Buckingham

Aylesbury Vale

Type:Towns & Villages

The Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1JX

Tel: +44 01280 823020

Buckingham The old gaol and market

About

Once the county town of Buckinghamshire, as granted by Alfred the Great, Buckingham has had an abundance of historical references throughout the centuries. The town is characterised by its fine array of Georgian buildings and the Old Gaol and Town Hall.

The Old Gaol was one of the first purpose-built county gaols in England but today it houses a museum telling the complete history of Buckingham. You can find fascinating displays ranging from the Jurassic period through to the Viking occupation and on to the rich industrial history of the lace making era. The Gaol also contains the local tourist information office.

The tightly interwoven streets of the town are perfect for a gentle stroll to discover the many specialist shops, pubs and restaurants they contain. You can also take a walk up to the hill-top parish church of St Peter and St Paul or visit the Chantry Chapel, famous for being the oldest building in the town and for its unique Norman doorway.

Markets still play an important part in the town today with a street market every Tuesday and Saturday, farm shops and a local Farmers’ Market on the first Tuesday of the month. The town also hosts a country market, flea market, craft market and an annual French market.

What To Do

Summer festivals, heritage open days, annual Charter Fair, music concerts, exhibitions and an annual firework display, all make Buckingham an exciting place to visit whatever the time of year so see what's on with our Buckinghamshire event calendar.

Venturing just out of town, Stowe Landscape Gardens has been described as one of the greatest ever English landscape gardens. Explore over 40 monuments, temples and secret corners and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of ornamental lakes, wooded valleys and spectacular views. Another National Trust property nearby worth visiting is the historic house and gardens of Claydon.

To explore more towns and villages near Buckingham, or find things to do and places to eat, view our 'What's Nearby' listings below.

 

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. Buckingham Old Gaol Museum

    Housing Buckingham's Museum, the Tourist Information Centre and the Flora Thompson (Lark…

    0.19 miles away
  2. Silverstone

    The home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone is the venue for the British Formula 1…

    5.59 miles away
  3. Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park

    Experience the best of British farming and the countryside in a fun-filled family day out…

    7.28 miles away
  1. Quainton Windmill

    Seventy-foot tower mill, which has recently been restored to full working order, with…

    8.95 miles away
  2. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

    Large collection of railway relics including, steam locomotives, railway carriages and…

    9.62 miles away
  3. Grand Union Canal

    The Grand Union Canal runs from London to Birmingham crossing straight through the…

    9.78 miles away
  4. Bletchley Park

    Explore, experience and enjoy the once top-secret world of iconic Codebreaking Huts and…

    10.24 miles away
  5. Catanger Llamas

    Try something different - take a Llama to lunch! Discover the beautiful Northamptonshire…

    10.55 miles away
  6. A Day in the Country

    Stunning venue set in 250 acres of wooded estate - facilities include a conference suite…

    10.74 miles away
  7. Waddesdon Manor

    Waddesdon, a French Renaissance-style château, is set in the heart of Buckinghamshire.…

    11.03 miles away
  8. Sulgrave Manor


    Sulgrave Manor is a superb example of a modest Manor House and Garden of the time of…

    11.14 miles away
  9. College Farm Fishing

    OS GRID REF: SP522342
    College Farm Fishing is a family run and owned fishing lake…

    11.58 miles away
  10. The Lost Forest of Bernwood

    A 5.5-mile circular walk starting at Brill. It combines stunning views over the Vale of…

    12.68 miles away
  11. Canons Ashby House

    NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY
    Elizabethan Manor House, home of the Dryden family. Unaltered…

    12.86 miles away
  12. Deddington Castle (Site Only)

    Extensive earthworks conceal the remains of a 12th Century castle.
    Open during daylight…

    14.18 miles away
  13. Buckinghamshire County Museum & Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery

    Lively hands-on, innovative museum complex consisting of county heritage displays,…

    14.48 miles away
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