Radnage Valley Food and Drink guide

The majestic red kite has become an icon of the Chilterns. There is a Red Kite walk based in the beautiful Radnage Valley, a great way to take in the best of Chilterns scenery. The Crown at Radnage is a friendly country pub with rooms which provides a welcome stop along the Red Kite walk, or a base from which to explore the surrounding area – there are numerous walks and rides from the doorstep, or West Wycome village is just 3 miles away, with its Hell Fire Caves, Park, pubs and tearooms.

What to see and do in the Radnage Valley and surrounds

 The Red Kite walk passes through beautiful Chiltern valleys where red kites are abundant, especially between October and April. You can also enjoy panoramic views, ancient beech woods and rolling farmland. Distance 4.5 or 5.5 miles.  West Wycombe Village is owned by the National Trust and contains many historic 16th -18th century buildings. At the top of West Wycombe Hill is the church and mausoleum of the Dashwood family of West Wycombe House. There are excellent views from the hilltop.  The West Wycombe Estate is run by the National Trust, and the House and Gardens are open to the public (check opening times).  The Hellfire Caves are hidden beneath West Wycombe Hill, excavated out the hill in the 18th century. You can walk through nearly a mile of underground passages and caverns and learn fascinating stories about the caves along the way.  Hughenden Manor (National Trust) is 8 miles from Radnage. It was home to Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli and the house has been beautifully restored. There are beautiful walks through the surrounding woods and parkland. Look out for their Apple Days in October – they have 57 varieties of English apple, and there are lots of stalls, tastings and apple-related activities.

Food and Drink attractions

 Located in the beautiful Radnage Valley, home to the iconic Chilterns red kites, a visit to Daws Hill Vineyard will not disappoint; the views are amazing and it’s one of the best places in the Chilterns to spot these magnificent birds. They offer 2 - 3 hour tours by appointment that take in the vineyard, winery and wine tasting of course!

 The Sir Charles Napier restaurant is set above the wooded hills of Chinnor. The Michelin Starred restaurant has won many awards and draws people from afar to enjoy the great food, beautiful gardens and beechwood walks from the doorstep.

 The Traditional Sweet Shop in West Wycombe is one of the oldest in , located in a 16th Century building - an Alladins cave with over 500 sweets to choose from! There is a café too.

Walks and Rides

West Wycombe and Bradenham walks take you through the countryside estates of West Wycombe, Bradenham and Hughenden where there are fantastic views, magnificent beech woods and carpets of bluebells and wild flowers. You can see places of great architecture and historic interest and wildlife such as red kites and muntjac deer.

The Chiltern Way is a long-distance signposted walking route taking in some of the best Chilterns scenery which passes through the Radnage Valle. The Chilterns Cycleway also passes through the Radnage Valley.

Lots of other walks and rides on www.chilternsaonb.org/activities.asp

Accommodation

The Crown at Radnage is a friendly country pub with a good beer menu and accommodation.

Home Farm campsite is right next to The Crown pub. The site offers amazing views of the surrounding hills, with good walks along the Ridgeway Path and Icknield Way. There are glamping bell tents with chandeliers, and stylish furnishings for those wanting a touch of luxury too. Indian Kadai firepit and BBq for cooking whilst you gaze at the stars from the comfort of your lounger chair!

The George & Dragon in West Wycombe, a beautiful Grade 11 Listed Coaching Inn on the High Street.

Further info: The Chilterns Accommodation Association provides details of B&Bs in the Radnage area. www.visitchilterns.co.uk and Visitor Information tel 01844 274795.