High Wycombe isn’t a typical commuter town. Situated among the Chiltern Hills and scenic Buckinghamshire countryside, it provides a welcome haven for those relocating from the capital. It’s made even more attractive given the fast train service to London Marylebone.
Although the sleepy villages of surrounding High Wycombe are a major draw, the town centre shouldn’t be overlooked. Modern attractions provide convenience, while traditional values are still maintained in the old town. These cobbled streets host a weekly market which has taken place here since the Middle Ages.
Complementing these historic attractions, a newly developed shopping complex known as Eden houses all the major retailers, with a great choice of eateries and leisure facilities. Other nearby attractions include two cinemas, a swimming pool and the renowned Wycombe Swan – considered one of the best regional theatres in the UK.
Despite the multi-million pound developments and ongoing regeneration projects, High Wycombe hasn’t infringed on the nearby villages. A slower pace of life can be enjoyed here, with walking and cycling routes navigating the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Things to do in High Wycombe
Blending the traditional with the modern, High Wycombe is home to an exciting array of attractions for both young and old. As well as the attractions mentioned above, residents of High Wycombe are in easy reach of:
What is High Wycombe Like?
High Wycombe is a lively market town in Buckinghamshire. Surrounded by the Chiltern Hills, High Wycombe and the surrounding areas provide beautiful green spaces to explore. With its excellent travel connections, High Wycombe is just 30 minutes from the capital making it an extremely attractive town for London commuters.
Recent regeneration of the town has brought a significant increase in interest to High Wycombe, particularly among young professionals looking for less costly property and rental fees. It is also a great place to call home for young families, with 70% of the 44 schools in the High Wycombe area receiving ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted.
Shoppers have more than enough to keep them entertained with a lively high street and two shopping centres to enjoy. The Eden Shopping Centre, or Eden Centre as its more popularly known, is a shopping and entertainment complex. It is the largest shopping centre in the surrounding area, and the 32nd largest in the UK. It is home to over 100 shops including well-known international brands and high-street chains, as well as an abundant selection of dining and leisure offerings.
High Wycombe boasts a more than ample selection of restaurants and eateries including Caribbean, Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern and traditional British options. The Air Raid Shelter Café and Tea Room, located in The Chilterns Shopping Centre, is worth a special mention. This imaginative tearoom rolls back the clock to the 1940’s offering an experience of a time forgotten, where the war-time music and artefacts provide a unique atmosphere.
High Wycombe is home to a popular street market on the high street, which has been around since medieval times. Fresh farmer’s produce and goods are for sale here on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Transport Links
High Wycombe is well connected to major destinations such as Maidenhead, Reading, Watford, Slough, Chesham, Berkhamsted and Heathrow Airport.
The town sits adjacent to the M40 motorway, which provides convenient access to the M4, M1 and M25. Travelling by car to central London takes as little as 55 minutes and Heathrow Airport is only 20 miles away, or 30 minutes without traffic.
High Wycombe Eden bus station is served by Arriva Shires & Essex and Carousel Buses, with services heading towards the likes of Watford, Reading, Slough and Aylesbury. High Wycombe is also served by one of Buckinghamshire’s Rainbow Routes network of services. A Park and Ride service runs into the Buckinghamshire town too from Cressex Business Park.
The town is served by High Wycombe railway station, which sits on the Chiltern Main Line London Marylebone to Birmingham. For those working in London, High Wycombe offers great appeal, with frequent services to the capital taking as little as 30 minutes. Trains also link to Birmingham Snow Hill, as well as Oxford and other major hubs across the UK.
High W’s nearest motorways are the M40 and M4, offering easy access to Oxford, London and The Midlands.
Schools in the Area
Over 85% of schools in High Wycombe have been rated either ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by government watchdog Ofsted. As such, High Wycombe sits at the top of the league tables for schools compared with all other towns across Buckinghamshire.
For those fortunate to live in the High Wycombe catchment area, there is a choice of 15 primary schools, and a selection of esteemed grammar schools. These include Wycombe High – a girls-only school – and the boys’ alternative, John Hampden. Alternatives include Wycombe Abbey, which is among the best-performing schools in the country according to A level results.
Younger adults can opt for the nearby Amersham & Wycombe College, which offers a range of both higher educational courses and apprenticeships. The main hub of Buckinghamshire New University is also situated in High Wycombe, offering students a choice of postgraduate, undergraduate and professional courses.
Outdoor & Leisure Opportunities and Festivals
There are plenty of outdoor and leisure opportunities in High Wycombe and the surrounding areas too. Hikers, dog walkers, cyclists and runners can enjoy the spectacular Chiltern Hills. The Rye is a much-loved local park to get some fresh air and rejuvenation in wonderful surroundings, including a pond and waterfall frequented by a number of ducks. The Colne Valley Regional Park and the National Trust-owned West Wycombe Park are both within easy reach too.
High Wycombe Leisure Centre is an impressive complex offering a variety of sporting opportunities including football, squash, badminton, trampolining, swimming and a number of fitness classes.
Perhaps the biggest attraction in the surrounding area is the Hellfire Caves. These spooky caves are a great trip out for the whole family and are less than three miles away from High Wycombe.
The town is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual FrogFest, High Wycombe’s annual family music festival, and the Music Beer Big Bash. The High Wycombe Vegan is a highly regarded vegan market which runs on several Sundays throughout the year too.
For more information about High Wycombe, please read our guide on what it is like to live in High Wycombe.
History of High Wycombe
High Wycombe received status as a market borough in 1222, but its history can be traced back to 150 AD. Excavations across the town have uncovered a Roman villa complete with bath house and intricate mosaics. Although little is known of this period, records of High Wycombe during Medieval and Tudor times suggest it prospered as a mill town.
Corn, lace and linen industries flourished thanks to its close proximity to the River Wye. This powered the mills and gave a convenient transport link to the bustling capital. Paper-making was another thriving industry, but it was the production of furniture in the 19th century that put High Wycombe on the map. The famed Windsor chair was manufactured here, with factories established all over town.
As the seat of the RAF’s Bomber Command, High Wycombe played a pivotal role during World War II. Although the furniture industry would soon decline, High Wycombe’s factories joined the war effort by producing aircraft components. In 1960, the town underwent a transformation with major development programmes. This commitment to regeneration is still present today, with ongoing improvements to all pedestrianised zones of the town.