Top 12 Things You Must Do in Bucks during 2012

An essential guide to the must see attractions, exceptionally beautiful scenery and the most exciting day trips in the County...

1. Roald Dahl conjured up his tales in the county and his wonderful works are celebrated in the brilliant museums at Aylesbury and Great Missenden. Take the Roald Dahl Trail and unearth some fizzpopping discoveries!

2. Home to the most National Trust Properties in the country Buckinghamshire has a wealth of heritage treasures from the stately homes of Claydon and Hughenden, the outstanding gardens at Stowe to the modest historic architecture of the Long Crendon Courthouse.

3. Get behind the wheel and get your heart racing at the Silverstone circuit in the north of the county, have water-based fun at Longridge Activity Centre, an adrenaline tree top adventure at Go Ape! or even ski or skydive at Xscape.

4. Spend a day at the magnificent Waddesdon Manor which was built during the 19th century for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures. Don’t forget to visit the Garden Centre.

5. Visit one of Buckinghamshire’s glorious gardens and get close to nature at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital or Boarstall Duck Decoy and Nature Reserve.

6. Step back in time to the glorious age of steam and ride an enchanting steam hauled passenger engine across the beautiful rolling countryside on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway ot Bucks Railway Centre in Quainton. Take a Grebe Canal Cruise along the peaceful 200 year old Grand Union Canal.

7. Literary lovers can explore the Cowper and Newton Museum or the Flora Thompson exhibition at the Buckingham Old Gaol and art enthusiasts will find galleries tucked away across the county. The Bucks Open Studios, one of the biggest visual arts events in the country is held in the summer.

8. Have a spa day at the Danesfield House Hotel in Marlow, relax with a cream tea at Hartwell House, Aylesbury, or if you prefer, sample one of the many traditional pubs tucked away across the county.

9. Buckinghamshire is a walker’s paradise with 2,500 miles of public rights of way, National Trails and acres of the Chilterns AONB to explore. Try Walkfree Breakfree for outdoor experiences in the Chilterns.

10. Take the kids for a unique day out to the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway or Lacey Green Maize Maze and there are plenty of mesmerising museums to look out for.

11. Spend an evening at one of Buckinghamshire’s finest theatres. For an array of spectacular comedy, drama, music and opera visit Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre or the Wycombe Swan. For more intimate shows, the Limelight Theatre is the perfect place.

12. Buckinghamshire is hosting the London 2012 Games at Eton College Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, which is well worth a visit. Don’t miss the Paralympic Flame Festival on August 28th at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.