Buckinghamshire has long been a favoured escape for those seeking classic rural English charm whilst remaining within easy reach of London. The area's mix of scenic landscapes between the Chiltern Hills and the Thames Valley is one of its biggest draws, with a dozen picturesque towns and villages dotted throughout.
Among the many gems across the country, a few stand out for their beauty, atmosphere, and high livability. From quaint English riverside to hidden hamlets that one may blink and miss driving past, the following entries are the best places to live in Buckinghamshire.
Marlow
Life by the river rarely gets more polished than Marlow, a town that sits comfortably on the bank of the River Thames with one foot in the countryside and the other in magnificent mediaeval heritage. Georgian townhouses and Victorian villas dominate the property market around the town's historic centre, with the occasional Tudor period manse or similar property available that reflects the town's age. One of the biggest draws to this area are the riverfront apartments and extended family homes nestled along tree-lined lanes – ideal for those wanting more space, whilst still being able to commute to London.
The town’s suspension bridge is a beloved local landmark and perfectly encapsulates the merge between modern living and more rustic appeal. The high street blends independents and upmarket favourites, while riverside walks, rowing, and local regattas fill the social calendar. Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers and its equally celebrated sibling, The Coach, will become regular fine-dining spots for newly moved-in residents, who can’t wait to bask in the timeless charm of Marlow’s riverside setting.
Great Missenden
Found deep within the captivating hills of the Chilterns, Great Missenden was once the home of acclaimed British author Roald Dahl, whose legacy is preserved in the village’s museum. Smaller than many other settlements, what Great Missenden lacks in size it makes up for in beautiful features, including one of the region’s most photographed high streets and charming brick-and-flint cottages.
Living in such quaint and picturesque settings is not just idyllic, but quite practical. Trains from Great Missenden reach London Marylebone in around 45 minutes, making it an attractive choice for commuters wishing to live a quieter life outside the city. Weekends here are all about hill walks, visits to farmers’ markets and countryside pubs, fully embracing the rural setting and the more relaxed approach to life that comes with it.
Wendover
The heart of Wendover is its high street: a charming, historic blend of old coaching inns, coffee shops, and village pubs where locals are all on first-name terms with the landlord. Properties in the village vary between red-bricked Edwardian townhouses, period cottages with either thatched or flint roofs, and renovated bungalows that offer copious space.
Tucked between the Ridgeway National Trail and Wendover Woods, a transition point between the Vale of Aylesbury and the hills, Wendover offers access to the area's scenic landscapes, grammar school catchments, and the timeless charm of village life. Situated on the very edge of the Chilterns, walkers can enjoy sweeping views from nearby Coombe Hill and ponder that whilst surrounded by such abundant natural beauty, they are only a 50-minute train ride from London’s busy city centre.
Hambleden
Few villages in England feel as untouched as Hambleden. Nestled in a secluded valley between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, this historic hamlet has been used as a filming location for everything from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to The Avengers. With a pristine collection of flint-and-brick cottages, mediaeval church, and a centuries-old pub, the appeal of living in Hambledon is two-fold. Exclusivity and privacy.
Marlow and Henley are close enough for all essentials and offer high-quality amenities, and transport directly into London, preserving Hambledon’s discreet character and stifling the need to develop it further. Properties are few and far between, and rarely come up for sale. When they do, they tend to be cottages with character, listed homes with centuries of history, or the occasional converted barn with panoramic views across the valley, only adding to the appeal of living in one of the more secluded parts of Buckinghamshire.
Buckland
Lying east of Aylesbury and hidden within the hills of the Mole Valley, Buckland is one of Buckinghamshire’s quietest and best-kept secret villages. Most of the village lies within a conservation area, which manifests in a large assortment of timber-framed farmhouses, Georgian rectories, and thatched cottages that sit along narrow lanes between farmland.
There’s little to see or do within the village itself, which will suit those seeking a tucked-away lifestyle but with access to bigger towns nearby, such as Aylesbury and Tring, the locals do not lack for anything living in the Buckland. Nearby Wendover feels demonstrably bigger and busier by comparison, but Buckland’s quiet lanes and country roads offer the sort of gentle peace free of heavy traffic that many seek to move to the countryside for.
Long Crendon
Straddling the edge of the Vale of Aylesbury, Long Crendon is known for its beautiful high street, where gastro-style pubs, a butcher, and cafés find home within mediaeval timber-framed buildings. The local courthouse dates back to the 15th century, and the village has done well to retain much of its heritage without the addition of many modern developments.
Yet, Long Crendon is far from a time capsule. Commuters use the nearby Haddenham & Thame Parkway for direct trains into London Marylebone, and the centre of Oxford is just a 30-minute drive away. The area is incredibly popular with families and working professionals as a result, with property options including period cottages, barn conversions, and larger Georgian era homes with views across the local green or the sweeping hillsides.
