and house.

You can also visit Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve.

This area – east of Cliveden – includes heathland, woodland, bog, grassland and wood pasture.

While walking through the majestic trees, it is hard to image that you are so close to London due to the sense of tranquillity.

At Cliveden you can join the Thames Path if you are up for a challenging walk.

The Thames Path is a long-distance walking trail, following England’s best-known river for 184 miles (294 Km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds.

On its way the Trail passes peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages, finishing at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich just a few miles from the sea.

The part of the Thames Path around Cookham Village (opposite the Cliveden Estate) is one of the prettiest.

A short 4-mile circular route starting from Cookham Village takes in this beautiful stretch of the Trail.



Cool Places to Explore: Marlow | Windsor Castle | Hambleden Valley.

Cool Places to Eat: The Coach in Marlow | The Astor Grill | Orangery Café.

Cool Places to Stay: The Chequers in Marlow.