The Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire, has a long history of agriculture that has shaped the landscape, communities, and cuisine of the region. Visitors exploring the Chilterns in August can discover how traditional farming practices have influenced local food, markets, and artisanal products, offering a taste of the countryside’s cultural heritage.

Farming History in the Chilterns

• Traditional agriculture: Sheep grazing, wheat fields, and hop growing have long been central to the region’s economy.
• Historic farmsteads: Many villages feature old barns, farmhouses, and rural structures dating back centuries.
• Community and economy: Local farms shaped village life, from seasonal fairs to markets, connecting rural production with regional trade.

Walking through the Chilterns, visitors can still see hedgerows, pastures, and historic farm buildings, offering a tangible connection to centuries of agricultural practice.

Local Food and Culinary Heritage

• Farm shops and markets: The region produces cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods that reflect its farming traditions.
• Artisanal products: From local honey and preserves to craft beer and cider, small producers continue centuries-old practices.
• Seasonal produce: Visiting in August allows you to enjoy fresh summer fruits, vegetables, and farm-to-table experiences.
• Historic pubs and cafés: Many feature locally sourced ingredients, preserving the culinary connection to the land.

Visitors can taste the Chilterns’ heritage while supporting sustainable, locally produced food.

Why Visitors Will Love It

• Scenic rural landscapes: Rolling hills, farm tracks, and charming villages make for peaceful exploration.
• Culinary experiences: Farm shops, markets, and local cafés offer authentic tastes of the region.
• Cultural connection: Learn how farming shaped communities, traditions, and cuisine.
• Photogenic villages and countryside: Old barns, cottages, and farmlands provide perfect photography opportunities.

1–2 Day Chilterns Farming & Food Itinerary

Day One – Historic Villages and Farms

• Morning: Explore traditional villages such as Great Missenden or Hambleden, noting historic farm buildings.
• Lunch: Visit a farm shop or village café to enjoy local produce.
• Afternoon: Take a scenic walk through the rolling farmland, observing crops, hedgerows, and livestock.
• Evening: Enjoy a meal at a pub serving locally sourced dishes, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage.

Day Two – Markets and Artisanal Food

• Morning: Visit a farmers’ market, sampling cheese, honey, and baked goods.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic with local produce and enjoy it in a picturesque spot.
• Afternoon: Tour an artisanal producer, such as a cider mill, dairy, or bakery.
• Evening: Finish with a countryside walk, watching the sunset over the Chilterns’ hills.

Stay in the Chilterns with Pass the Keys

Staying with Pass the Keys Chilterns provides a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the region’s farming heritage and local food scene. Their properties allow visitors to access villages, markets, and scenic countryside walks, combining modern comfort with rural charm.

Whether you choose a cosy cottage or a central village apartment, Pass the Keys ensures your stay is welcoming, convenient, and immersive, letting you experience the Chilterns’ landscape, history, and culinary delights like a local.