Chalfont St Giles, sometimes just affectionately called Chalfont, is a gem of a village in southeast Buckinghamshire. If you’ve ever wondered, where is this enchanting spot?, it’s nestled in the idyllic Chiltern Hills, just a stone’s throw from London.
The village is a trove of history, scenery, and charm, waiting to be explored. As you wander down its quaint High Street, you’ll be greeted with unique local shops that seem to whisper stories from the past. Nearby, the village of Jordans quietly boasts the last resting place of William Penn, adding to the tapestry of tales this area holds.
As you delve deeper into Chalfont St Giles, you’ll discover it’s not just the historic allure that captivates visitors. The community boasts a lively scene with events, local arts, and delightful eateries that offer a taste of Buckinghamshire’s finest. Whether it’s the stories of famous residents that pique your interest or the vibrant atmosphere of local gatherings, there’s always something happening in this bustling village. And if a serene stroll is what you’re after, the pathways and green expanses promise breathtaking views and moments of tranquillity.
And if you’re on the lookout for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Chalfont St Giles is an ideal choice. Not only does it offer a picturesque backdrop, but its proximity to London makes it an unbeatable spot for day trips or weekend adventures.
So next time you’re in Buckinghamshire, or just craving an English village experience, remember the name – Chalfont St Giles – and let the adventure begin!
What county is Chalfont St Giles?
Chalfont St Giles sits within southeast Buckinghamshire, as part of the Chiltern district. The county of Buckinghamshire is in the Southeast of England and is the most northerly county in the region. The village can be reached on the A413 which runs between local towns Amersham and Denham.
How far is Chalfont St Giles from London?
Central London is roughly 25 miles from Chalfont St Giles and is just a one hours drive away. From west London, the journey time reduces to around 30 minutes. Chalfont St Giles sits to the west of London and can be reached by taking Junctions 16 or 18 on the M25, or Junctions 1 or 2 on the M40.
There are regular train services from London to Chalfont St Giles, including Chiltern Line services from London Marylebone which stop at Chalfont & Latimer, and Seer Green & Jordans.
Chalfont St Giles postcode
The postcode for Chalfont St Giles, a village in Buckinghamshire, England, is HP8.
Where to stay in Chalfont St Giles?
The small village of Chalfont St Giles offers various hotels and places to stay. The White Hart Inn sits in the centre of the parish and is a comfortable three-star hotel in a historic building.
There are also various hotels in nearby Chalfont St Peter, Amersham and Gerrards Cross. A firm favourite among travellers is The Bull Hotel on Oxford Road, just 5 miles to the south of Chalfont St Giles in Gerrards Cross.
What is Chalfont St Giles famous for?
Chalfont St Giles has a couple of claims to fame, including being the home of one of England’s greatest poets and political thinkers, John Milton. He and his third wife escaped from London to the parish during the plague.
During his time in Chalfont St Giles, he completed Paradise Lost and started writing the sequel, Paradise Regained.
Not only that, but Chalfont St Giles is famed for being a filming location in many British favourites. The village’s original pub featured in BBC’s Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale, and what is now a Costa Coffee was once Captain Mainwaring’s bank in Dad’s Army.
What celebrities live in Chalfont St Giles?
The picturesque parish of Chalfont St Giles has drawn in many celebrities over the years. Nightingales Lane in the village has become renowned for being sought after by celebrities and famous faces. Ozzy Osbourne, Noel Gallagher and Armando Iannucci have all lived on this road over the years.
Cilla Black and Shane Richie have also lived in Chalfont St Giles alongside various others, making it a great spot for celeb-spotting.
Explore the best places to visit in Chalfont St Giles Buckinghamshire:
Things to do in Chalfont St Giles
1. Milton’s Cottage
What to see in Chalfont St Giles? As we mentioned, John Milton came to Chalfont St Giles from London in 1665. Milton’s Cottage is the only home of his that has survived, and although he lived in the building for less than two years, it has become a popular sight among visitors.
During his time in Milton’s Cottage, Milton wrote his masterpiece, Paradise Lost and the sequel, Paradise Regained. The Grade I listed building is now a museum, with paintings, prints and book exploring Milton’s life. Milton’s Cottage has been open since 1887, which means it is one of the oldest museums of literacy in the world.
2. River Misbourne
Top things to do in Chalfont St Giles? The River Misbourne runs from the outskirts of Great Missenden, through Little Missenden, Amersham and into Chalfont St Giles. From Chalfont St Giles it heads under the Chiltern Railway Line and M25, to meet the River Colne past Denham.
