Did you know the Chilterns is an AONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

Did you know the Chilterns is an AONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

Today, 22 April, is Earth Day so what better way to celebrate this day than to share what makes this area so special.  With quintessential English countryside and historic market towns, the Chilterns has it all. The Chilterns is one of 46 AONB’s in the UK covering 324 square miles of countryside stretching across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Sitting on London’s doorstep it extends 70 km from Henley-on-Thames to Berkhamsted.

MAP

What is an AONB or National Landscape

An AONB is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. The 46 designated areas have recently been renamed by the Government and are now known as National Landscapes. The new name reflects their national importance; the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.

Why live in the Chilterns – a National Landscape?

Many of our clients get in touch as they are keen to move to an area with greater access to green space. Many are keen cyclists, walkers or runners and wish to explore the many miles of footpaths on the doorstep whilst also benefitting from excellent transport links into London.  Many clients also wish to make the move to simply to enjoy a wide range of dog walks from their doorstep. The Chilterns is also home to many historic market towns with a fabulous community feel.

Another reason that clients choose the Chilterns is due to the excellent schooling available. The area is home to 13 high achieving grammar schools:

• Aylesbury Grammar School (boys)
• Aylesbury High School (girls)
• Beaconsfield High School (girls)
• Burnham Grammar School (co-ed)
• Chesham Grammar School (co-ed)
• Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham (boys)
• Dr Challoner’s High School in Little Chalfont (girls)
• John Hampden Grammar School in High Wycombe (boys)
• Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe (boys)
• Royal Latin School in Buckingham (co-ed)
• Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in Aylesbury (mixed)
• Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow (co-ed)
• Wycombe High School (girls)

Where to live in the Chilterns?

We are of course biased as we love so many towns and villages in the Chilterns but here is a list of our particular favourites.

• Amersham: Often in the Top Ten places to live in the UK
• Beaconsfield: Fast commute to London + historic old town and new town + countryside on doorstep
• Bourne End: Riverside living + bustling High Street + popular marina
• Chalfont St Giles: Quintessential village with duck pond + character High Street + semi-rural
• Chesham: Excellent links with train and tube + theatre + leisure centre
• Great Missenden: Valley location + semi-rural town full of character + direct train to London
• Henley-on-Thames: Bustling historic town + theatre + riverside living
• Marlow: Stunning High Street + riverside location + famous restaurants
• Penn: Village green and duck pond + character housing + community feel
• Wendover: Rural feel with great High Street + restaurants + Wendover Woods
• Wooburn Green: Village feel + sporting amenities + village green

Chiltern Relocation also has Area Guides for other fabulous towns and villages in the Chilterns.