Attractions and Places To See around Chalfont St Giles - Top 20

Chalfont St Giles is rich in history. You can visit Milton's Cottage, the only surviving home of John Milton, where he completed 'Paradise Lost'. Another significant site is St Giles' Church, dating back to the 12th century with 14th-century wall paintings. Nearby, the Jordans Meeting House is historically important for its Quaker associations, and the Mayflower Barn is believed to incorporate timbers from the historic Mayflower ship. For a broader historical experience, the Chiltern Open Air Museum showcases rescued historic buildings from various eras.

The area offers several picturesque natural spots. The village itself features a charming Village Green and Duck Pond. You can also explore the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for walks. The River Chess Stepping Stones and Weir offer a scenic spot, especially in summer. Additionally, Hodgemoor Wood is a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Ruislip Lido provides a lake, beach, and forest for relaxation and bird-watching.

Yes, several attractions are great for families. Ruislip Lido offers a beach, forest, and a narrow-gauge train for children. The Chiltern Open Air Museum is an award-winning site with historic buildings and has been used as a filming location for *Horrible Histories*. The River Chess Stepping Stones and Weir are a fun spot for kids to explore. Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge is a quaint historical site next to Stocker's Lake, which is a nature reserve, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.

There are various cycling opportunities. For an easy, traffic-free ride, consider the Ebury Way Cycle Path between Rickmansworth and Watford. If you're looking for more extensive rides, komoot offers several cycling guides, including Cycling around Chalfont St Giles, with routes like the 'Cookham High Street – Marlow Suspension Bridge loop' or the 'Hodgemoor Wood Bike Park – Winchmore Hill loop'.

Absolutely! The surrounding Chiltern Hills provide excellent hiking opportunities. You can find numerous trails, including moderate routes like the 'Holy Trinity Church – Merlin's Cave loop' or the 'Old Amersham Town Centre – Rectory Hill Footpath loop'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Chalfont St Giles guide on komoot.

Old Amersham Town Centre is a delightful settlement known for its historic architecture, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. It features the 13th-century parish church of St. Mary's and several old pubs and coaching inns. It's a great place for a break, offering a charming atmosphere and a weekly market that dates back centuries.

Visitors love Ruislip Lido for its beautiful lake, beach, and surrounding forest. It's a popular spot for relaxation, bird-watching, and enjoying nature. Many appreciate the opportunity to cycle around the lido, though it can get busy. There are also several places to grab coffee or a bite to eat, and a narrow-gauge train for all ages.

Yes, the area offers options for gravel biking. You can find routes like the 'Flaunden Village – Lane Wood Bridleway loop' or the 'Black Jack's Mill loop'. For a comprehensive selection of trails, check out the Gravel biking around Chalfont St Giles guide on komoot.

Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge is a quaint old lock with historical significance on the Grand Union Canal. The adjacent Stocker's Lake was once part of Stocker's Farm, dating back to 1427, and later became a gravel pit before being purchased to protect the aquifer. Today, Stocker's Lake is a nature reserve managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Ebury Way Cycle Path is a flat, traffic-free route connecting Rickmansworth and Watford. It's well-shaded, making it pleasant on hot days, and features scenic bridges. There's even a wooden hut café at Batchworth Lock for a convenient stop. It's considered a nice and gentle path, suitable for a relaxed ride.

Yes, you can visit the River Chess Stepping Stones and Weir. This lovely spot features a small weir on the River Chess and stepping stones, sometimes called 'Steps of Heaven', which you can walk across. It's a pleasant place to spend time, especially during the summer.