Car Hire Buckingham

This historic market town of approximately 13,000 residents enjoys excellent connectivity at the crossroads of the A413 running north-south, plus the A421 and A422 stretching east-west, with the A421 bypass providing efficient southern access around the town centre.

The temperate maritime climate delivers short, comfortable summers reaching up to 23°C in July, perfect for exploring Capability Brown’s gardens at Stowe and long, cold winters dropping to 8°C in January when reliable transport becomes essential. Spring temperatures ranging from 11°C to 17°C create ideal touring conditions, whilst autumn brings pleasant driving weather between 19°C and 23°C before winter sets in.

Attractions In Buckingham

Discover royal connections and independent shops in the town centre, exploring the historic university buildings, traditional market stalls and cultural venues celebrating local heritage.

National Trust – Stowe Gardens

Breathtaking 18th-century landscape design awaits at this magnificent attraction that operates daily from 10 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. Located at New Inn Farm, the gardens have earned an exceptional 4.7-star rating from over 3,500 visitors who discover over 30 monuments and temples scattered across sweeping lawns, serene lakes and hidden valleys.

Chandos Park

Green space at heart of Buckingham town centre where River Great Ouse flows through open lawns and picnic areas. Popular with families who enjoy riverside walks, children’s play equipment and summer activities including free basketball sessions. Features tennis club, bowls club and multi-use games area. Accessible via Chandos Road, Ford Street and University footbridge. Well-maintained paths follow river past weir, offering pleasant strolls beneath willow trees with fishing spots along banks.

Bourton Park

Natural parkland in Buckingham where River Great Ouse flows alongside series of ponds, attracting otters, kingfishers and dragonflies. Wildflower meadows stretch across open spaces beneath mature trees, following old Buckingham Canal route. Popular venue for weekly parkrun and town events including annual bonfire display. Features water cascade, trim trail, play areas and three designated off-lead dog paddocks.

Corinthian Arch

Architectural grandeur marks this significant landmark on Stowe Avenue that represents the artistic achievements of 18th-century garden design. Walking tours lasting 60 to 75 minutes provide comprehensive exploration of the surrounding grounds, offering detailed historical context and architectural appreciation. We recommend combining visits with refreshments at the nearby café, though you should expect premium pricing that reflects the location’s prestigious National Trust heritage.

Palladian Bridge

Classical elegance defines this remarkable bridge on Stowe Castle Road, available for visits daily from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. As one of only four Palladian bridges worldwide, this architectural masterpiece, designed by Robert Adam, showcases symmetrical arches and decorative stonework that reflect perfectly in still waters below. You’ll discover breathtaking views in every direction, from rolling hills toward Bath to carefully curated gardens with winding paths and tranquil lakes.

Queen’s Temple

Historical transformation characterises this elaborate landmark that began as the Lady’s Temple in 1742 before extensive remodelling created its current neo-classical form. Originally designed by Gibbs for Lady Cobham’s entertainment, the building underwent significant alterations in 1772-4 and again in 1790 to commemorate George III’s recovery from illness. We find the interior decoration among the most elaborate in all garden buildings, featuring Scagliola Corinthian columns, coffered barrel-vaulted ceilings and detailed plaster medallions celebrating royal themes.

Temple of British Worthies

Curved architectural beauty showcases sixteen distinguished figures in this roofless stone exedra designed by Kent and built in 1734-5. The central pyramid contains Mercury’s bust, surrounded by niches housing sculptures of notable individuals, including Shakespeare, Newton, Elizabeth I and William III, carved by renowned artists John Michael Rysbrack and Peter Scheemakers. You’ll appreciate how the selection reflects Whig political ideology, dividing the honoured figures between eight known for actions and eight celebrated for thoughts and ideas.

For convenient access to nearby destinations, consider these locations for your car hire needs:

• Stony Stratford
• Brackley
• Milton Keynes
• Bletchley
• Weedon
• Newport Pagnell
• Stone
• Aylesbury

Gothic Temple

Medieval-inspired architecture celebrates England’s Anglo-Saxon heritage at this 1741 folly tower built by James Gibbs for Lord Cobham. Available for weekday tours from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, the structure was designed as the Temple of Liberty, reflecting Whig political ideals through its Gothic styling. We discover this impressive addition represents one of the final elements in Charles Bridgeman and William Kent’s famous garden design, showcasing the evolution from earlier Baroque influences to later Romantic sensibilities.

Roman Barrows

Scheduled Romano-British burial mounds beside A421 near Thornborough Bridge are visible from roadside. Excavated 1839 by Duke of Buckingham, revealing wealthy 2nd-century cremation burial with samian pottery, bronze jugs, glass vessels and amphorae. Larger mound measures approximately 37 metres diameter, rising nearly 5 metres high. Further cremation burials discovered nearby during 1970s excavations. Positioned near junction of five Roman roads and close to Romano-British temple site at Bourton Grounds.

Stowe House

Cinematic grandeur defines this magnificent mansion available for daily tours from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM, boasting three centuries of architectural evolution from manor house to grand estate. Featured in productions including The Crown, X-Men First Class, Stardust, Indiana Jones and James Bond, the building demonstrates remarkable historical significance and visual splendour. We note that tours showcase selected areas since the house functions as a working school, though visitors during holidays can access additional rooms for more comprehensive experiences.

National Trust – Buckingham Chantry Chapel

Medieval heritage survives in this fascinating building on Market Hill, open Tuesday through Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, plus Saturdays until 4:00 PM. Dating from the late 12th century, the structure served successively as a hospital, a chantry chapel and a school before National Trust acquisition in 1912. You’ll discover a second-hand bookshop alongside tea, coffee and cake service, though the interior decoration remains quite plain despite the building’s rich historical significance and enthusiastic volunteer staff.

Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust

Military history comes alive at this dedicated museum on Market Hill that operates five days weekly from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The collection showcases the region’s military heritage through carefully curated exhibits that honour local service members and regiments. We find the museum provides valuable insights into how national conflicts affected local communities, creating educational opportunities for visitors interested in understanding Buckinghamshire’s contributions to British military history.

Buckingham Old Gaol

Castle-like architecture distinguishes this 1748 prison-turned-museum on Market Hill, available for tours daily except Sundays from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Built with crenellations and arrow-slits to resemble a fortress, the structure was funded by Richard Grenville Temple, Lord Viscount of Cobham, reflecting Buckingham’s ambitions to regain county town status. You’ll discover the rare Buckingham half-angel coin from Richard III’s reign, one of only seven known examples and the sole specimen on public display.

St Rumbold’s Well

Ancient spirituality meets modern challenges at this fascinating shrine that represents local heritage and the legendary resting place of Saxon saint St Rumbold. The site requires ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its historical significance despite occasional vandalism that detracts from its cultural value. We encourage visitors to appreciate this connection to medieval pilgrimage traditions and early Christianity in the region, though community stewardship remains essential for long-term preservation of this unique historical landmark.