- 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 211 highest-rated places in Buckingham, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Bletchley Park served as the principal center of Allied code-breaking during World War II, housing the Government Code a...
2
Parks
Willen Lake is the primary watersports and outdoor activity hub in Milton Keynes, divided into North and South basins. T...
3
Venues
Stadium MK is a multi-purpose bowl-shaped arena in Milton Keynes primarily serving as the home ground for Milton Keynes...
4
Amusement parks
Gulliver's Land Theme Park Resort is a destination specifically designed for children aged 2 to 13. Located in Milton Ke...
5
Parks
Stowe Gardens is an expansive 18th-century landscape park designed by visionaries including Charles Bridgeman, William K...
6
Museums
The National Museum of Computing houses the world's largest collection of functional historic computers. Located at the...
7
Venues
Milton Keynes Theatre is a 1,400-seat performance venue designed by architects Blonski-Heard. It features a unique hydra...
8
Parks
Campbell Park is a 120-acre landscape park designed as an extension of Milton Keynes' central business district. The par...
9
Museums
Milton Keynes Museum is a social history institution housed within a Victorian-era model farm in Wolverton. The museum p...
10
Parks
Ouse Valley Park is a sprawling green corridor managed by The Parks Trust that follows the River Great Ouse through the...
11
Parks
Ouzel Valley Park is a linear greenbelt stretching along the River Ouzel in Milton Keynes, connecting Woughton Park to M...
12
Amusement parks
Gullivers Dinosaur & Farm Park is an immersive outdoor attraction located in Milton Keynes, specifically designed for yo...
13
Parks
Garth Park is a public recreational space managed by the Bicester Town Council. It features a mix of manicured formal ga...
14
Parks
Great Linford Manor Park is a historical landscape park in Milton Keynes, blending 18th-century heritage with natural wo...
15
Places of interest
Claydon House is an 18th-century country estate renowned for its highly elaborate Rococo interiors, particularly the woo...
16
Places of interest
Treetop Extreme is a high-ropes adventure course situated at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes. The facility features three d...
17
Venues
18
Parks
19
Temples
20
Parks
21
Parks
22
Places of interest
23
Parks
24
Venues
25
Venues
26
Places of interest
27
Temples
28
Parks
29
Places of interest
30
Temples
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
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 211 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 91 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
