The unspoilt Fingest village in Buckinghamshire is a stunning example of picturesque British village. Pub, church and stunning views are everything you need while visiting Fingest!
Fingest is a modest village in the Chiltern Hills. It is small and rural and still has a very traditional and quiet way of life. The quaint village has a mixture of picture-perfect mediaeval and Georgian cottages. All the homes in the village huddle around the church and the graveyard found at the heart of the community.
The name Fingest is one that can seem unusual to many. It derives from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Thinghurst’ meaning ‘wooded hill’. One of the nice villages near London to visit.
Known as one of the prettiest villages in England, Fingest and its surrounding area is just perfect for anyone looking for the best places for hiking near London!
Whether you are planning a day trip from London or just want to explore Buckinghamshire, Fingest village is a beautiful spot! A must-see and one of the most magical places in England!
Where is Fingest village?
Fingest is in the county of Buckinghamshire in England. It’s to the west of the region near the border with Oxfordshire. It lies in an area known as the Chiltern Hills. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is filled with picturesque valleys and hills that are lined with beautiful beech trees.
The nearest town to Fingest is Henley-on-Thames which is 8 miles to the south. The whole area is one of the most beautiful in Southern England and it’s definitely worth going there for a UK weekend getaway!
Fingest postcode
The postcode for Fingest, a small village in Buckinghamshire, England, is RG9 6QD.
How to get to Fingest from London?
The best way to get from London to Fingest is by car. It’s a small rural village, so drive with care as the roads are narrow. You will need to make use of passing places to get by traffic travelling in the opposite direction.
You head out of London on the M40. Then come off at junction 4. You then have to travel, on some smaller roads, through High Wycombe, Lane End and Bolton End. The whole journey can take as little as an hour and ten minutes. However, when the traffic on the M40 is bad, it can take nearer 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you don’t have access to a car, then you will need to take a train to one of the larger nearby towns. Your best option is to take the Chiltern Railways train from Marylebone to High Wycombe. From High Wycombe, you will need to take a taxi the rest of the way. It’s only about 7.5 miles by car.
If you’re uncertain about driving on the small country lanes, then another option is to park in one of the larger villages and then walk into Fingest. There are plenty of surrounding villages, and there are several lovely trails to choose from.
Accommodation in Fingest
Fingest is a small village located in the picturesque Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England. While there are not many options for accommodation within the village itself, there are a number of places to stay in the surrounding area. Here are a few options:
- The Chequers Inn – This historic pub and inn is located in nearby Fingest Lane and offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful countryside setting. The inn features a restaurant serving locally sourced food and a range of real ales and wines.
- The Bull – This traditional coaching inn is located in the nearby village of Gerrards Cross, about 6 miles (10 km) from Fingest. The inn features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional pub fare, and a range of real ales and wines.
- The Kings Hotel – This charming hotel is located in the nearby town of Stokenchurch, about 5 miles (8 km) from Fingest. The hotel features a range of comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant serving modern British cuisine, and a bar offering a range of wines and spirits.
- The Lambert Arms – This historic coaching inn is located in the nearby village of Aston Rowant, about 6 miles (10 km) from Fingest. The inn features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving modern British cuisine, and a bar offering a range of real ales and wines.
- The Crazy Fox Hurley – This boutique hotel is located in the nearby village of Hurley, about 8 miles (13 km) from Fingest. The hotel features a range of individually designed rooms, a restaurant serving modern European cuisine, and a bar offering a range of wines and spirits.
Please note that availability and prices may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead before booking.
What is Fingest famous for?
Fingest is a small village located in the picturesque Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England. While it is not particularly well-known outside of the local area, it is known for its picturesque countryside setting and historic church.
St Bartholomew’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the main attractions in Fingest. The church is known for its distinctive Norman tower, which features a herringbone pattern of flint and stone, and its unusual octagonal font, which is carved from a single piece of stone.
Fingest is also located close to a number of other attractions in the Chiltern Hills, including the market town of Marlow, the village of Turville (famous as the setting for the TV series “The Vicar of Dibley”), and the Hellfire Caves, a series of man-made tunnels and chambers that were once used by a secret society known as the Hellfire Club.
Overall, Fingest is a charming village that offers visitors a glimpse of traditional English country life, as well as easy access to the beautiful countryside and historic sites of the Chiltern Hills.
Things to do in Fingest village:
1. Fingest Pub
The Chequers Inn sits at the heart of Fingest. As is traditional in many small English villages, the pub is just opposite the church. The Chequers has been a pub since the 15th Century. The old building is cosy and warm. It’s filled with traditional fireplaces that make it the perfect spot to sit and relax after a walk in the countryside.
