Chesham is growing as a destination for those looking for change of scene from further up the Metropolitan line. And with our growing list of high street events with both community and wider appeal, there is much for locals to enjoy also.
From city to beech woods
Strike out from Chesham station and take the quiet and peaceful Tyler’s Hill Walk of 8km (5 miles) walk takes you into the countryside between Chesham and the cluster of villages of Tylers Hill, Ley Hill and Botley.
Come for the day
Begin with coffee and cake. Browse our High Street’s independent shops. Lunch in Church Street’s Old Town pub, The Queens Head. Follow a heritage trail and admire valley views from Lowndes Park. Or take a walk further afield up into the hills or visit a country pub.
Come for the stay!
See our Where to Stay section, for accommodation in the villages adjacent to Chesham – in Chenies, Latimer, Chartridge and Lee Common/The Lee
Into the evening
Leave time for supper, or combine food and music at The Drawingroom (check in advance– usually music on Fridays/Saturdays) – an eclectic mix of artists in a unique intimate venue, loved by the artists who play there. Or catch a film, show or live screening at The Elgiva.
Among our souvenirs
Find local artworks at The Good Earth Gallery and Chesham merchandise at JPS in Market Square. Take home hand-made Sophie’s chocolates and a string of Chesham sausages.
Forge experiences
Step into the heat, sparks, and tradition at Chiltern Forge blacksmith experiences. Disconnect from the modern world and learn the timeless craft of shaping hot steel by hand. No prior experience needed. It’s a hands-on, unforgettable introduction to one of humanity’s oldest and most rewarding crafts.
Manor houses and landscaped gardens
Check out Chenies village: the Tudor house at Chenies Manor with award-winning gardens, near the Chess Valley Walk It’s a great place to start. In Chenies village you can stay at The Bedford Arms, or see other options in Where to stay
Tapas, taps and tempting menus
Sample real ales and craft beers. Tap into tapas nights. Choose contemporary, traditional or international dishes for dinner or lunch. Eat and drink
Capture the Chiltern Hills
Book ahead to Capture Chesham and its countryside on an experiential walk with award winning photographer Matt Writtle.
Low-cost family fun
Choose Eye Spy trails, Chesham Museum activities, shops full of books, collectors shop with vintage and unusual toys, a film or a picnic in the park. Lowndes Park – Chesham’s large central park, has a new play area established March 2025. Feed the sducks with special wildfowl food from Top Dawg & Pet Store
Chesham Moor
Around 15 minutes’ walk from the station or town centre, a summer’s day can easily be spent around Chesham Moor. Here you can picnic, walk up to Great Bois Wood, explore the wet woodland of the River Chess, take a dip at the heated outdoor pool, visit the family-friendly riverside The Pheasant pub which has a play area and you can take your own food.
Walk on the wildside
Feel the magic of Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons. 105 acres of flora and fauna, plus an Iron Age fort and village pub.
Pub to pub walks
Six leaflets describe a full circuit of village pubs starting at Chartridge or choose individual routes.
- The Bell*, Chartridge to the Cock and Rabbit, The Lee
- Cock and Rabbit to The Old Swan*, Swan Bottom
- Old Swan* to the White Lion, St Leonards
- The White Lion to The Full Moon, Cholesbury
- The Full Moon to The Blue Ball, Asheridge
- The Blue Ball to The Bell*, Chartridge
*The Bell and The Old Swan are currently closed. All other pubs open but please check our Eat and Drink section for details, and contact the relevant pub in advance to check.
Please make a donation to help the Chiltern Society keep these walks open and maintained if you can.
Circular routes from town
Choose at 2-mlile, 5-mile or 7.5 mile option.
See a further selection of walks with starting points in Chesham take in one or more neighbouring villages, with country pubs along the way. See Villages for more walks.
Chesham Riverside and Woodland Walk
This 4km (2.5 miles) stile free walk from Chesham town centre offers a gentle introduction to Chesham’s woodland and river setting. It weaves through lovely Bucks beechwoods and back down to the River Chess, as it runs beside the open space of Chesham Moor.
Tylers Hill, Ley Hill & The Chess
Striking out to the east of Chesham, this quiet and peaceful 8km (5 miles) walk explores the network of paths in the beautiful rolling countryside between Chesham and the cluster of villages of Tylers Hill, Ley Hill and Botley.
Chesham Outer Ring
Although never more than half a mile from the edge of the town, at times this route seems to be in the depths of the countryside, with outstanding views across valleys and farms. The total length is 13km (7.5 miles) but there are a number of places where it is possible to shorten the walk by returning directly to the start.