South of Gerrards Cross lies some of the loveliest scenery in the area: Burnham Beeches' ancient woodland, Stoke Poges' famous churchyard, and the green lanes between them. It is perfect for a relaxed day out, and easier without the car. Here is how to enjoy Stoke Poges and Burnham Beeches by taxi.
- Burnham Beeches is a National Nature Reserve of ancient woodland, beautiful in every season.
- Stoke Poges is famous for the churchyard that inspired Gray's 'Elegy', and for Stoke Park.
- A local taxi makes a car-free day easy, dropped at the woods, collected after your walk.
What's special about Burnham Beeches?
Burnham Beeches is a National Nature Reserve of ancient pollarded beech and oak, criss-crossed with paths and stunning in autumn. It is a favourite for walkers, families and dog owners, and has even featured as a film location. It is just minutes from Stoke Poges and Farnham Common.
Why visit Stoke Poges?
Stoke Poges is steeped in history: its churchyard inspired Thomas Gray's famous 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard', and the village is home to the elegant Stoke Park and its memorial gardens. It is a quietly beautiful corner of South Bucks, ideal for a gentle day out.
How do you make it a car-free day?
A local taxi drops you at the woods or the village and collects you after your walk or lunch, no parking to find at a busy beauty spot, and no driving home tired. It is the relaxed way to enjoy the countryside, see our Stoke Poges taxi service.
What else is nearby?
Farnham Common and the Broadway are close for a coffee or lunch, and the country pubs of South Bucks make a natural end to a day outdoors. For pub ideas, see our guide to country pubs in South Bucks.
Round off the day in style
The pleasure of a day at Burnham Beeches or Stoke Poges is its gentleness, a long woodland walk, a wander round a historic churchyard, perhaps lunch at a country pub. None of it mixes well with finding a parking space at a popular beauty spot or driving home tired afterwards.
Being dropped at the woods and collected when you are ready keeps the whole day relaxed, and lets you finish with a leisurely lunch or a drink at a nearby pub without anyone having to stay sober for the drive. It is the countryside, enjoyed properly.