Discover Stokenchurch: Walking Trails and Local History

Stokenchurch combines distinctive walking experiences with a local history dating back to the Middle Ages. Those seeking a combination of exercise, historic buildings and local traditions during their stay will find several specific points of interest here to help plan their trip.

Walking on the Chiltern Way

The Chiltern Way passes through Stokenchurch and is signposted throughout. This makes it possible to base your walking plans on a clearly named long-distance trail, without having to rely on an unmarked route. The Chiltern Way also includes three optional extensions. With these variants, the route can grow to a maximum total length of 278 kilometres. This figure describes the possible overall length of the route with extensions and is therefore particularly useful for understanding the full range of walking opportunities.

Another option is the circular walking route from Stokenchurch to Radnage and back. It starts at The Kings Hotel in Stokenchurch. For your day planning, you can take this fixed starting point into account alongside the Chiltern Way, which passes through the village. This gives you different walking options: a signposted route with optional extensions and a circular route between Stokenchurch and Radnage.

Local History and Traditional Crafts

Stokenchurch was first mentioned in legal documents around 1200. Its historic buildings include Kensham Farmhouse, considered the oldest secular building in Stokenchurch; its origins date back to the 15th century. Together, these two details provide a broad historical timeframe for the village and show that a stay can involve exploring not only the route itself but also the development of the village.

A particular insight into the local economic history is the traditional craft of bodging. This involved making furniture such as Windsor chairs from green wood. Chairmaking and lace-making also developed into important local industries in Stokenchurch. Those interested in craftsmanship, materials and regional working history can plan these topics as a separate focus alongside walking.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church

St Peter and St Paul’s Church adds a religious building to the village’s historic attractions. The nave originally dates from the 12th century, and the church is also listed as a Grade II* building. Inside, two brass reliefs depicting knights are located on the reveals of the chancel arch.

For services, St Peter and St Paul’s Church has step-free access through the west door, as well as a ramp at the south door. For private prayer, the church is normally open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. If you would like to combine the local history with a specific building, this means you can schedule the visit at a suitable time as part of your trip planning.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Regular bus services run to Stokenchurch. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house, you can therefore first decide whether your stay should focus primarily on walking, historic discoveries or a combination of both interests. A location in Stokenchurch is particularly suitable as a search option if the village itself and the starting points mentioned there are to form part of your trip planning.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

As additional places, you can also include Saunderton, Wendover, Grendon Underwood, Seer Green, Cheddington, Hazlemere, Stoke Poges and Middle Claydon in your further search.

For the broader travel overview: Buckinghamshire.