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Buckingham

Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Buckingham, located in the picturesque county of Buckinghamshire in the United Kingdom, is a charming market town with a rich history and plenty to offer visitors. One of the main attractions in Buckingham is the histori…

#Historic town#Market town#Buckinghamshire#United Kingdom#University town

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Buckingham.

Top Hotels in Buckingham

Top Flights to Buckingham

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Buckingham.

Tours

Stowe House and Gardens

Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful landscaped gardens at Stowe, a prime example of English garden design.

Buckingham Old Gaol Museum

Discover the rich history of Buckingham at this unique museum housed in a historic gaol.

Shopping

Cornwalls Meadow Shopping Centre

A convenient shopping centre offering a variety of stores for a pleasant retail experience.

Outdoor

Silverstone Circuit Experience

Experience the thrill of motorsports at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, home of British motor racing.

Chandos Park

Enjoy a relaxing day out in one of Buckingham's central parks with facilities for all ages.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Buckingham.

Currency

£ | GBP | Pound Sterling

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Average weather

Buckingham

Jan

7°1°

Feb

8°1°

Mar

11°3°

Apr

14°5°

May

18°8°

Jun

21°11°

Jul

23°13°

Aug

23°13°

Sep

20°11°

Oct

15°8°

Nov

10°4°

Dec

7°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Buckingham.

What people love

Buckingham, located in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, is a charming historic town with several attractions and benefits for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Buckingham include:

History and Architecture: Buckingham is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, including the iconic Buckingham Old Gaol, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, and the Buckingham Chantry Chapel.
Buckingham Palace: While Buckingham Palace is not located in Buckingham town itself, it is just a short distance away in London. Travelers to Buckingham can easily visit Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a popular tourist attraction.
Buckingham University: The town is home to the University of Buckingham, a prestigious institution known for its high-quality education and beautiful campus. Travelers interested in academia can explore the university grounds and attend public lectures or events.
Shopping and Dining: Buckingham offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Travelers can browse local boutiques, sample traditional British cuisine, or relax in a cozy tea room.
Natural Beauty: Buckinghamshire is known for its picturesque countryside and green spaces. Visitors to Buckingham can explore the surrounding area, go for walks or hikes, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the English countryside.

Overall, traveling to Buckingham offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists looking to experience the best of British heritage.

What to know

Traveling to Buckingham, located in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, may have some potential cons:

Limited transportation options: Buckingham is a relatively small town, and while it is well-connected by road, the public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. This could make it challenging to get around without a car.
Limited tourist attractions: While Buckingham is a charming town with historical significance, it may not have as many tourist attractions or entertainment options as larger cities like London or Oxford. Visitors looking for a bustling nightlife or a wide variety of activities may find Buckingham to be relatively quiet.
Limited dining and shopping options: Due to its size, Buckingham may have a more limited selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops compared to larger cities. Visitors looking for a diverse culinary or shopping experience may find their options to be somewhat limited.
Potential for inclement weather: Like much of the United Kingdom, Buckinghamshire can experience rainy and cool weather, especially during certain times of the year. Travelers should be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions during their visit.
Limited accommodation options: While Buckingham does have some accommodation options, they may be limited in terms of variety and availability, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors may need to plan their accommodations well in advance.

Overall, while Buckingham is a charming and historic town, visitors should be aware of its potential limitations in terms of transportation, attractions, dining and shopping options, weather, and accommodations.

Buckingham is a market town in north Buckinghamshire, England, with a rich history that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Here's a detailed look at its history, significant events, historical figures, and notable landmarks:

Early History and Development

Anglo-Saxon Period: Buckingham is believed to have been founded in the 7th century by the Anglo-Saxon leader Bucca, from whom the town derives its name. By the late 9th century, Buckingham was a fortified settlement, or "burh," established by King Alfred the Great to defend against Viking invaders.
Domesday Book: By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Buckingham was an established settlement with a royal charter granted by King Henry II in 1554, allowing it to hold a market and a fair.

Medieval and Early Modern Periods

Buckingham Castle: There was once a motte-and-bailey castle in Buckingham, which was built by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. However, it fell into disrepair and was eventually dismantled.
St. Rumbold's Well: St. Rumbold's Well, located in Buckingham, is associated with the legend of St. Rumbold, a child saint purportedly born in the town who lived for only three days.

17th Century

Civil War: During the English Civil War, Buckingham was occupied by both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces at different times. The town suffered damage and disruption as a result.

18th and 19th Centuries

Market Town: Buckingham continued to flourish as a market town throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The construction of the Grand Junction Canal and later, the arrival of the railway, boosted its economy.
Education: The Royal Latin School, founded in 1423, is one of the oldest schools in the country and has been an important educational institution in Buckingham.

20th Century to Present

University of Buckingham: Founded in 1976, it is the UK's first independent university and has helped to enhance the town's reputation as a center for education.
Current Status: Today, Buckingham is a vibrant community that blends its historical heritage with modern living, retaining much of its original character with many preserved historical buildings.

Notable Landmarks

Buckingham Old Gaol: A former prison built in 1748, now a museum that offers insights into the town's history.
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church: This parish church has origins dating back to the 12th century, though it was largely rebuilt in the 18th century.
The Chantry Chapel: A National Trust property, this is a rare surviving example of a medieval chantry chapel in Buckingham.

Historical Figures

St. Rumbold: Although largely legendary, St. Rumbold is a figure tied to Buckingham's early history.
King Alfred the Great: Known for establishing the burh in Buckingham as part of his defense strategy against Viking invasions.

Conclusion

Buckingham is a town with deep historical roots and a rich heritage. It has played various roles throughout English history, from a defensive stronghold to a bustling market town, and continues to maintain its historical charm alongside modern developments.