Accessible picnic spots in the Chilterns
With summer and, fingers crossed, warm sunny days on the horizon, there’s nothing better than grabbing a blanket and your favourite snacks and heading out into the beautiful Chilterns National Landscape for a picnic.
Accessibility is really important to us; we believe everyone should have access to the wonders of the Chilterns countryside. Here are four of our favourite accessible spots which are perfect for a picnic over the summer months.
Coombe Hill
The highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, this popular spot offers stunning views across the Vale of Aylesbury. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Coombe Hill is home to over 30 wildflower species and 28 species of butterfly and is a well-known spot for bluebells in the spring.
From the carpark, there is an accessible route which runs to the Boer War Monument and viewpoint. The chalk grassland is flat and the perfect place for a picnic. There is also a dedicated picnic area by the carpark.
Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs is the highest point in Bedfordshire and one of the best-known viewpoints on the Ridgeway. The chalk grasslands of the Downs have miles of footpaths to enjoy and is a fantastic place to fly a kite or enjoy a picnic.
The Chilterns Gateway Centre welcomes you with a café, shop and accessible toilets. There is a wheelchair accessible multi-user route from the centre over the Downs, and Tramper mobility vehicles are available to hire.
Warburg Nature Reserve
Near Henley-on-Thames, Warburg is one of Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserves and a great place to spot orchids from April through August.
Tucked away in the quiet beech woods, there is a small visitor centre, accessible toilets, accessible trails, a picnic area, and a beautiful wildlife walk. There is also an all-terrain mobility vehicle available to loan.
Wendover Woods
Wendover Woods is situated in the central Chilterns and offers sweeping views across Aylesbury Vale. With its many trails, children’s play area, adventure course, and café, it’s a good place to enjoy a day out with the whole family.
Many of the trails are flat and well-surfaced. The 500m Hilltop Trail is wheelchair-friendly and takes in one of the best views from the woods. There’s also a sensory walk, picnic spots, and BBQ areas located near the main car park. In addition to accessible public toilets, there’s also a Changing Places toilet.
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