Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns are bursting with ideas and ways to enjoy a couple days off from everyday life. From meeting micropigs to gin tasting, making your own ice-cream to indulging in a luxurious spa day, there really is so much to do and see.

1. Play with Micro Pigs

Take a trip to Amersham where you find Kew Little Pigs, a specialist farm which breeds micropigs. A great way to see these little oinkers in their natural habitat. Here you can enjoy a variety of experiences, whether you spend an hour grooming or enjoy piggy yoga (yes you heard right!) there are plenty to choose from.

Stick around and head into Amersham where you can enjoy lunch at The Grocers cafes, a trip to the town’s museum or book an indulgent meal at the award winning ‘The Artichoke’ restaurant.

2. Visit a Gin Distillery!

Fancy sampling some of the county’s finest gin? Of course, you do!

Pop into Puddingstone Distillery on Friday and Saturdays where you can taste and buy their award-winning Campfire Gin. You will also get to see where and how the gin is produced. Whynot book onto a Thursday evening tour to learn more about Campfire Gin, the process and of course try lots of samples.

Alternatively, discover family run gin distillery ‘Griffiths Brothers’ in Amersham. Griffiths Brothers was the first micro-distillery in Buckinghamshire and has recently started doing tours and tasting experiences. Learn about the art of cold distillation, mixology and the brother’s story and of course, you’ll get to try a variety of their gins. Check out their website for tours, events and times!

3. Stay the night at Chiltern Yurt Retreat

Escape the noise of your everyday and unplug from the world, by booking a tranquil stay at Chiltern Yurt Retreat. Choose from the ‘Kingfisher Yurt,’ ‘Badgers Bower’ or ‘Hazel Tree Cabin’ for a unique and quirky glamping experience. Hidden in secluded ancient woodland, each property includes luxurious stylish bathrooms, kitchens and a wood burning stove. And for couples looking for a unique night away, the ‘Hazel Tree Cabin’ boasts its own wood fired hot tub perfect for an evening of unwinding whilst watching the sun go down!

4. Enjoy Afternoon Tea & Tour at The Hearing Dogs Cafe

The Grange Restaurant at The Hearing Dogs is a unique venue for a freshly prepared breakfast lunch or afternoon tea. And guess what, dogs are welcome too! This special café is designed with accessibility and acoustics in mind, so everyone is welcome. The extensive menu is full of healthy and fresh options and caters for vegetarian and plant-based diets. You can also book a tour of Hearing Dogs where you can explore and learn about the work that they do and see some cute furry friends!

5. Make Silver Jewellery at Corzo & Wood

Nestled in Claydon Courtyard, at the beautiful Claydon Estate, Corzo & Wood silver jewellery making group workshops where you can can design and make rings, bangles, earrings, pendants, cufflinks and bracelets. They also offer one-to-one tuition to explore those pieces you are inspired to create. Choose from half day or full day courses and get creative with Corzo & Wood.

6. Go Wild at Go Ape

Get a taste for adventure at Go Ape’s heart-racing treetop adventure course! Swing through the trees enjoying the spectacular views of the Chilterns and Buckinghamshire whilst tackling a variety of obstacles and crossings, zip wires, swings and rope ladders. For those who wish to embrace their inner Tarzan, why not take on the 'extreme' site where you can take on the thrills and spills of the Chilterns Crossing, the Monkey Shuffle and much, much more. You can book at either Wendover Woods or Black Park County Park.

7. Make Your Own Ice Cream at The Works

If you are foodie you will love this ice cream making experience at The Works. You will be greeted into the restaurant and whisked away to our ‘Engine Room’ – where all the magic happens! After a brief introduction to The Works and the ‘Engine Room’, the ice cream experience will begin! You’ll get to know how each bit of equipment works and why each piece is so important in the ice cream making journey.

Choose which ice cream flavour you wish to make – with over 20 different flavours to choose from, it’s never an easy decision! Label your tub, mix your recipe and pour it in to the machine. And within 10 minutes, you will be in ice cream heaven! 

8. Get Wet at Willen Lake

Fancy giving water sports a go? Willen Lake is one of Milton Keynes’ best loved parks with a range of leisure facilities, here you can discover a range of water sports and activities, pick from wakeboarding, sailing, paddle-boarding or windsurfing. Or if you would prefer to stay on the dryer side, why not grab a picnic and hire a pedalo for the afternoon?

9. Climb The Roof at Stowe House

Yes you heard that right, you can climb the roof of Stowe House and admire the beautiful views that stretch over Buckinghamshire & The Chilterns! Throughout the year on certain dates (and of course the weather) you can head to the top of the stunning Stowe House. Climb the noble cantilevered stone staircase to admire the magnificent view from the roof and look over the world-famous Stowe gardens; this truly is ‘the finest view in England’. Enjoy drinks on arrival before taking on an adventure of great heights!

These tours are unique and extremely popular so early booking is essential.

10. Enjoy Wild Workshops in The Chilterns

If you are looking for something a little different, then you are in the right place with Backwood Experiences, offering a variety of outdoor workshops and experiences that cater for everyone! Learn how to cook on an open fire and enjoy a delicious meal you’ve created, weave with willow and make your own wreath, design and create a wild flower crown or enjoy a gin tasting inspired by the great outdoors.