- Buckingham was once an important wool trading center and was granted its first charter by Queen Mary I in 1554.
- The town was the site of a short-lived university in the 19th century, and it remains home to the only independent, non-profit university in the United Kingdom.
- During the English Civil War, the town served as a headquarters for King Charles I in 1644.
- Buckingham's name is derived from the Old English 'Buccingaham', meaning the home of the people of Bucca.
About Buckingham
Buckingham is a historic market town in northern Buckinghamshire, distinguished by its unique position on a peninsula of the River Great Ouse. It functioned as the county town until 1529 and retains a medieval street layout centered around the market square. The area is defined by the proximity of grand estates, most notably the expansive grounds of National Trust - Stowe Gardens. Visitors often explore the town's ecclesiastical history at sites like the Buckingham Parish Church or the remnants of the National Trust - Buckingham Chantry Chapel.
Highlights of Buckingham
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Explore one of the most significant landscape gardens in England, featuring numerous classical temples and monuments.
Historical places
Tour the grand 18th-century mansion that serves as the centerpiece of the famous Stowe estate.
Temples
Visit the oldest surviving building in the town, which once served as a medieval hospital for pilgrims.
Places of interest
View this iconic neoclassical structure that marks the entrance to the Stowe landscape.
Parks
Walk through this community-managed space designed to provide free, locally-grown food sources to residents.
Places of interest
Discover a unique 18th-century country house known for its ornate, eclectic interior design.
Places of interest
Admire the intricate Gothic revival architecture situated within the grounds of the Stowe estate.
Places of interest
See this classical folly located within the landscaped gardens, reflecting the 18th-century passion for antiquity.
Top things to do in Buckingham
The 177 highest-rated places in Buckingham, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Bletchley Park served as the principal center of Allied code-breaking during World War II, housing the Government Code a...
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Parks
Willen Lake is the primary watersports and outdoor activity hub in Milton Keynes, divided into North and South basins. T...
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Venues
Stadium MK is a multi-purpose bowl-shaped arena in Milton Keynes primarily serving as the home ground for Milton Keynes...
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Amusement parks
Gulliver's Land Theme Park Resort is a destination specifically designed for children aged 2 to 13. Located in Milton Ke...
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Stowe Gardens is an expansive 18th-century landscape park designed by visionaries including Charles Bridgeman, William K...
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Temples
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Buckingham on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Buckingham
Late spring and summer, from May to August, provide the best weather for exploring the extensive outdoor landscape gardens and woodland areas.
1-2 days, which allows enough time to tour the town center and spend a full day exploring the expansive Stowe estate.
The town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, though a car is recommended for reaching nearby estates like Claydon.
Stay in the town center to remain within walking distance of local restaurants, pubs, and the historic marketplace.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options reflect standard UK market town pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 177 curated attractions in and around Buckingham, ranked by traveller ratings.
Bletchley Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Buckingham right now.
The largest category is temples, with 83 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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