High Wycombe Mini Guide
Here is High Wycombe
Wycombe as it’s better known is located in Buckingamshire in the south of England, just 47 kilometres from Londons Charing Cross. Traditionally a stopping point between London and
Oxford it was quite well known for its inns and ale houses due to the large number of travellers, but its most notable industry was in furniture production. It takes its name from the river Wye and actually gets a mention in the Domesday Book. It has been featured a lot in the media in recent years in a not so flattering light but no one can deny that this traditionally industrial market town has its own unique character.
So, how do I get There?
If driving, follow the J4 route in the
Aylesbury direction or just take the A40 and head for Oxford. By rail you can arrive from London inside of 40 minutes, just take the Chiltern Main Line and jump off at High Wycombe railway station. Though the bus network within High Wycombe is good and the central station connects with most surrounding towns, coach connections to and from Wycombe are poor. For further information and timetables check online with any of the operators.
What to do in High Wycombe
If you arrive at the end of the Town Mayor's yearly term you’ll get to see the ‘weighing of the Mayor’. A tradition in place since the 1600’s where the mayor is publicly weighed to check if they have gained kilos at the rate payers’ expense during their term. The results are then announced by the town crier.
For a historical fix, head to Hughenden Manor house located in the northern part of High Wycombe, the Regency period manor home is open to the public year round. Also worth a visit are the ancient site of Desborough Castle and the museum in the town centre.
After Dark
Head to the Frogmoor area of the town where you’ll find a selection of bars and clubs and you can sample some live music at the Nags Head. For after hours visit the town’s nightclubs Pure and Life on Mars both at the same location one upstairs and one down. A word of warning however (or encouragement depending on your tastes) avoid the ‘White Horse’ pub which offers a free daytime strip show and featured on the ‘Britain’s Toughest Pubs’ series. Bottoms up!