The scenic beauty of Chesham was once a well-kept secret, but that all changed with the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway. This charming town – set amidst the rolling Chiltern Hills – now became accessible to visitors from London. As it quickly gained a reputation for its community feel and picturesque setting, many of those visitors ended up staying.
It’s not surprising that Chesham has grown into the sought-after location it is today. The largest town in the Chiltern District feels more like a quaint village, complete with a weekly market and historic town square. With that said, the area boasts all the convenience of a bustling city, but without the crowds. All of the major retailers can be found on the High Street, and residents can make use of the town’s cinema or large leisure centre.
The nearby golf courses and wide expanses of greenery offer a similar appeal for fans of the outdoors. In an area famed for its walking routes, there’s always somewhere worth exploring on a sunny day. Alternatively, families have the convenience of Lowndes Park, which is nestled in the heart of the town. Cherished by the locals, this impressive common is home to sports facilities as well as a children’s playground.
With an excellent choice of schools and a diverse range of properties, Chesham manages to satisfy all homeowners, from young professionals to retirees and families.
Transportation in Chesham
Despite its location in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Chesham is is easily accessible to the capital. As such, transport links promise an easy commute while other major cities can be reached via the M1, M25 or M40. These motorways are all situated only a short drive away.
Those travelling by train have the convenience of Chesham Underground station. It sits at the end of the Metropolitan line, with frequent services to London Marylebone and Baker Street. This takes approximately 40 minutes and 55 minutes respectively. Alternatively, commuters have the option of nearby Amersham station, which provides overground services into the capital, as well as other locations across the south-east.
Finally, for the frequent flyer, Heathrow airport is only 23 miles away. Dependent on traffic, the journey takes as little as 30 minutes via the M25.
Things to do in Chesham
Chesham is a town of contrasts, where historic sights sit alongside modern attractions. From its sports complexes to parks and cultural events, here’s what residents can look forward to:
- Berkhamsted Castle
- Chesham Museum
- White Hill Centre
- Chesham Bois Tennis & Squash Club
- Fit4less
- The Meadow
- Chesham Moor Gym and Swim
- Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
- Bekonscot Model Village
- The Elgiva
- Chesham and Ley Hill Golf Club
- The Drawing Room
- The Chess Valley Walk
Transport Links
Chesham is a well-connected town with reliable transport links. Chesham has its own tube station, which runs at the end of the Metropolitan Line, which provides frequent services towards London. The over ground station at Amersham is 10 minutes away from Chesham by car or bus. From Amersham, you can catch a direct train to London Marylebone which takes just over 40 minutes.
Chesham also has four extensive bus routes which provide easy access to neighbouring towns and cities including Milton Keynes, Watford, Windsor and High Wycombe, as well as central London.
Chesham is near to the M25, M40 and the A404 too, providing convenient road links for drivers to London as well as for taking trips further afield to other parts of the UK.
Schools in the Area
Chesham and the surrounding areas boast a number of excellent primary and secondary schools. Many of these schools are rated as above average or well above average by the local authority, which is a testament to the quality of education available in and around Chesham. There are also many schools with special educational needs and disabilities provision.
Dr Challoner’s High School is regarded as one of the best secondary schools in the area. Amersham & Wycombe College provides higher education to young adults with both vocational and academic courses available.
Amenities, Leisure and Attractions
You will find a fine selection of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, national retailers and independent shops on the High Street and around The Broadway. The pedestrianised, cobbled High Street is the location for the traditional General Market, which is held every Wednesday and Saturday, as well as the monthly Street Market on every second Saturday and the Local Produce market every fourth Saturday. Top quality food, drinks, plants and crafts make the Local Produce market a real favourite among the locals.
BURYfields is a thriving, family-friendly music and comedy festival which is held annually in June. The festival attracts big comedy names and offers a fun-filled atmosphere.
Chesham also boasts a wide range of leisure facilities. The Chesham Leisure Centre is a fitness complex with a fully equipped gym four-court sports hall, a fitness studio and two swimming pools. Chesham Moor Gym and Swim is a wonderful fitness centre with a gym with natural light, an outdoor heated 25-metre pool and tennis courts.
The Elgiva Theatre and Cinema is a highly regarded performing arts theatre with a 300-seat auditorium and exhibition space. The theatre showcases a wide range of shows, films, comedians, musicians and dancers, and also regularly hosts community events.
The Drawing Room is a vibrant venue which hosts gigs, concerts and other events throughout the year. The venue is particularly well known for providing a platform for wealth of local blues and jazz talent.
The Chesham Arts Festival is held annually, where amateur and distinguished musicians, dancers and speakers alike perform.
Outdoor Spaces in and Around Chesham
Given Chesham’s location in the Chiltern Hills, it comes as no surprise that there is an abundance of green space and picturesque walking opportunities within easy reach.
Lowndes Park is a much-loved local park covering 36 acres. The park has a multi-sports court, skateboard park, cycling and walking routes and children’s play areas. The park is the site for many of the town’s events including the annual Schools of Chesham Carnival and charity fun runs too. Also, open-air concerts are staged in the bandstand during July and August.
The Chess Valley Walk is a 10-mile linear walk through the Chilterns which follows the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham, the valley of the River Chess, passing through several attractive villages. This walk also provides many footpaths to explore other areas of this beautiful countryside, including Herbert’s Hole.
There is also the scenic Chesham Riverside and Woodland Walk, a 2.8 mile walk through woodlands, providing beautiful views of the Chess Valley.
History of Chesham
While Chesham offers all the modern luxuries, newcomers are often most attracted by its historical charm. Whether it’s the vibrant market square, period properties or weekly farmers market, this heritage is ever-present. Not surprisingly, the town has roots dating back as far as the Neolithic era. Archeological findings have even uncovered ruins of a Roman villa and the planting of grapevines.
The industries of the 19th century weren’t quite as colourful as these humble beginnings. Beer brewing was the major enterprise, closely followed by prosperous boot and brush-making industries.
Although the town developed faster that some of its rural neighbours, Chesham remained cut off from London until 1889. This year saw the opening of an underground station, which ferried visitors along the Metropolitan Railway. Development was to follow as many came to appreciate the surrounding beauty and Chesham’s relaxed atmosphere.