5 Ideas For A Weekend Of Country Living
If you’re looking to get away from the chaotic congestion of life in the city, why not head out to the countryside for a rural reset?
Marlow is little more than an hour from London by train or car and it is home to The Chequers, one of the best hotels in Buckinghamshire. From here, you can spend a weekend unwinding in the wonderful wildlife of the Chilterns – and plenty more besides.
Here are 5 wholesome activities that are guaranteed to bring out the ‘country’ in you…
A trip to a ‘pick-your-own’ farm
Don’t just visit the countryside – taste it! There’s nothing quite like the flavour of freshly picked fruit and British classics such as strawberries, blackberries, cherries and loganberries are hard to beat. The Chequers is close to a plethora of pick-your-own farms, from Peterley Manor in Great Missenden to Copas Farms near Maidenhead. You’ll find it hard not to eat more than you put in your punnet.
A wild swim
If you’re itching to feel invigorated, you’ll probably want to take yourself off to the nearest freshwater lake, pond or river and take a dip. Wild swimming has exploded in popularity in the last couple of years, with people reaping the reputed physical and mental health benefits – particularly during the pandemic.
The best news is that you won’t have to venture far from The Chequers. Of all the hotels in Buckinghamshire, it’s ideally placed for wild swimming enthusiasts – Marlow lock is a popular spot for those wanting to brave the waters, while Hurley Lock, located further up the river towards Henley, is another favourite destination.
A pint in a country pub
If cold water exposure sounds a little too invigorating, you can always make do with the cosy warmth of a country pub. Buckinghamshire is bursting with brilliant boozers – many of them owned by Brakspear pubs (of which Honeycomb Houses are a managed division). And after a day soaking up the Great British wildlife, there’s nothing quite like a pint of something deliciously foamy. Of course, you could simply pop into our pub at The Chequers; we’d be only too happy to pour you one (or three).
A picnic with a view
If you’re out and about on a long, lazy summer day, you’ll need to stop for refreshments. And what could be a better way of refuelling than stopping for a picnic amidst the rich rural rarities of the Chilterns? Coombe Hill, Wendover Woods and Hughenden Park are all perfect places to picnic. Just don’t forget to pack the sausage rolls!
A hot-air balloon ride
The Chilterns is designated an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a reason – the scenery is stunning. So stunning, in fact, that you’ll want to take in as much of it as you can, all at once. And the best way to do that is to take to the skies.
A hot-air balloon ride is a simultaneously stimulating and serene adventure that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Chilterns’ rolling hills and lush landscapes. Adventure Balloons operate from Great Missenden, which means you won’t have to travel far from The Chequers to get airborne. And once your feet are firmly back on the ground, you’ll have one of the comfiest hotels in Buckinghamshire to return to.