A more modern installation is the large French doors which open over the beer garden. When it’s warm, you can sit out and enjoy the sun and a drink. When the weather is poor, you can sit inside and look out through the windows. Either way, you get a stunning view of Hambleden valley.
While you’re at the Chequers Inn, you should take the time to try the food. The owners are passionate about using local ingredients and serving food that gives you a real ‘taste’ of the area.
Like many of the villages around, Fingest has been used as a location for Midsummer Murders. The Chequers was briefly converted into an antique shop for an episode that was filmed there.
2. Fingest Church
St Bartholomews Church in Fingest is a little different to the other churches of the same age in the area. Most of the mediaeval churches in Buckinghamshire are either brick and flint constructions or are made from stone. Fingest church stands out because it has a layer of render in an unusual ochre shade. The church is notable enough that it has been given protected status as a Grade 1 listed building.
Fingest church also has an unusual tower. It was build in the early Norman period. What makes it special is the roof. It is a double vaulted, which is an unusual design choice for this type of church. It means that the tower’s roof looks a little like an upside-down ‘W’. There is only one other tower like this in the whole country.
If you are lucky enough to see a wedding at Fingest church, you might see them engaging in a tradition that is unique to this church. The entrance is locked to prevent the couple from ‘escaping’. So, the groom is required to lift the bride over the church gate as they leave. The tradition is supposed to start the marriage off with a boost of good luck!
3. Fingest Manor
Fingest Manor is a lovely old building that has been a part of the village for a long time. It was initially a part of St Albans Abbey. In 1163, it was gifted to the Bishop of Lincoln and served as a country house for whoever was the Bishop at the time.
In 1547, the crown seized the house, along with a lot of other property owned by the church. After being gifted to other owners, the manor is now a private residence.
There is a story that the manor is haunted. So if you do visit, keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what you might see.
4. Walk around Fingest
There is a great walk that you can take from Fingest that will take you through two other local villages, each with a pub worth stopping in. The loop is under 5 miles and is a lovely gentle walk and it’s one of the best walks near London! You start and end outside The Chequers Inn, which is also the best place to park your car.
You head out of the village on the main road before turning off onto the path. It will take you through Adam’s Wood, round through some fields, frequented by wild deer and into Skirmett. Here you can find the second pub, The Frog Inn.
You head north out of Skirmett then take a left on to a beautiful little path. This will take you through more meadows and woodlands until you arrive in Turville. If you need to, you can stop off in the Bull and Butcher for a refreshing drink before heading through one last stretch of woodland to return to Fingest.
5. Fingest – Midsomer Murders location
Let’s face it! There are many stunning Midsomer Murders locations you can visit, but The Chequers in Fingest village is probably one of the most iconic locations.
Featured in a few episodes, it’s a must-have on any UK bucket list for all crime drama fans.
Fingest village history
Fingest is a small village located in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England, and has a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest.
The name Fingest is believed to come from the Old English “Fionninga hyrst”, which means “the wooded hill of the family of Fionn”. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as “Funnings”.
St Bartholomew’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the main historic sites in Fingest. The church features a Norman tower with a distinctive herringbone pattern of flint and stone, and an unusual octagonal font that is carved from a single piece of stone.
In the 18th century, Fingest was home to a number of agricultural workers and craftsmen, including carpenters, blacksmiths, and wheelwrights. The village also had a number of public houses, including the Black Horse, which dates back to the 16th century and is still in operation today.
During World War II, Fingest was used as a training ground for the Royal Air Force (RAF), and several RAF pilots are buried in St Bartholomew’s Churchyard.
Today, Fingest is a peaceful and picturesque village that offers visitors a glimpse of traditional English country life, as well as easy access to the beautiful countryside and historic sites of the Chiltern Hills.
Pubs near Fingest
There are several charming and historic pubs in the surrounding villages and towns. Here are a few pubs near Fingest that are worth checking out:
- The Chequers Inn, Fingest – This historic pub is located in the heart of Fingest and dates back to the 16th century. The pub features a large beer garden with views of the countryside and serves a range of classic pub dishes.
- The Black Horse, Great Missenden – This pub dates back to the 16th century and is located in the nearby village of Great Missenden. The pub features a charming and cosy interior with exposed beams and an open fire, and serves a range of traditional pub fare and real ales.
- The Royal Standard of England, Beaconsfield – This pub is located in the nearby town of Beaconsfield and is believed to be the oldest freehouse in England, with a history dating back to the 9th century. The pub features a large beer garden, cosy interior with open fires, and serves a range of classic pub dishes and real ales.
