Car Hire Chesham

Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire with a population of approximately 23,000, Chesham offers excellent accessibility via major routes including the A413 and A416, connecting seamlessly to the M25 and beyond. The town enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters averaging 4°C and pleasant summers reaching 22°C, making it an attractive year-round destination for exploration.

Attractions In Chesham

Explore valley setting and community attractions in the Chiltern Hills, featuring historic railway connections, local nature reserves and traditional high street shops serving the local community.

Lowndes Park

Award-winning public park in central Chesham, site of medieval deer park first mentioned 1264 when Hugh de Vere held court here. Originally part of Earl of Oxford’s estate with rectory house, later acquired by Lowndes family. Today features lake attracting swans, ducks and herons, alongside modern play areas, skatepark and multi-use games area. Popular walking routes wind through grounds offering views towards Chiltern Hills. It’s maintained by community volunteers with ongoing masterplan improvements.

Meades Water Gardens

The River Chess flows beautifully through these restored gardens, accessible via Duck Alley near Town Bridge on Germain Street. You can explore both sides of the river thanks to two charming wooden bridges, discovering mature trees and seasonal displays of flag iris, marsh marigolds and wild garlic. We’ve found spring visits especially rewarding when the recent rains have brought the Chess back to full flow, creating perfect conditions for spotting kingfishers and grey wagtails.

The Elgiva Theatre

St Mary’s Way hosts this excellent venue where you’ll discover everything from national comedians to West End live streams at reasonable prices. With superb sightlines from every seat and friendly volunteer staff, it maintains a welcoming community atmosphere. The on-site parking requires early arrival, though the daytime café serving breakfast, sandwiches and hot meals makes timing your visit worthwhile.

Chesham Open Air Pool

This delightfully traditional outdoor facility maintains indoor pool temperatures while preserving its charming old-fashioned character. You’ll love the quaint changing rooms with basket storage and the excellent ice cream selection that adds to the nostalgic experience. Open daily with extended weekday hours until 9 in the evening, it represents community swimming at its finest.

Chesham Moor

Operating Monday through Thursday from 6 in the morning until 9 in the evening, this expansive recreation area on Moor Road offers diverse activities for all interests. The River Chess runs adjacent to the main field, while woodland walks reveal hidden stepping stones leading to secluded corners. We recommend bringing nets for children to catch small fish, though returning them afterwards preserves the ecosystem for future visitors.

When planning your broader Buckinghamshire exploration, consider these accessible destinations:

• Amersham
• Coleshill
• Wendover
• Chalfont St Peter
• Beaconsfield
• High Wycombe
• Gerrards Cross
• Princes Risborough

Chesham Museum

Twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 until 3, this volunteer-operated museum in the Town Hall on Parsonage Lane showcases exceptional local history displays. We find the timeline particularly engaging, connecting archaeological discoveries with national historical events through well-designed cabinets and informative printed materials. You’ll spend approximately 40 minutes exploring industrial artefacts and learning about local cinema history, with step-free entrance ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Chesham War Memorial

Standing prominently on The Broadway, this stone memorial honours the 188 local men who fell during the First World War. Unveiled in 1921 and designed by Arthur George Walker, you’ll notice how it’s positioned to catch sunlight on the soldier’s face throughout the day. Following World War II, we can observe how two additional monoliths were added, creating a comprehensive tribute to all local war casualties.

Chesham Moor Leisure Centre

Recently refurbished with an expanded gym and improved changing facilities, this Moor Road venue serves the community with distinction. You’ll appreciate the friendly staff, professional lifeguards and the welcome addition of an on-site café for post-exercise refreshments. Operating with extended weekday hours until 9 in the evening and reduced weekend times, it has maintained excellent standards for seven years running.

Jacob’s Ladder

Steep stepped footpath in Chesham Bois descending sharply from St. Leonard’s Church and Warren Cottages down to Chesham Bois Burial Ground near railway. Forms part of parish footpath network connecting Bois Lane to valley floor. Named follows traditional English custom of calling steep stepped paths Jacob’s Ladder, biblical reference to ladder reaching heaven. Popular route on annual Beating the Bounds walk. Path rewards descent with views across Chess Valley and Great Bois Wood from burial ground chapel.

Clock Tower Chesham

Located at the High Street’s terminus in the market square, this 1992 construction houses a mid-19th-century clock mechanism where the old Town Hall once stood. You’ll learn that the historic Town Bell, renamed the Stirling Bell in 2014, was reunited with the clock through a partnership with Chesham Museum. The hourly chimes now mark time across the town centre, creating audio landmarks for navigation.

Nashleigh Hill Recreation Ground

Recent modernisation has transformed this Nashleigh Hill facility with exciting new play equipment across a generous area. While the improvements delight children, you should note that the space isn’t fenced from dogs and parking remains challenging. We suggest planning your visit timing carefully to maximise enjoyment while managing practical considerations.

Thomas Harding Memorial

Granite cross near St Mary’s Church entrance commemorates Chesham’s Protestant martyr, burnt at stake for reading Bible in English. This Lollard farmer held beliefs considered heretical by Catholic Church, including right to worship in English rather than Latin. Executed on White Hill in 1532, just years before English Reformation made his views acceptable. Second memorial stone marks execution site on White Hill. Local junior school bears his name, keeping memory alive of man who died for his faith.

Whelpley Hill Iron Age Fort

Archaeological enthusiasts will enjoy seeking the remains of this ancient hillfort visible from the public footpath. You can still discern the circular earthwork outlines in the grass, though accessing the private fields isn’t permitted. We find it fascinating to imagine the original settlement while respecting current land boundaries, making it ideal for those interested in prehistoric Buckinghamshire.

Global Cuisine

Fullers Close brings international flavours to Chesham’s culinary landscape, offering diverse dining experiences within easy reach. You’ll find world cuisine options that satisfy varied tastes without requiring extensive travel, making it convenient for combining cultural exploration with gastronomic adventure. We recommend it for those seeking to sample different culinary traditions while staying local.