Explore nature

With far-reaching views over the Oxfordshire Vale, Aston Rowant is an area of woodland and downland on top of the Chilterns escarpment. Here, red kites wheel overhead, while chalkhill blue and silver-spotted skippers dance among the flowers. Enjoy easy access trails or head off the beaten track.

Barton Hills is a chalk grassland site that is typical of the northern Chilterns, with some woodlands of beech and ash-maple. The grassland is grazed in autumn and winter to encourage wildflowers, such as the rare pasque flower. Chalkhill blue, marbled white and grizzled skipper butterflies also thrive here.

This chalk grassland site offers wonderful views over the River Thames and the iconic Brunel railway bridge that spans it. It is home to nationally important wildflowers and insects; orchids, butterflies and moths are abundant, and red kites can be seen soaring overhead. Look out for the delicate and rare monkey orchid in June – a real treat to spot!

Not far from Berkhamsted, the Ashridge Estate is a gem in the Chilterns’ crown. Comprising 2,000 hectares of wildlife-rich woodlands and chalk downland, it offers walks and rides through outstanding scenery. For breathtaking views, climb to the top of the Bridgewater Monument.

Ancient beech pollards are a splendid feature of Burnham’s extensive area of woodland and commons. There are surfaced, easy-access paths and roads that are closed to vehicles. Wildlife abounds, with woodpeckers in the trees, common lizards basking in sunny spots, and fungi popping up among the autumnal leaf litter.

Near Henley-on-Thames, Warburg is one the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserves. Tucked away among quiet beech woods, there is a small visitor centre and something to see all year-round: in spring, the woodland is awash with bluebells; in summer, the chalk grassland rides are full of orchids; in autumn, an incredible 900 species of fungi grow here; and in winter, sparkling frosts adorn the valley.

One of the highest points in the Chilterns, Wendover Woods is a large, wooded site managed by Forestry England. There is a café, children’s adventure playground and an easy access trail. Look out for the Gruffalo hiding in the woodlands, among carpets of bluebells in spring and colourful leaves in autumn.

The highest point in Bedfordshire is a stunning chalk grassland site that’s full of history. Footpaths criss-cross its grassy slopes, and a Neolithic burial ground and a set of medieval rabbit warrens make impressive stops along the way. Include the Chilterns Gateway Centre in your visit.

Scale the panoramic hilltop of Ivinghoe Beacon and enjoy immense views over the surrounding countryside. Look out for signs of the past on the windswept hillsides, including the remains of an Iron Age hillfort and prehistoric earthworks. As you tread, be careful of the wonderful wildflowers, including the rare pasque flower, which blooms here from April.

Close to the town centre, Tring Park is expansive green space with a rich mosaic of habitats, including chalk grassland, mixed woodland and open parkland, all landscaped by Charles Bridgeman at the turn of the 18th century. Tread carefully among lady’s bedstraw, yellow rattle, saxifrage and salad burnet in summer, while clouds of butterflies flutter by.

Close to Princes Risborough, West Wycombe Park is famed for its perfectly preserved Rococo gardens. Created in the mid-18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, they surround his fine Palladian mansion, often described as the most Italianate house in England. The expansive parkland is open to the public in summer.

Once a former chalk quarry, College Lake has been transformed into a thriving wildlife centre by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. It is a haven for migrating wildfowl and chalk grassland wildlife. Stroll along easy access trails, learn about local wildlife through exhibitions and events, and enjoy refreshments in the Visitor Centre café.

From Goring, take a boat trip with Salter’s Steamers. Scheduled passenger services go upriver to Wallingford and downriver to Beale Park, Mapledurham and Reading. Watch out for watery wildlife like herons, water voles and kingfishers along the way, or just soak up the atmosphere of river life.

Planted in 1931 to commemorate the First World War, grass avenues are lined with deciduous and evergreen species, laid out in the shape of a traditional medieval cathedral.