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Living in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Published Apr 15th 2024

6 mins read

Marianne Walsh

Living in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire offers a blend of serenity and convenience that holds great appeal to homebuyers.

Beaconsfield is a charming market town, steeped in a rich history dating back to 1185, and popular with professionals, families, and empty nesters alike.

Offering a blend of traditional and modern living experiences, outstanding schools, and excellent transport links – plus the glorious Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on its doorstep – it is no wonder that Beaconsfield is regularly listed as one of the best places to live in the UK.

Beaconsfield, historically referred to as ‘Bekenesfeld’, is understood to have Saxon roots. Its strategic location, between London and Oxford, likely made it an ideal stopover for travellers, and today an ideal location for commuters and families looking for connectivity.

The town is distinctly segmented into the ‘Old’ and ‘New’ sections. The ‘Old Town’ consists of four roads or ‘Ends’—a traditional Buckinghamshire term—converging at a central roundabout, lined with wide avenues home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs.

In contrast, the ‘New Town’ offers a more contemporary feel, contributing to Beaconsfield’s appeal as a desirable place to live.

If you are considering living in Beaconsfield, here is what you need to know …

What types of property are there in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire?

Offering a diverse selection of property types catering to different needs and preferences, Beaconsfield is a top choice for those looking to buy a home in the historic county of Buckinghamshire.

Beaconsfield consists of the pretty Old Town where quaint, characterful homes can be found, and the newer part of town (around the railway station) where there are more contemporary houses and 1920s mock Tudor properties.

You can choose from pretty Georgian cottages to sympathetically built new mansions; from large townhouses to imposing Edwardian residences; and contemporary apartments to beautiful family homes.

The Beaconsfield ‘golden triangle’ comprises a collection of tree-lined residential streets situated south west of the station. These include Burkes Road, Burkes Crescent, Cambridge Road, Westfield Road, Grove Road and Chiltern Hills Road.

Schools in Beaconsfield

Those living in Beaconsfield benefit from excellent schools ranging from nurseries and primary through to secondary and grammar schools including private establishments. For further education opportunities, the area has several universities and the National Film and Television School.

Primary schools in and around Beaconsfield

Butlers Court School;
Seer Green Church of England School;
Holtspur School.

Secondary schools in and around Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield High School – a grammar school for girls aged 11-18;
The Royal Grammar School – a selective day boys’ grammar school in nearby High Wycombe with boarding facilities, for pupils aged 11-19;
The Beaconsfield School – a co-educational state academy for students aged 11-18;
Wycombe High School – a grammar school for girls aged 11-18 in High Wycombe;
John Hampden Grammar School – a selective state boy’s grammar school for ages 11 – 18 in High Wycombe.

Independent schools near Beaconsfield

Wycombe Abbey – an independent boarding school for girls aged 11-18 which is consistently ranked as one of the top all-girls schools in academic results;
Thorpe House – based in Gerrards Cross, this school is for boys aged 11-16. From the end of 2024, it will have a co-educational Sixth Form;
St, Mary’s School – an independent day school in Gerrards Cross for girls aged 3-18;
Piper’s Corner – an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 in Great Kingshill;

Independent preparatory schools near Beaconsfield

Gayhurst School – a mixed preparatory school for pupils aged 3-11;
Davenies – a day preparatory boys’ school for ages 4-13 located in Beaconsfield;
High March School – a preparatory girl’s school for ages 3–11 in Beaconsfield;
Godstowe – a preparatory school for girls ages 7-13 with a pre-prep and nursery for girls and boys aged 3-7 in High Wycombe;
Maltman’s Green School – a preparatory day school for girls aged 2-11 in Gerrards Cross;
The Beacon – an independent preparatory school for boys aged 3-13 in Amersham;

Independent day nursery near Beaconsfield

Shepherds Hut Day Nursery – an outdoor day nursery for ages 0-5 in Wendover.

Green spaces in and around Beaconsfield

Nestled amidst picturesque rolling countryside, living in Beaconsfield offers the perfect escape from city life with its fresh air and expansive landscapes.

