All Saints Church reveals several building phases in Middle Claydon, each with a specific date: the nave dates from around 1300, the west tower from around 1500, and the chancel from 1519. Medieval and post-medieval periods thus come together in a single building.
Church, Monument and Rococo
A wall monument dated 1653 to Edmund, Margaret, Ralph and Mary Verney is located on the south wall of the chancel. Edward Marshall created it, with four white marble busts. The Neoclassical frame is made of coloured marble and gilding. The building and monument set different points in time alongside one another: the sequence of building phases and a memorial to four people named individually.
Another facet of the area’s cultural history is Claydon House, with some of England’s most significant Rococo interiors. Florence Nightingale's Crimean Carriage is also on permanent display in the Claydon Courtyard. The subjects therefore range from medieval and post-medieval church architecture to a 17th-century monument, Rococo and a historic carriage on permanent display.
Claydon Parkland
Claydon’s park or garden is listed as Grade II. The landscaped park includes woodland around Claydon House and a walled kitchen garden, 150 metres to the south-east, with a circular pool at its centre. Work on the lake began in 1763, undertaken by James Sanderson of Reading. The landscape therefore encompasses designed garden areas as well as woodland and water.
From the west terrace, extensive views stretch across the lake, the park and the wider countryside to low hills in the west and south-west. This offers a clear distinction for planning your visit: All Saints Church focuses on building and monument history, while the park, garden, lake and terrace showcase different aspects of the designed landscape.
Walking, Cycling and Horse-Riding Routes
The “The Claydons & Claydon Wood Walk” route passes through the parishes of Steeple Claydon, Middle Claydon and East Claydon. It follows the Bernwood Jubilee Way and is available in 8- or 10-mile versions. The shorter option is two miles shorter; you can choose which distance best fits your day. Route details may change, so it is advisable to check the latest map before setting out for a walk.
Claydon can be reached by bike via National Cycle Route 51. As route conditions and diversions may change, check the current route before setting off. Public, signposted bridleways also cross the Claydon Estate and are available to horse riders.
Claydon Courtyard
Claydon Courtyard has a restaurant, independent shops, a spa and hairdressers. The Phoenix Kitchen is run by the Claydon Estate and serves fresh, nutritious food. Menus and service arrangements, as well as individual businesses and facilities, may change. If you would like to include a particular offering in your day’s plans, it is best to check in advance.
Discover more destinations: Taplow, Chesham, Penn, Hazlemere, Slough, Princes Risborough, Pitstone, Cheddington.
For the broader travel overview: Buckinghamshire.
