Coombe Hill Buckinghamshire
Highest point in the Chilterns offering stunning panoramic views, a Boer War memorial, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Coombe Hill Buckinghamshire
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Highest point in the Chilterns offering stunning panoramic views, a Boer War memorial, and abundant wildlife.
"Blown away by just how jaw-dropping the views are at the top. The sunset we watched was one of the best I’ve ever seen."
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The hill can be steep and slippery after rain. Hiking boots are recommended for a safe and comfortable walk.
📸 Capture the sunset
Weekday evenings offer stunning sunset views with fewer crowds. Perfect for photographers!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boer War Memorial
Summit of Coombe Hill
A striking monument honoring Buckinghamshire's fallen soldiers, offering poignant history and panoramic views.
Panoramic Views
Summit of Coombe Hill
Breathtaking vistas across the Aylesbury Vale, Berkshire Downs, and even the Cotswolds on clear days.
Wildlife and Wildflowers
Meadows and slopes
Abundant with wildlife like Red Kites and vibrant wildflowers, especially in summer. A nature lover's delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Coombe Hill's Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The hill can be steep and slippery after rain. Hiking boots are recommended for a safe and comfortable walk.
📸 Capture the sunset
Weekday evenings offer stunning sunset views with fewer crowds. Perfect for photographers!
🦋 Spot Red Kites
Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring overhead, especially during warmer months.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a picnic with friends or family while taking in the breathtaking views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The hill can be steep and slippery after rain. Hiking boots are recommended for a safe and comfortable walk.
📸 Capture the sunset
Weekday evenings offer stunning sunset views with fewer crowds. Perfect for photographers!
🦋 Spot Red Kites
Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring overhead, especially during warmer months.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a picnic with friends or family while taking in the breathtaking views.
🗺️ Explore circular routes
Various circular hikes are available, some starting from the nearby train station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Coombe Hill for its breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, and its peaceful atmosphere. Many enjoy it as a perfect spot for picnics and hikes, appreciating the natural beauty and wildlife. Some reviews mention the impact of ongoing HS2 engineering works, which can detract from the scenery in certain areas.
"Great walk up to the boer monument from Tring although views impacted by HS2 scarring and detour via a new bridge. If u ignore the engineering works it’s spectacular."
D A
"Have been to Coombe Hill several times during the summer for picnics from London, dressing up and generally walking around taking photos."
Andrew Thompson
"I had the most wonderful evening at Coombe Hill with my friends who are all Aylesbury locals and recommended the site for our picnic.
Safe to say, I was blown away by just how jaw-dropping the views are at the top. The sunset we watched was one of the best I’ve ever seen as you can see for several miles in the distance.
It was nice and peaceful too, with barely any other people present.
I look forward to coming back again soon 🫶"
Raihan Ahmed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coombe Hill is accessible by car, with parking available near the summit. For those traveling from London, trains to Wendover from Marylebone take about 50 minutes, followed by a 1.6-mile walk to Coombe Hill. 
Yes, there is parking available at Coombe Hill, which is convenient for accessing the summit and the Boer War Memorial.
Yes, you can take a train from London Marylebone to Wendover. From Wendover, it's approximately a 1.6-mile walk to Coombe Hill.
The most popular route from London is by train to Wendover, then a walk. Driving is also an option, with parking available at the site.
Yes, Wendover train station is the closest station, approximately 1.6 miles from Coombe Hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Coombe Hill is generally free to enter, as it's a natural landmark and part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Coombe Hill is an open natural space and does not have specific opening or closing hours. It's accessible at all times.
Yes, parts of Coombe Hill and its surrounding areas are managed by the National Trust, which helps maintain the natural beauty and trails.
Parking at Coombe Hill is typically free, though it's always good to check for any local signage or updates.
Dogs are generally welcome at Coombe Hill, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially around livestock and wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the Boer War Memorial, enjoy panoramic views of the Aylesbury Vale, spot wildlife like Red Kites, and admire wildflowers.
The walk to the summit is generally considered easy to moderate. However, the path to the memorial can be steep and slippery after rain.
The views are spectacular, offering sweeping panoramas across the Aylesbury Vale, Berkshire Downs, and on clear days, the Cotswolds.
Yes, Coombe Hill is great for families, offering gentle walks and plenty of nature to explore. The views are also captivating for children.
You might see Red Kites, various butterflies like the six-spot burnet moth, and sometimes cattle grazing on the hillsides.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit with the Boer War Memorial provides a dramatic foreground for landscape shots. The panoramic views are also excellent for capturing wide vistas.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Weekday evenings are ideal to avoid crowds.
Drone usage may be subject to regulations. It's always best to check with local authorities or the National Trust regarding drone policies before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunset.
The Boer War Memorial, the rolling hills, wildflowers in bloom, and the Red Kites soaring overhead are all popular photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy with breathtaking views as your backdrop, and keep an eye out for wildlife like Red Kites and butterflies, which can be a real treat for little ones. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The terrain provides a good workout, especially the path leading to the Boer War Memorial, which can be steep and challenging after rain. 📸 Photographers
+1 Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the sweeping panoramas, while telephoto lenses can be useful for wildlife. Consider visiting on a weekday evening to avoid crowds and capture the serene beauty of the landscape in optimal light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Boer War Memorial: A Poignant Landmark
The striking structure has a history of its own, having been nearly destroyed by lightning in 1938. Its presence adds a layer of historical depth to the natural beauty of the hill, making it a place for reflection as well as enjoyment of the views. Visiting the memorial offers a chance to connect with local history and remember those who served. The aerial views captured by drones showcase its prominent position and the surrounding landscape, highlighting its importance as a landmark.
It's a powerful reminder of sacrifice set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery. Exploring the Chilterns: Walks and Wildlife
Many visitors enjoy circular hikes that start from nearby train stations like Wendover, offering a full day out exploring the countryside. +1 These routes often take you through picturesque woodlands and open meadows, providing a varied walking experience. The area is particularly vibrant during the summer months, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides and various insects, including the striking six-spot burnet moth, are abundant.
Birdwatchers can often spot Red Kites, majestic birds of prey that are a common sight in the Chilterns. The presence of cattle grazing on the hillsides adds to the rural charm and natural ambiance of the landscape. Capturing Coombe Hill: Photography Tips
For wildlife enthusiasts, a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing Red Kites or other birds. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow over the landscape and creating stunning silhouettes of the Boer War Memorial.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit