Villages in Buckinghamshire: Country Living Near London
Villages in Buckinghamshire offer countryside living with proximity to London and a range of homes that appeal to discerning buyers.
Whether it’s a period cottage in a leafy lane or a family house with views across open fields, the area presents a wealth of options for those seeking a refined rural lifestyle with convenience close at hand.
From the Chiltern Hills to the River Thames, Buckinghamshire is home to many well-connected villages that blend heritage, community, and everyday practicality.
Here we highlight a selection of desirable villages in Buckinghamshire that are well worth including in your property search.
Great Missenden
At the foot of the Chiltern Hills, Great Missenden is a well-connected village with a strong cultural identity. It was home to Roald Dahl for 36 years.
The Roald Dahl Museum draws visitors to Great Missenden’s characterful high street.
Here, Georgian and half-timbered buildings house independent shops, a bookshop, and a handful of cafés. Property types include 17th-century cottages, Victorian terraces, and mid-century family homes.
There are also substantial detached houses, particularly along Martinsend Lane and Nags Head Lane. Homes in nearby hamlets such as Prestwood and South Heath appeal to buyers seeking more space and countryside views.
If you are looking for villages in Buckinghamshire with good transport links, Great Missenden is a great option. Its station offers direct rail services to London Marylebone in around 40 minutes.
It is also a short drive to Amersham, which offers supermarkets, a wider choice of day-to-day amenities, and access to the Metropolitan Line into London.
Grammar and prep schools nearby, including the highly regarded Gateway School, further support its family appeal.
Chalfont St Giles
Chalfont St Giles is a picturesque village on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. It is known for its community feel and literary history. Milton’s Cottage, where Paradise Lost was completed, anchors the village’s cultural legacy.
At Chalfont St Giles’ heart is a traditional village green and duck pond, framed by period buildings.
Here you’ll find independent shops, a bakery, and cafés. Property is varied, ranging from Grade II-listed cottages close to the centre to mid-century detached homes and modern executive houses along Deanway and Narcot Lane.
Larger homes on the village outskirts and in nearby Jordans offer more seclusion. Rail services to London run from nearby Chalfont & Latimer or Seer Green stations, with convenient road access to the M25.
Local schooling and extensive access to green space add to its appeal.
Chalfont St Peter
One of the largest villages in the UK by population, Chalfont St Peter offers an unusually broad range of amenities while retaining a distinct village atmosphere.
Its centre features a mix of independent shops, established restaurants, and local services, including a community-run library and leisure centre.
The River Misbourne flows through Chalfont St Peter, and open countryside is easily accessible via Gold Hill Common and nearby footpaths.
Property types range from 1930s semis and bungalows to larger detached houses in areas like Austenwood and Nicol Road.
The Chalfonts Independent, Grammar, and local state schools contribute to its popularity for family homebuyers searching the villages in Buckinghamshire.
For commuters, Gerrards Cross station, less than two miles away, offers direct trains to London Marylebone in under 25 minutes. The M40 and M25 are also within easy reach.
Latimer
Tucked into a fold of the Chess Valley near the Hertfordshire border, Latimer is one of the smaller villages in Buckinghamshire, known for its rural setting and low-key character.
Surrounded by rolling countryside within the Chilterns National Landscape, it offers a distinctly peaceful environment while remaining within easy reach of London.
The village is closely associated with the Grade II* listed Latimer House, a substantial country property set in parkland and now operated as a hotel and conference venue.
The River Chess runs nearby, and a network of footpaths links Latimer to neighbouring villages, including Chenies and Chalfont St Giles, making it particularly appealing for those who value immediate access to open countryside.
Amenities within Latimer itself are limited, contributing to its quiet atmosphere. However, nearby Chalfont St Giles, Little Chalfont, and Chorleywood provide shops, cafés, and everyday services, along with schooling options.
Property in Latimer is varied but relatively scarce, enhancing its sense of exclusivity. Homes include period cottages, converted farm buildings, and individual detached houses set along country lanes. Some properties enjoy elevated views across the valley, while others sit within mature plots backing onto farmland or woodland.