- The Frog, Skirmett – This pub is located in the nearby village of Skirmett and is known for its excellent food and charming interior with exposed brick walls and an open fire. The pub serves a range of modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
- The Bull & Butcher, Turville – This historic pub is located in the picturesque village of Turville, which is famous as the setting for the TV series “The Vicar of Dibley”. The pub features a cosy interior with an open fire, and serves a range of classic pub dishes and real ales.
Overall, visitors to Fingest and the surrounding area are spoilt for choice when it comes to charming and historic pubs. Whether you’re looking for traditional pub fare, real ale, or a cosy interior with an open fire, there’s sure to be a pub nearby that will fit the bill.
Fingest tourist information
Fingest is a small village located in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England, and is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the beauty of the English countryside and explore the region’s rich history and heritage.
Here are a few of the top tourist attractions and things to do in and around Fingest:
- St Bartholomew’s Church – This historic church dates back to the 12th century and is one of the main attractions in Fingest. The church features a distinctive Norman tower and an unusual octagonal font, and is known for its beautiful countryside setting.
- Chiltern Hills – The Chiltern Hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offer visitors a range of outdoor activities and attractions, including walking trails, cycling routes, and scenic drives.
- Turville – This nearby village is famous for its connections to the TV series “The Vicar of Dibley”, and is a popular destination for visitors who want to see the picturesque setting of the show.
- Hellfire Caves – This series of man-made tunnels and chambers was once used by a secret society known as the Hellfire Club, and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction.
- Marlow – This historic market town is located on the banks of the River Thames and is known for its beautiful scenery, independent shops, and award-winning restaurants.
- Pub Crawling – Fingest is surrounded by charming and historic pubs, including the 16th-century Black Horse, which is still in operation today.
Overall, Fingest is a great destination for visitors who want to experience the charm and beauty of the English countryside, as well as explore the region’s rich history and heritage.
Fingest shops
Fingest is primarily a residential area with limited shopping options. However, there are a few shops and services available in and around Fingest that visitors may find useful. Here are some of the options:
- Fingest Farm Shop – This local farm shop is located just outside the village and offers a range of fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, and meats. They also sell local honey, jams, chutneys, and other artisanal products.
- Sparsholt Firs Farm Shop – This farm shop is located in nearby Henley-on-Thames and offers a range of local and artisanal products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, and baked goods. They also have a cafe on-site serving light meals and snacks.
- The Little Shop, Turville – This small village shop is located in the nearby village of Turville and sells a range of essential items, including bread, milk, and newspapers. They also have a small cafe on-site serving light meals and refreshments.
- High Street Stores, Lane End – This small convenience store is located in the nearby town of Lane End and sells a range of essential items, including groceries, household products, and newspapers.
- Beaconsfield Market – This weekly market is held in the nearby town of Beaconsfield and offers a range of fresh produce, artisanal products, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts.
Visitors to Fingest may need to travel to nearby towns or villages to find a wider range of shopping options. However, the local farm shops and small village stores in the area offer a chance to sample some of the region’s freshest and most delicious products.
Places to visit near Fingest village:
- Turville: 1 mile away from Fingest
- Hambleden: 3 miles away from Fingest
- West Wycombe: 5 miles away from Fingest
- Marlow: 7 miles away from Fingest
- Henley-on-Thames: 8 miles away from Fingest
- Sonning on Thames: 14 miles away from Fingest
- Chalfont St Giles: 17 miles away from Fingest
- Old Amersham: 18 miles away from Fingest
- Pangbourne: 19 miles away from Fingest
- Wallingford: 20 miles away from Fingest
- Goring on Thames: 22 miles away from Fingest
- Abingdon: 25 miles away from Fingest
Is it worth visiting Fingest village?
Fingest is a beautiful rural village. If you are interested in architecture, then it is worth a visit to see the church. Fingest is only a small village, so it’s best to visit if you are planning on walking in the area. It is an excellent location to include as part of a walking tour of the area.
Anyone looking for the best places to visit near London should consider Fingest village. It is not only a stunning spot in Buckinghamshire but also one of the top British villages!
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Are you on the hunt for the closest countryside to London? Perhaps you’re eager to uncover a beautiful countryside near London for a refreshing escape? Look no further than Fingest in Buckinghamshire. This beautiful village near me offers a serene haven from the hustle of city life.
With its iconic Fingest pub, the rich history surrounding the Fingest manor, and charming streets, it encapsulates the very essence of the traditional English countryside. Perfect for those spontaneous day trips, it stands as a beacon for countryside enthusiasts seeking the best countryside near London. Come and relish the idyllic landscapes, embrace the tranquil ambience, and let Fingest’s magic rejuvenate your spirit.
This is the quintessential countryside place near London that promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this Buckinghamshire beauty – a village that’s every bit as enchanting as its storied past.
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