The adjacent Chiltern Hills Area of Natural Beauty offers breathtaking scenery, featuring lush wooded hillsides and abundant opportunities for hiking, cycling, and various outdoor activities.

Within the town, there are several public parks and recreation grounds, enhancing the overall experience of leisure and enjoyment.

Bekonscot Model Village

Established in 1929, the amazing and intricately designed Bekonscot Model Village is the world’s oldest and original model village. It features a vast model railway (including a ride-on train), 1.5 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, lakes, remote-controlled boats, six model towns, and detailed model buildings.

There is a lovely tearoom serving light refreshments.

Penn Wood

Penn Wood is just over 435 acres of lush woodland nestled in the heart of the Chilterns Area. It boasts a rich history dating back to its days as part of the expansive Wycombe Heath common. Today, a herd of cows still grazes a portion of the site.

During the springtime, the wood bursts to life with magnificent displays of bluebells, while red kites and buzzards gracefully soar overhead. Visitors can also spot dragonflies near the ponds and admire butterflies flitting amidst the diverse array of habitats in Penn.

Dogs (on a lead) are welcome and there is parking.

Cliveden Gardens and Maze

Perched high above the Thames, Cliveden offers sweeping vistas and boasts magnificent gardens and majestic woodlands that evoke the splendour of days gone by.

With 80 acres of formal gardens and a maze to enjoy, plus over 300 acres of woodlands, you can soak up nature and fresh air at its best.

Head to Cliveden Reach – one of the prettiest stretches of the river – and enjoy a picnic or a stroll along the riverside. You can even explore the waterways on a skippered cruise or a self-hire vessel.

Black Park

Black Park spans more than 500 acres of woodlands, heathlands, and open spaces and is just 20 minutes away in Wexham. It features attractions suitable for families, including an adventure playground and Go Ape, alongside extensive woodland paths and trails perfect for walking, cycling, or a park run.

Alternatively, you can kick back and enjoy lunch at the Café or relax in one of the park’s picnic areas. The park provides ample opportunities for observing wildlife, ensuring a diverse range of activities for all visitors to appreciate.

Odd’s Farm

For families with small children, nearby Odd’s Farm offers fun and adventure with plenty to entertain your little ones. They can meet the animals in the petting areas, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, watch demonstrations, partake in a range of children’s activities, and much more.

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire transport links

Excellent transport links are available to those living in Beaconsfield, making it popular for commuters.

Train journeys from its railway station into Marylebone, London take less than 30 minutes while Oxford is less than an hour away.

By road (via the A40 and M40) central London is approximately 27 miles away, taking just under an hour (depending on traffic).

International and domestic flights are available from both Heathrow Airport (around a 20-minute drive) and Gatwick – just over an hour away by car.

Places to eat, drink, and shop in Beaconsfield

Living in Beaconsfield you will become immersed in its delightful cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its elegant streets offer a perfect blend of well-known High Street brands and popular restaurants alongside traditional coaching inns and unique boutiques.

The market town of Beaconsfield is divided into two areas. The Old Town presents a well-kept main street, featuring listed buildings, and some interesting shops and pubs.

The New Town – approximately a 20-minute walk away – features the vibrant High Street, with an eclectic range of shopping from fashion to arts and crafts – and everything in between.

There is a friendly and welcoming weekly market as well as a monthly farmers market offering local produce and artisan crafts.

For lovers of designer clothes and accessories, the famous Bicester Village outlet is around 45 minutes away by road, offering luxury brands, often at a discounted price.

Beaconsfield has lots of options for food and drink, with its coffee shops and cafes, traditional and gastropubs, international cuisine options, and fine dining. There are also several Michelin-starred restaurants in nearby towns.

Movie buffs will find plenty to occupy themselves with an array of venues nearby: A member’s cinema club and the National Film and Television School are in the town.

Nearby are Everyman Cinema in Gerrards Cross and both Cineworld and Omniplex (formerly Empire) Cinemas are in High Wycombe. A little further afield in Berkhamsted, you will find the Rex cinema.