Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Binfield to High Wycombe
Driving from Binfield to High Wycombe can be a fascinating journey, showcasing some of the most scenic and historic areas in England. This journey takes approximately an hour by car, and it passes through various locations that offer great experiences to locals and tourists alike. The journey can be both educational and exciting, with something for everyone in the family. This article highlights five unexpected places to stop along the route and what to do in these areas.
The halfway point from Binfield to High Wycombe is the historic town of Reading, WOK. This town is the administrative and commercial center of the Thames Valley Region. Reading is a large and vibrant town that offers a range of cultural experiences. The town is trendy, with a good mix of modern and historical buildings. It's a great place to stop for a break, stretch your legs, and get a feel for the region's unique vibe.
1. The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading
For lovers of history and culture, the Museum of English Rural Life situated in Redlands Road, Reading is a must-visit attraction. The museum houses a vast collection of agricultural objects and rural history materials, ranging from medieval times to today. It's a great place to learn about the evolution of farming techniques over the centuries and see how rural life has changed over the years. Visitors can expect to see a collection of traditional farming tools, period costumes, and interactive exhibits. The museum is an excellent destination for families, school groups, and anyone who loves to immerse themselves in history.
- The recommended food to try at the museum is a selection of homemade cakes and pastries in the museum café.
2. Saddleback Farm Shop and Cafe, Wendover
Saddleback Farm Shop and Café located in Upper Icknield Way, Wendover offers the perfect stop to experience farm-to-table eating. Saddleback is a family-run farm that values using home-grown produce to prepare delicious foods. The farm shops provide a wide range of fresh meats, cheeses, and baked products, making it an ideal destination to stock up on provisions. Visitors can also book cooking classes to learn how to use the farm's products to create outstanding dishes. Stop by Saddleback and indulge in locally-source delights.
- The recommended food to try at Saddleback is their famous hot bacon bap served with fresh bread, butter, and a choice of ketchup or brown sauce.
3. West Wycombe Park, High Wycombe
West Wycombe Park, located in West Wycombe, is a magnificent house and park owned by the Dashwood family. The house and park are grade I listed buildings, and the house has been beautifully preserved over time. The park is dotted with temples, ornamental water features, and a Mausoleum dedicated to the family's ancestors. The house is open to the public throughout the year, and visitors can take guided tours of the rooms and enjoy the vast collection of paintings, furniture, and sculptures housed there. West Wycombe Park is a great destination for anyone who loves visiting period homes and exploring English history.
- The recommended food to try at West Wycombe is the homemade scones served in the tea room.
4. Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe
Hughenden Manor in high Wycombe is a beautiful Victorian house and gardens that once belonged to the late Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria's Prime minister. The house and gardens have an intriguing history, having been used as a secret map-making base during World War II. Visitors can explore the house and experience the luxurious Victorian life by seeing the magnificent drawing-room, the billiard room and the library, which also acted as a map-making office during the war. They can also take a walk around the garden and take in the spectacular views. Hughenden Manor is a great destination for history and architecture enthusiasts, giving a feel of the life of a former Prime Minister.
- The recommended food to try at Hughenden Manor is the Victorian high tea served in the tea-room.
5. The Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe
The Hellfire caves are a network of underground chalk tunnels located in West Wycombe. The caves were excavated in the 18th Century for Francis Dashwood, a notorious rake, and founder of the Hellfire Club, a group of upper-class gentlemen who held secret meetings. The tunnels were used for drinking and socializing, and they did not become public knowledge until a group of schoolchildren discovered them in the early twentieth century. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and learn about the house's history and its connection to the Hellfire Club. The caves are a great destination for anyone who loves history, intrigue, and a bit of mystery.
- The recommended food to try near the caves is fish and chips from one of the many local chippies along West Wycombe Road.
In conclusion, a drive from Binfield to High Wycombe can offer rich cultural experiences, especially by making stops along the route. By stopping at Reading, WOK, and exploring destinations such as the Museum of English Rural Life, Saddleback Farm Shop and Cafe, Hughenden Manor, West Wycombe Park, and the Hellfire Caves, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of attractions and savour delightful culinary experiences. These sites give visitors the chance to learn about different aspects of English culture, history and architecture. By including these stops, one can have an unexpected and delightful journey.