For commuters, Chalfont & Latimer station lies just beyond the village and offers both Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone and Metropolitan Line connections into the capital.
The journey time to Marylebone is typically around 30 minutes, placing Latimer among the more accessible rural villages in Buckinghamshire.
With its combination of countryside seclusion and practical transport links, Latimer offers a quieter alternative to some of the larger and better-known villages nearby.
Penn
Another of the highly sought-after villages in Buckinghamshire is Penn. It sits high in the Chilterns, just a few miles from Beaconsfield.
Penn is known for its elevated position and woodland surroundings.
There are a modest selection of amenities, including a convenience store, pubs, and access to walking routes across nearby common land. A broader range of amenities can be found in Beaconsfield.
The housing is varied, with period cottages around the village green, mid-century homes, and larger detached properties in areas such as Beacon Hill and Hammersley Lane.
Tylers Green First and Middle Schools are well thought of locally, with further options in nearby High Wycombe and Beaconsfield.
London Marylebone can be reached in around 25 minutes from Beaconsfield station, making Penn a desirable choice for those seeking a quieter setting with practical commuter access.
Cuddington
Cuddington is a quintessential Buckinghamshire village, located in the Vale of Aylesbury and widely admired for its timeless appearance. Thatched cottages, an active village green, and neatly kept frontages contribute to its traditional appeal.
Cuddington has featured frequently in Midsomer Murders, reflecting its unspoilt character.
Local amenities include a shop and post office, and the Crown Inn pub. Additionally, Cuddington is home to Bernard Hall, which hosts film nights, talks, and other events.
Property in Cuddington includes 17th-century timber-framed homes, brick and flint cottages, and more recent detached houses on quiet lanes. The local Church of England primary school operates across two sites in Cuddington and nearby Dinton.
For commuters, Haddenham & Thame Parkway is around ten minutes by car and offers fast, direct trains to London Marylebone in under 40 minutes.
Coleshill
Positioned between Amersham and Beaconsfield, Coleshill is a small hilltop village with wide views and an active community.
The village green, duck pond, and All Saints Church, built in 1861, form the heart of Coleshill.
Local amenities include the Red Lion pub, a village hall, and various clubs and societies.
The Jack Adams Field offers a children’s play area and fitness trail, funded by community initiatives. Coleshill Church of England Infant School serves children aged 4 to 7.
Property in Coleshill comprises period cottages, Georgian villas, and modern detached homes. For commuters, Amersham station provides direct services to London Marylebone in approximately 35 minutes.
Prestwood
Prestwood is a well-served village on the edge of the Chilterns, located just north of Great Missenden. Once a centre for cherry orchards and brickmaking, it has grown into a thriving residential area with a strong local identity.
The village has a good range of day-to-day amenities including an infant school, butcher, cafés, a pharmacy, a Co-op, a Sainsbury’s, and The Polecat pub with large garden space.
Prestwood boasts community allotments, a nature reserve, and access to miles of countryside walks.
Property includes 1930s semis, modern family homes, and detached houses in quieter residential pockets such as Greenlands Lane and Clarendon Road.
For commuters, Great Missenden station offers direct services to London Marylebone in around 40 minutes.
Villages in Buckinghamshire
From hilltop hamlets to vibrant communities, the villages in Buckinghamshire offer a broad spectrum of options to suit a wide range of lifestyles and priorities.
While we’ve highlighted just a selection of standout villages, there are many more worth considering, each with their own story, character, and appeal.
Whether you’re drawn by schooling options, access to London, architectural interest, or a particular pace of life, finding the right property in Buckinghamshire is a personal and often nuanced decision.
Garrington’s local insight and tailored advice can make that decision easier. Our buying agents take time to understand your requirements. They use their market knowledge and network to identify opportunities that may not appear on the open market.
If you are considering moving to one of the many beautiful villages in Buckinghamshire and would like to discuss your property search, please contact Garrington for an initial conversation with no obligation.
