Page 88 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

86 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

6 West Wycombe
Bucks; HP14 3AH
West Wycombe’s main attractions are
found at West Wycombe Park (Apr–Aug:
open Sun–Thu; house open Jun–Aug; 01494
755 571; www.nationaltrust.org.uk). The
Italianate house is set in landscaped
gardens dotted with follies, statues and
ornamental lakes. The estate is also
home to the Hellfire Caves (Apr–Oct:
open daily; Nov–Mar: open Sat & Sun; 01494
533739; www.hellfirecaves.co.uk), excavated
in the 1740s on the orders of Sir
Francis Dashwood and running nearly
Above The gardens and rear of Hughenden 1 km (over half a mile) underground.
Manor, once Disraeli’s country home 5 Hughenden Manor See the Gothic “church” entrance
High Wycombe, Bucks; HP14 4LA and descend dank passages past
Time has not stood still at Hughenden chambers with portrayals of members
VISITING HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Manor, despite access up a steep, of Dashwood’s infamous Hellfire Club
Parking unpaved and rutted track (house, (1749–60). The final destination is
On the way in, follow signs to short-stay gardens and park open daily all year, except the “Inner Temple”. Here were held the
parking (maximum three hours) on Christmas; 01494 755 565; www. bacchanals of the club, whose
Market Street or Gray’s Road. nationaltrust.org.uk). The country home members included such luminaries as
Tourist Information of Queen Victoria’s trusted Prime the then Prince of Wales, the Marquis
Town Hall, Market Place, RG9 2AQ; Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804–81) of Granby, and artist William Hogarth.
01491 578 034
has seen some alterations, but a few Despite tales of devil worship, the main
Thames Cruise rooms are as they would have been in activities were probably drinking and
To hire self-drive (or even chauffered) “Dizzy’s” day. The gardens recreate an pornography. Not suitable for anyone
motor launches for trips along the river;
or for a scheduled cruise, try Hobbs original design by his wife, Mary Anne. with claustrophobia, the caves are
of Henley on Station Road (01491 Mementoes, books and paintings bring reputed to be haunted by the spectre
572 035; www.hobbsofhenley.com the interior alive but low lighting, while of a steward of the Hellfire Club who
kind to furnishings, can be less kind to kept a tally of drinks consumed. On
WHERE TO STAY eyes. There are some beautiful walks in the hilltop above the caves stand the
the surrounding parkland with imposing Dashwood Mausoleum and
AROUND WEST WYCOMBE glorious views of the countryside. the distinctive Church of St Lawrence,
Frog Inn moderate ª Rejoin the A4128 towards High its tower topped by a golden sphere
Pretty family-run inn with attractive Wycombe. In town, follow signs to that is said to have served as a venue
en-suite rooms and rural views. The inn
is situated directly south of Fingest, A40 west. Turn left at Pedestal round­ for covert meetings.
close to Turville. Also serves good food. about to West Wycombe. After village, ª Take A40 through Piddington and
Skirmett, RG9 6TG (8 km/5 miles west of turn right, past caves entrance, turn left, signed Bolter End. Take B482 to
West Wycombe); 01491 638 996; for free parking. Fingest. It is possible to fork right here
www.thefrogatskirmett.co.uk
for the pretty village and pub at Turville.
HENLEY-ON-THAMES Below The “Royal River” running through the heart Otherwise turn right, then right again
Loch Fyne Hotel moderate of Henley-on-Thames onto A4155 to Henley­on­Thames.
In a listed, red brick former bakery
above the Loch Fyne Bar and Grill
(see right). Seven smallish, tasteful
en-suite rooms. Kippers for breakfast!
20 Market Place, RG9 2AH; 01491 845
789; www.milsomshotel.co.uk
Hotel du Vin moderate–expensive
This boutique hotel, part of a small chain,
has 43 luxurious rooms offering style,
attention to detail and bistro cooking.
New Street, RG92BP; 0844 736 4258;
www.hotelduvin.com
Red Lion Hotel expensive
This red brick 16th-century inn by the
bridge has 39 substantial, well-furnished
rooms, some with river views.
Hart Street, RG9 2AR; 01491 572 161;
www.redlionhenley.co.uk
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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