Aylesbury offers several clear focal points for a trip of discovery: listed architecture, performance and participatory programmes, walking routes, and waterside attractions. This lets you plan your trip around your own interests.
Architecture and local history
At Market Square, different historical influences come together. Aylesbury Clock Tower stands in the centre of the square on the site of the former Market House. The Grade II listed clock tower was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1876–1877. County Hall is also located at Market Square and is listed Grade II*. It forms Buckinghamshire’s most important group of civic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The façade of County Hall is an early example of Palladianism in a provincial building; it was designed around 1720. Gothic Revival and Palladianism therefore offer two distinct architectural points of reference when viewing the square.
St Mary's Church and Aylesbury Quaker Meeting House also represent different building histories. St Mary's is a Grade I listed building, constructed mainly in the 13th century, partly on the site of a Saxon church. The Quaker Meeting House is a Grade II listed meeting house, built in 1726–1727. Its distinctive interior retains dado panelling. St Mary's Church is also the venue for the Thursday Lunchtime Concerts, which have been held there for over 30 years.
Performances, classes and cultural themes
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre presents West End productions, comedy and children's shows. It is also a multi-purpose venue for conferences, meetings and live broadcasts. Queens Park Arts Centre complements this offering with weekly hands-on workshops, courses and one-day classes. It also presents live theatre, music and comedy. If you prefer to take part yourself, the Arts Centre offers opportunities to get involved as well as performances. For specific shows or courses, it is worth checking the relevant dates.
The Discover Bucks Galleries present the history of the people and landscapes of Buckinghamshire in their permanent central galleries—from 200 million years ago to the present day. Another cultural perspective is offered by the free digital heritage trail available in Aylesbury via the “Trail Tale” app. One gallery in Aylesbury has five themed areas, each inspired by stories by Roald Dahl. The themes thus range from the history of the county and a digital heritage trail to gallery areas inspired by literature.
Walking routes and time outdoors
The routes also differ in their course and designated use. The Platinum Way, formerly known as the Emerald Way, runs for 3 miles from Aylesbury town centre to Aylesbury Vale Parkway railway station. St Peter's Greenway is a 1.7-kilometre shared-use path from Berryfields to Buckingham Park. Waddesdon Greenway is a walking and cycling route between Waddesdon and Aylesbury Vale Parkway railway station. The two routes with stated distances can also be compared by length: at 1.7 kilometres, St Peter's Greenway is shorter than the 3-mile Platinum Way.
For a break, Vale Park offers seating among trees and striking flower beds, as well as opportunities for informal games and picnics. On the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the area at Aylesbury Basin is suitable for family walks and watching wildlife along the water's edge. The park and canal offer different experiences: informal time in green surroundings and walks with views of life along the water.
Planning a market visit
Aylesbury's Foodie Friday market takes place every Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. It offers fresh produce, baked goods and international street food. As the regular offering may change, it is a good idea to check the current market hours before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Little Horwood, Amersham, Drayton Parslow, Wing, Middle Claydon, Flackwell Heath, Loudwater, Chalfont Saint Peter.
For the regional travel overview: Buckinghamshire.