River Misbourne offers some beautiful countryside walks along the water’s edge, and around Chalfont St Giles. If you are a nature lover and enjoy getting out in the great outdoors, then you are sure to love a walk around River Misbourne.
3. Merlin’s Cave
Looking for places to visit in Chalfont St Giles? No visit to Chalfont St Giles is complete without a stop at the traditional British pub, Merlin’s Cave. Located right in the heart of the parish, Merlin’s Cave is a historic building with an attractive beer garden and children’s play park.
The pub itself is uniquely stunning, and unlike any other pub you will have visited before. Merlin’s Cave serves a delicious dining menu and makes a great place to stop for a quick drink and bite to eat when exploring Chalfont St Giles.
4. Chalfont St Giles Parish Church
Top Chalfont St Giles sightseeing? The Parish Church has been the centre for worship in the village for over 800 years. Standing tall in the heart of the parish, the Chalfont St Giles Parish Church has a colourful history. The earliest church stood on the present site was constructed in 1150 and enlarged in the 13th century.
In 1860 the church underwent extensive restorations and developments have continued on the building ever since. It is well known for beautiful stained-glass windows and 14th-century wall paintings.
5. The Feathers
What’s in Chalfont St Giles? The Feathers on Chalfont St Giles High Street is a quintessentially British country pub. It has recently been refurbished and offers delicious menus and a selection of premium drinks. Stop off on your day to Chalfont St Giles for a traditional Fish and Chips or scrumptious Feathers Burger.
6. Reading Room
Nice places to visit in Chalfont St Giles? Located on the High Street is a Grade II listed building known as the Reading Room. The timber-framed building was once an Infants School and has a distinctive green wooden door and three gables.
Today, the Reading Room can be hired for events in the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for the historic building on your trip to Chalfont St Giles.
7. Stratton Bakery
What is there to do in Chalfont St Giles? Locals and visitors to Chalfont St Giles love the delicious produce from Stratton Bakery. Situated along Chalfont St Giles High Street, Stratton Bakery serves homemade cakes and hot food.
The site has been used as a traditional bakery for many years, and the current owners have been serving the parish for over 30 years.
8. High Street
Where to go in Chalfont St Giles? The heart of Chalfont St Giles is the High Street. Running through the centre of the parish, the High Street is home to a collection of local businesses and historic buildings. It is easy to spend some time in Chalfont St Giles wandering down the High Street and exploring everything the parish has to offer.
9. Fox & Hounds
Best places to see in Chalfont St Giles? Located on Silver Hill, to the north of Chalfont St Giles is the Fox & Hounds pub. This traditional country pub is a firm favourite among locals and serves classic pub meals and drinks.
Enjoy a pint of real ale from local breweries or a scrumptious dinner from their traditional menu.
Chalfont St Giles village history
Chalfont St Giles is a village located in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, England. It has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Here are some key events in the village’s history:
- In the 12th century, a church was built in Chalfont St Giles, which still stands today as the parish church of St Giles.
- In the 16th century, the village became a popular location for wealthy Londoners to build country houses and escape the city. This included William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania in the United States.
- During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the village was a centre of activity for the Parliamentarian side, and was used as a base for the New Model Army.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, the village’s economy was driven by agriculture, with many of its residents employed in farming.
- In the 20th century, Chalfont St Giles became home to the BBC’s film studios, which were used to make many classic TV shows, including Doctor Who and Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Today, Chalfont St Giles is a picturesque village with many historic buildings and a strong sense of community. It is a popular destination for visitors who want to explore the village’s rich history and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Chalfont St Giles coffee shops
Chalfont St Giles is a village in Buckinghamshire, England, with a few coffee shops that offer visitors a chance to enjoy a hot drink and a snack in a cozy setting. Here are some of the coffee shops in the village:
- The Deli at No 5 – This is a popular coffee shop on the High Street that serves a range of hot drinks, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, as well as sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to sit and chat with friends.
- The Coffee Stop – This is a mobile coffee shop that operates in the village on Tuesday mornings, located on the High Street. It serves a range of hot drinks, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, as well as cakes and pastries.
- The Village Pantry – This is a small café on the High Street that serves a range of hot drinks and snacks, including sandwiches, paninis, and cakes. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals to meet for a quick bite.
- The Black Horse – This is a pub with a coffee shop located on its premises. It serves a range of hot drinks and snacks, as well as traditional British pub food and drinks. It has a large garden area and is a great spot to relax and enjoy a hot drink on a sunny day.
