Amersham Food & Drink guide
Located at the end of the Metropolitan tube line, Amersham is where train meets Chilterns trail. Old Amersham lies in the valley of the River Misbourne with the spire of the beautiful 13th century church visible for miles around. Picturesque pubs rub shoulders with contemporary eating places. The independent boutiques are a big draw. Walk it off along the scenic Misbourne Valley.
What to see and do in Amersham and surrounds
Join one of the Amersham Martyrs’ walks offered by Amersham Museum and led by a costumed guide. Tel 01494 723700 Little Missenden is a picturesque village with two great pubs. You can walk there from Amersham along Shardeloes Lake, a scenic and gentle 3 mile walk (there and back) Look out for their annual Music Festival in October. Explore the beautiful Chess Valley, with a 5 mile circular walk taking in the historic villages of Latimer and Chenies. See the Chiltern’s only remaining commercial watercress bed, E Tyler & Sons. There are two refreshment stops in Chenies, the Bedford Arms and the Red Lion. Chiltern Open Air Museum has a collection of over 30 historic buildings which have been rescued and re-erected. Everything from an Iron Age house to traditional barns, a wartime prefab and a working Victorian farm. Tel 01494 871117 Roald Dahl Museum and Story Museum in Great Missenden celebrates the life of one of the town’s most famous residents, Roald Dahl, who wrote many of his books here. You can see a re-creation of his writing hut and meet many of his well-loved characters.
Food and Drink attractions
Amersham is renowned for its excellent eateries which include many award winners: Gilbeys restaurant in a 17th century former grammar school Artichoke restaurant features the best of the seasons’ ingredients, including many foraged from the surrounding area. They offer ‘Chef Experience Days’ which include a 5-course dinner. Seasons Deli and Café right on the High Street
Chesham has a monthly Local Producers Market (4th Saturday of the month) and a Food & Drink village trail, allowing you to discover local produce being created, used and sold in Chesham’s rural hinterland. One of the walks starts at Hazeldene Rare Breeds Farm, in an idyllic setting, with farmshop and café (Thursday to Sunday). Tel 01494 783501
Nearby Great Missenden offers some great options for afternoon tea, in the beautiful and elegant setting of the 12th Century Missenden Abbey tel 01494 866811 or at Great Missenden Parish Church, where an army of cake-baking ladies will serve you a splendid cream tea on Sundays April to September. .
Walks and Rides
Walks in the Misbourne Valley - 3 circular walks (3 - 6 miles) along the River Misbourne, including Great Missenden, Little Missenden, Amersham and Chalfont-st-Giles.
Chiltern Heritage Trail- 3 signposted cycle routes starting in Amersham, around 20 to 25 miles length, mainly on-road.
Chilterns Cycleway – 173 mile signposted cycleway passing through Amersham.
Bikes (including electric bikes) can be hired from the Great Missenden Bike Hub tel 01494 867358 or 07973 530914
Lots of other walks and rides on www.chilternsaonb.org/activities.asp
Accommodation
Lots of choice in Amersham including the 16th Century Kings Arms Hotel and the Crown Inn used as a location for Four Weddings and a Funeral. Just outside Amersham, De Vere’s Latimer Place is a hidden gem with views over the Misbourne Valley. There are lots of characterful B&Bs in the area too.
Further info: www.visitchilterns.co.uk