Amersham, Buckinghamshire travel guide and Amersham information

Visit Amersham

The town of Amersham is found in the county of Buckinghamshire and north-west from London, close to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is the part of the town referred to as Old Amersham that is of most interest to visitors although the 'underground' train line arrives at the more recently developed Amersham on the Hill - since the arrival of the train line at the end of the 19th century this region has substantially developed and Amersham is firmly established as a suburban commuter region for London.

Start your visit in the High Street of Old Amersham, lined with many picturesque houses, some dating back as far as the 15th century, some 18th-19th century, but very little in the way of modern development to spoil the setting. Many are half-timbered or have irregular frontages which further enhances the character of the street. Be sure to keep an eye on the little alleys and passages that lead off from the sides of the High Street for further glimpses of 'Old Amersham'

One of the highlights is the Market Hall, dating from 1682 and with an arcaded ground floor, also a clocktower above. Other notable buildings in Amersham include the 13th century (modified several times over the intervening centuries) Church of Saint Mary; the Almshouses built in 1657 to house elderly poor women; and Amersham Hospital (now private flats), built in 1839, originally to be used as Amersham Workhouse.

Follow some of the surrounding streets, to see more examples of local architecture - typically 18-19th century brick-built houses but also with some very picturesque medieval half-timbered cottages to discover. You will also see a memorial construceted to commemorate the 'Martyrs of Amersham', burned at the stake here in 1521 for pursuing religious freedoms such as reading the Bible in English.

Amersham Museum, also in the High Street, has been established in a 15th century hall and features a wide range of exhibits relating to Amersham, some items dating back as far as the Bronze Age.

Note: the Crown Hotel in Amersham featured in the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Chilterns guide and the