Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills stretch from the River Thames in Oxfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire and are nationally protected as some of the most outstanding countryside in the UK.   Regarded as a living, working area of stunning countryside, the Chilterns character has been shaped over the years by industry and agriculture coupled with the people who have lived and worked in the area for generations. 

Also known as the Chilterns, the area is a chalk escarpment.  Covering 660 square miles and stretching across 45 miles, the area reaches out across the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire in a southwest to a northeast diagonal.

The Chiltern Hills are rich in wildlife, ranging from red kites to Duke of Burgundy butterflies.   As well as many acres of woodland, the area also includes endangered chalk grassland and farmland. 

A visit to the Chiltern Hills will provide plenty of activity and exploration opportunities as well as peace and quiet, entertainment and if you so wish, indulgence!   Beautiful picturesque countryside sitting on London’s doorstep has all you need for a really memorable break. 

Historically known as the larder of London, the area is renowned for its historic market towns, tucked-away villages, pubs, farmland, chalk-fed streams and ancient woodland, all of which are ready and waiting to be discovered.  

Short breaks call for a short journey, so visitors from London and Oxford will find the Chilterns hard to beat. Not only are the Chilterns easy to reach but they are also easy to explore by foot, on bikes or by car!