The well-to-do and peaceful Buckinghamshire Chilterns villages filmed as the backdrop to Midsomer Murders are explored today. We visit the beautiful Hughenden Valley, see some rare mediaeval wall paintings, visit the world famous Jordans Quakers Meeting and enjoy morning coffee and lunch together in a welcoming country pub.

Enjoy a day exploring the peaceful woody lanes and picturesque towns and villages of the Buckinghamshire Chilterns. Discover some ancient wall paintings, visit Jordans Friends Meeting House and the Hughenden Valley.

Come and meet the Guide for morning refreshments at a pub near Old Beaconsfield. We will return to this pleasant spot for lunch but first we set off on a carefully crafted scenic route through the Chiltern Hills. From high in the coach it’s like flicking through the pages of Country Life, a wealth of grand country houses. We drive through the beautiful “Chequers” valley where the Prime Minister’s country retreat is hidden in hundreds of acres of mellow parkland. We hear about the Bodgers who worked in the woods, see the grave of Benjamin Disraeli in the magnificent Hughenden Valley and hear the curious story of his burial and look out for the Red Kites, magnificent birds with wingspans of up to five feet which have been reintroduced locally in recent years. Their distinctive forked tails and elegant, elastic flight is a far from elusive sight, when you know where to look. We’ll also stop to discover some rare wall paintings from the 13^th century.

In the afternoon we will visit Jordans. The Jordans Meeting House was built in 1688, after the Declaration of Indulgence passed by James II gave freedom to Friends to build their own meeting houses. It was built in just six weeks, using simple brick for the floor and the outside walls. The original floor is still in use, and about 80% of the glass is original despite a devastating fire in 2005.

Outside there are simple graves in the Quaker fashion including that of William Penn the founder of Pennsylvania and nearby is the Mayflower Barn said to be built from timbers of the Mayflower ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to America. Tea and biscuits are available for a donation towards the upkeep of the property.

Price includes: travel by coach, driver’s gratuity, morning tea or coffee and lunch.

The coach leaves Virgin Active at 8.45am and leaves the Chilterns at 4.45pm.

£48