Visit Long Crendon: Places to stay, things to do
Escape from urban life with a visit to this picture-postcard village just east of Oxford. Nick Peers hopes his camera doesn't give away his tourist credentials.
© Copyright David Hawgood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Why go there
Long Crendon ticks all the boxes of picture-postcard English villages, which probably explains why it’s frequently used as a backdrop in Midsomer Murders. The village is situated in a quiet north-west corner of Buckinghamshire, close to the Oxfordshire border. Its origins date back to Saxon times, and there’s plenty of historic buildings and quaint thatched cottages to catch the eye. Its most impressive building – the 15th-century courthouse – is owned by the National Trust, but is only open to visitors from April to September. However, you can still admire it from the outside.
Other places of interest nearby include Waddesdon Manor, Waterperry Gardens and the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
Ramblers might be interested to learn that Long Crendon is part of a walk from Thame to Aylesbury. Nature lovers will find a couple of reserves worth checking out: Rushbeds Wood is managed by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, while the RSPB reserve at Otmoor is a haven for ducks in the winter months thanks to its wet meadows and reed beds.
Where to stay
The Angel offers you the chance to stay in a 16th century coaching inn within Long Crendon itself. Only two rooms are available, and prices are £70 for single occupancy, and £95 for double occupancy, including continental or full English breakfast. Its restaurant menu – British cuisine with a hint of the Pacific Rim made from locally sourced ingredients – sounds intriguing too.
Where to eat
If the Angel’s menu is too rich for your tastes, try The Mole and Chicken just north of the village. It has a variety of menus to tempt all tastes and budgets, including an extensive Sunday lunch menu at £16.95 for two courses, or £21.95 for three.
Local secret
Sir Laurence Olivier and his wife, Lady Olivier (formerly Vivien Leigh) made their home in the village at Notley Abbey between 1944 and 1958.
