Worth getting out of bed for
The former country home of Benjamin Disraeli, National Trust property Hughenden Manor (+44 (0)1494 755565) is a short drive from the Olde Bell in High Wycombe. Its gardens (designed by the statesman's wife, Mary Anne), are lush and colourful, and the views over the Chilterns are spectacular. If that whets your appetite for old-school celebrity pads, Enid Blighton's house (+44 (0) 1628 527518) in Well End, Buckinghamshire is open between May and August at weekends and serves an excellent afternoon tea.Close by in Cookham, the Stanley Spencer Gallery (+44 (0)1628 471885) hosts exhibitions of the war artist's work in a former Methodist chapel. Odds Farm Park (+44 (0)1628 520188) in high Wycombe is great for kids, with an assortment of agricultural entertainments (including sheep racing, piggies' teatime, and milking demonstrations) to keep young ones amused.
Local restaurants
Hurley's deliciously positioned close to two of the Thames Valley's gastro hubs. Hetson Blumenthal's foodie kingdom in Bray is within 20 minutes' drive, giving you access to a trio of Michelin-starred marvels. The Fat Duck (+44 (0)1628 580333) thoroughly deserves its reputation for wonder and whimsy, although you'll need to book several yonks in advance. Its gastro-pub sister, The Hind's Head (+44 (0)1628 626151) serves a less outrageous, more traditional British menu, and Michel Roux's Waterside Inn (+44 (0)1628 620691) has been in Michelin's hot list for more than twenty years. Just across the Berkshire border in Buckinghamshire, The Compleat Angler (+44 (0)870 400 8100) hotel is the cream of the county when it comes to a traditional Sunday lunch – right down to the meat being carved at your table. The Hand & Flowers (+44 (0)1628 482277) however, isn't far behind, with its remarkable combination of Modern British and fine French cuisine.
