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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.
17 km · about 20 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Chesham works well as a base: 5 minutes from Hyde Heath, 17km from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Chesham is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 20,649, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Chesham sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Chesham to your route.
Chesham ( CHESH-əm, locally CHESS-əm or CHEZ-əm) is a market town and civil parish in Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom, 11 miles (18 km) south-east of the county town of Aylesbury, about 26 miles (42 km) north-west of central London, and part of the London commuter belt. It is in the Chess Valley, surroundedRead more
by farmland. The earliest records of Chesham as a settlement are from the second half of the 10th century, although there is archaeological evidence of people in this area from around 8000 BC. Henry III granted a royal charter for a weekly market in 1257.
Chesham is known for its four Bs — boots, beer, brushes and Baptists. In the face of fierce competition from both home and abroad during the later 19th and early 20th centuries, the three traditional industries rapidly declined. The ready availability of skilled labour encouraged new industries to the town both before and after the Second World War. Today, employment in the town is provided mainly by small businesses engaged in light industry, technology and professional services.
From the early part of the 20th century, Chesham has experienced considerable expansion, with new housing developments and civic infrastructure. Chesham has become a commuter town with improved connection to London via the London Underground and road networks. The town centre has been progressively redeveloped since the 1960s and has been pedestrianised since the 1990s. The population at the 2021 census was 23,008.
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Chesham offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Chesham is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.7000 latitude, -0.6000 longitude.
Chesham has a population of approximately 20,649 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
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The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.
17 km · about 20 min drive
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The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as a royal residence for over 900 years.
24 km · about 30 min drive
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Family-friendly theme park near London with LEGO-themed rides, building workshops, and Miniland models.
26 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
The 1938 North Circular roadside cafe that became the home of the ton-up boys and rocker culture, reopened on its original site in 1997 and still holding weekly bike and classic car meets.
28 km · about 35 min drive
cafe
The Bedfordshire location set in a dramatic former quarry bowl, opened in 2023 as the brand's third venue.
34 km · about 40 min drive
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Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.
34 km · about 40 min drive
museum
Victorian estate where Alan Turing and thousands of codebreakers cracked the German Enigma cipher, arguably shortening WWII by years. Restored huts, working Bombe machine, and the National Museum of Computing next door.
35 km · about 40 min drive
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The world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, located in Regent's Park in central London.
36 km · about 40 min drive
April to October
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