12 breathtakingly beautiful places in Buckinghamshire to take a date for free

Walking, fresh air, exercise, keeping fit, wildlife, flora, conservation, gardening, photography, painting, the list goes on — and on. If your date has any of these, and other similar hobbies listed as their interests, then you will never be stuck for dating ideas. A trip into the countryside can satisfy eight or ten interests all in one go. How can it not be a successful date? Here are a few great places in Buckinghamshire which won’t cost you a penny, but tick all the right boxes.

1. Warburg Nature Reserve — A must visit for wildlife lovers

Situated in the Chiltern Hills which run through Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, the Warburg Nature Reserve is a great first date. Strenuous exercise to reach fantastic views, and plenty of photographic opportunities whichever way you look, what more could a nature loving date ask for?

2. Enjoy the fabulous views from Ivinghoe Beacon

At the end of the Ridgeway National Trail, on a clear day you have a view as far as the eye can see in any direction you look. The Vale of Aylesbury, Tring Reservoirs, Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes are all easily identifiable. Take a few photographs of your date with these great landscape scenes in the background.

3. A romantic stroll through the woods to Fieldfare Stile

Situated in the lovely Hambleden Valley, you can enjoy the flora and fauna on a slow stroll with your date through the delightful Fingest Wood on your way up to Fieldfare Stile. Gaze down at Fingest village, but before making your way down to enjoy a light lunch at the Chequers Inn pub visit Cobstone Mill, an old smock mill which was featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

4. Embrace village life at Brill on the Hill

If you and your date are reluctant townies, with a dream of living in an old English village, then a visit to Brill will be all you need to keep the dream alive. Situated on a hill on the Bucks/Oxfordshire border, it is one of those places where the village atmosphere will suck you in. Pay a visit to the 17th century windmill before having a quiet drink in the Pheasant.

5. Discover England’s natural heritage at Burnham Beeches

Classified as ancient woodland and designated a National Nature Reserve, Burnham Beeches provides everything you and your nature loving date could wish for. From 400 year old oaks and ancient beech trees, to fungi, flora and local wildlife, make sure your camera batteries are fully charged.

6. A meet the kids date at Denham Country Park

If you and your date have young children, then Denham Country Park is the ideal venue for everyone to get to know everyone else. With 69 acres of beautiful countryside, an adventure zone for kids 12 and under, and bordered by the Grand Union Canal and rivers Misbourne and Colne, it’s a great place for a meet-the-family date.

7. A summer’s day date on the Grand Union Canal

Up hill and down dale can be a little strenuous for those who have had to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. If you and your date fall into this category, what could be a more levelling experience than a pleasant afternoon stroll along the Buckinghamshire stretch of the Grand Union Canal. Walk through to the old market town of Aylesbury, and enjoy a little retail therapy and some refreshment in one of the many cafes and coffee shops.

8. Take your hiking boots and enjoy The Ridgeway South of Wendover

If your new date’s thing is route marching then this walk could be right up their alley. Part of an 87 mile walk called The Ridgeway, the Buckinghamshire section is a mere seven mile stroll through woodland and agricultural land. Wendover is your only refreshment stop, so make sure you carry plenty of water.

9. College Lake Nature Reserve — a great place to bill and coo

For those with a love of anything nature, Buckinghamshire and surrounding area are blessed with over 80 Nature Reserves. College Lake encompasses three reservoirs and part of the Grand Union Canal, and is a haven for all types of water birds.

10. Visit Black Park Country Park for an adventurous day out

Another great place for a take-the-kids date. Ten miles of glorious woodland walks, cycle-ways, child and disabled buggy friendly paths, children’s play area, large lake for fishing or sailing model boats, and large picnic area. While you and your date enjoy a relaxing break the kids can get to know each other as only kids can.

11. Swap gardening ideas at Stowe House and Garden

For those dates who list gardening as one of their interests, a visit to Stowe House and Garden should earn you lots of brownie points. Stowe house continues to attract visitors 300 years after its inception. Stop off at its bright, light cafe for a mid-morning snack, before getting absorbed in its magnificent garden.

12. Delight in a taste of France at Waddesdon Manor

If you and your date list a love of old buildings, architecture, and gardening amongst your combined interests, then Waddesdon Manor is a must visit. Part of the Rothschild Foundation, it has the most beautiful gardens and walks as well as a large art collection — and over 10,000 bottles of wine in its cellars.

Image Source: 1. via bbowt.org.uk; 2. via Damian Ward at flickr.com; 3. via wikimedia.org; 4. via gardenerscottagebrill.co.uk; 5. via coolplaces.co.uk; 6. via Peter Lipa at fineartamerica.com; 7. via Tim Lewis at waterways.org.uk; 8. via http://simonswalks.blogspot.co.uk; 9. via wildlifetrusts.org; 10. via geograph.org.uk; 11. via visitbuckinghamshire.org; 12. via visitbuckinghamshire.org.