Visitors to Chalfont St Giles are sure to find a coffee shop that suits their tastes, whether they’re looking for a cozy spot to chat with friends or a place to grab a quick snack on the go.
Is Chalfont St Giles a good place to live?
Chalfont St Giles makes an excellent place to live whether you are looking for a forever home as a family or somewhere to set up on your own. Being just outside of Central London, Chalfont St Giles offers excellent transport links all across the country. There are many local shops and restaurants in the parish to enjoy, and some great schools in the area.
Being in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village is extremely picturesque. Chalfont St Giles has a real sense of community, and it is no surprise it is such a popular place to live.
Chalfont St Giles tourist information
Chalfont St Giles is a charming village in Buckinghamshire, England, with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here’s some tourist information to help you plan your visit:
- St Giles Church – The parish church of St Giles is a beautiful historic building, dating back to the 12th century. It is open to visitors and features a stunning stained glass window and a 17th-century pulpit.
- Milton’s Cottage – This is the former home of the poet John Milton, who lived in the village in the 17th century. The cottage is now a museum, dedicated to the life and work of the author of Paradise Lost.
- Chiltern Open Air Museum – This museum is located just outside the village and features a collection of historic buildings from the Chilterns region. Visitors can explore the buildings and learn about life in the past.
- The White Hart pub – This is a historic pub located in the heart of the village, dating back to the 16th century. It serves traditional British food and is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the village.
- Countryside walks – Chalfont St Giles is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are many footpaths and walking routes that visitors can explore. The Chiltern Hills offer stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife.
- Local events – Throughout the year, the village hosts a range of events, including an annual summer fete, a fireworks display, and a Christmas market. Check the village’s website or social media pages to see what’s on during your visit.
- Nearby attractions – Chalfont St Giles is located within easy reach of many other attractions, including the historic city of Oxford, the town of Marlow, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just soaking up the village atmosphere, Chalfont St Giles has plenty to offer visitors.
Pubs in Chalfont St Giles
Chalfont St Giles has a few pubs that offer visitors a chance to enjoy traditional British food and drink in a relaxed setting. Here are some of the pubs in the village:
- The Merlins Cave – This is a friendly pub with a large beer garden, located on the High Street in the centre of the village. It offers a range of beers and pub food, including Sunday roasts.
- The White Hart – This historic pub is located on School Lane and dates back to the 16th century. It has a cozy interior with an open fire, as well as a garden area for the summer months. It serves traditional pub food and has a selection of ales and wines.
- The Greyhound – This pub is located just outside the village, on the A413 road. It has a large garden area and serves pub food and drinks, including real ale.
- The Royal Standard – This pub is located in nearby Wooburn Common, just a short drive from Chalfont St Giles. It is a historic pub with a large garden area and serves traditional British food and a selection of drinks.
Visitors to Chalfont St Giles are sure to find a pub that suits their tastes, whether they’re looking for a cozy historic atmosphere or a modern pub with a large beer garden.
Places to visit near Chalfont St Giles:
- Old Amersham: 4 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Burnham Beeches: 7 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Great Missenden: 9 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Berkhamsted: 12 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Wendover: 13 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- West Wycombe: 13 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Windsor: 13 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Marlow: 14 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Ashridge Estate: 16 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- St Albans: 19 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Henley-on-Thames: 21 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Sonning on Thames: 25 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Dorchester-on-Thames: 32 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
- Hitchin: 34 miles away from Chalfont St Giles
Is it worth visiting Chalfont St Giles?
Whether you are looking to visit Chalfont St Giles as a day trip from London, or for a UK weekend getaway, it is definitely worth the trip. Chalfont St Giles is a beautiful countryside retreat, while still having the home comforts of local pubs, restaurants and shops.
You can explore the stunning scenery and discover the area’s intriguing history. With a balance of village life and nature to explore, there is something for everyone here.
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Chalfont St Giles is more than just a village in Buckinghamshire; it’s a delightful escape from the everyday. Nestled amidst the scenic Chiltern Hills, this hidden gem offers a refreshing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander down the iconic High Street to discover charming boutiques and dine in local eateries that offer a genuine taste of the region.
With a rich tapestry of stories, from its famous residents to the significant landmarks, there’s always something to learn and explore. Plus, its prime location, a short hop from London, ensures it’s not just a picturesque retreat but also a convenient getaway.
For those seeking the quintessential English village experience with all the modern conveniences, Chalfont St Giles stands out as a must-visit destination. Experience, explore, and enjoy all that this Buckinghamshire village has to offer!
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