The Home Counties – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, and Surrey – surround London on all sides and form the larger part of the South East of England.
It’s an affluent, attractive part of the country which probably took its name from its proximity to the capital – where merchants, civil servants and politicians were able to have a country home, while still being able to travel easily to the city.
Visitors today will find a mix of historic landmarks, traditional market towns, mile upon mile of suburban housing, and some glorious countryside – all within an hour or so of London.
Berkshire
Berkshire is perhaps most famously home to Windsor Castle, and the lovely town of Windsor itself. But there is much more to the county than its royal connections.
A journey along the River Thames leads to small riverside towns such as Henley-on-Thames, known for its annual regatta – a highlight of British rowing culture. A river cruise will lead past many of the county’s rolling hills and you’ll see some incredible riverside homes as you pass by.
The large town of Reading offers a lively mix of shopping and cultural venues, including a thriving music and arts scene. Neighbouring Newbury, an ancient market town with a famous racecourse, is full of traditional charm making it popular with city commuters.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire’s open fields and woodlands have inspired many writers and artists. Aylesbury, the county town, has medieval roots and is home to several cultural attractions, including small galleries and museums.
High Wycombe and Beaconsfield offer busy town centres filled with boutiques, historic inns, and inviting parks. The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, runs through Buckinghamshire. offering some spectacular scenery and ancient history. Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, is a National Trust property, once home to Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, which also served as a secret military base during the second world war.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire’s close proximity to the capital makes it a popular choice for day trips or weekend breaks. The historic town of St Albans is known for its splendid cathedral (this month’s cover star) and remnants of Roman history. There are lively markets and a plenty of good places to eat.
Hertford, the county’s historic capital, offers an attractive mix of Georgian and medieval architecture while Letchworth Garden City was designed to combine urban living with the benefits of nature. Wide avenues and plenty of green spaces create a relaxed environment that makes this prime commuter belt.
Essex
Essex stretches from its increasingly blurred boundary with London to the east coast, where Southend-on-Sea, with its amusement parks and long sandy beaches, provides a lively seaside break. And Colchester, one of Britain’s oldest recorded towns, boasts Roman ruins and a vibrant arts scene.
Despite Essex’s slightly brash image there are many quiet corners waiting to be discovered. Saffron Walden, with its timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, is great for exploring its charming market square and independent shops that retain an old-fashioned vibe. And Epping Forest is a huge ancient woodland with plenty of opportunities to explore nature on foot or by bicycle.
Kent
The ‘Garden of England’, Kent lives up to its bucolic reputation with its orchards, vineyards, and gardens. The county is dotted with historic sites, stately homes and its unique Oast Ho