The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Beaconsfield, England and Milton Keynes, England

Beaconsfield and Milton Keynes are two beautiful cities located in the southern part of England with scenic routes connecting them. A road trip through these cities is a great way to experience the quaint charm and picturesque landscape of England. The halfway point of the journey is St Albans, a historic town in Hertfordshire, which lends itself seamlessly to the journey.

The road trip from Beaconsfield to Milton Keynes covers approximately 38 miles, taking about an hour by car. The drive offers breathtaking views of the English countryside and beautiful towns along the way. Here are the top five things to do on this picturesque road trip.

1. Ivinghoe Beacon

Ivinghoe Beacon is a hill located in the Chiltern Hills of southern England, about 10 miles north of Berkhamsted. Standing tall at 233 meters, it offers panoramic views of the countryside, making it a popular spot for hiking, walking, and picnicking. Visitors can also climb the hill and explore the attractive flora and fauna surrounding the area.

Interesting Fact: Ivinghoe Beacon is part of the National Trust's Ashridge Estate, which includes 5,000 acres of woodlands, commons, and chalk downlands.

2. Ashridge Estate

Ashridge Estate is a national trust site located in the Chiltern Hills, covering about 5,000 acres of woodland, commons, and chalk downlands. It has a rich history dating back to 1283 when it was founded as a monastery by the Holy Roman Emperor. A trip to Ashridge Estate offers visitors the chance to discover its hidden treasures, beautiful gardens, walking trails, and picturesque cafés.

Interesting Fact: Ashridge Estate was once a training ground for the British wartime special forces during World War II.

3. Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is a popular destination for animal lovers, located about 10 miles south of Dunstable in Bedfordshire. It is the UK's largest zoo, covering 600 acres of land home to over 3,000 animals. From elephants to tigers, visitors can see some of the most exotic creatures from around the world in their natural habitats. There is also a children's zoo with smaller animals that kids can pet and feed.

Interesting Fact: Whipsnade Zoo was founded by the Zoological Society of London in 1931 as a sister zoo to London Zoo.

4. Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is a historic site located in Milton Keynes with a fascinating WWII history. It was the main site of British code-breaking during World War II, where mathematicians, linguists, and other experts worked to decipher messages produced by enemy forces. Visitors can explore the museum, displays artifacts, and exhibitions, and celebrate the site's contribution to the Allied victory in the war.

Interesting Fact: Bletchley Park was the home of the world's first programmable electronic computer, Colossus.

5. Milton Keynes Museum

Milton Keynes Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Milton Keynes, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on the town's industrial past, with a reconstructed street of businesses dating back to the 1950s. It also showcases local artwork, traditional toys, and other relics of the past.

Interesting Fact: The museum is housed in a 19th-century farmhouse that has been extensively restored and modernized.

In conclusion, the road trip from Beaconsfield to Milton Keynes offers a perfect opportunity to explore some of the most scenic spots and treasured landmarks in southern England. The journey takes about an hour by car, with plenty of sights and attractions along the way. From the natural beauty of Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge Estate to the historic sites of Whipsnade Zoo, Bletchley Park, and Milton Keynes Museum, there's something for everyone on this route.