THIS perfectly preserved English village looks like it’s frozen in time.
From stone cottages with wonky window frames to a sprawling manor estate and a history of royal aristocracy, the village of West Wycombe has got it all – and has been completely maintained by the National Trust.
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In fact, West Wycombe is one of the only villages in the UK to be completely owned by the National Trust.
Since, 2023, the National Trust has been working on preserving the village with buildings being improved and retained – which is set to be completed by the summer.
The village, which is home to a thousand residents, still retains original cottages, inns and other buildings that were built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In the village they also have an old post office, corner shop, butcher, library, an independent shop and cafe and pubs.
The Swan Inn and The George and Dragon, both date back to around 1720.
Along with preserving the village, the National Trust has also been working on restoration in nearby West Wycombe Park – which has been closed off to the public since last year.
The grounds will reopen on Tuesday 1 April, with the House reopening on Monday 2 June and all works set to be completed.
The 5000 acre estate belongs to the Dashwood family, and has done for 300 years.
In 1943, Sir John Dashwood gifted West Wycombe Park to the National Trust.
The Dashwoods still live in West Wycombe Park today.
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For any film buffs, West Wycombe Park may look familiar as it has been used as a filming location.
The grounds and house have been used for TV shows, Cranford, Sense and Sensibility (2008), Downton Abbey, Midsomer Murders and even The Crown.
It’s also been used for some big movies like the 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Crooked House and 1980s hit, Labryinth.
The village of West Wycombe also has a huge underground network.
200 metres underneath the sweet cottages and period high street are the Hellfire Caves.
The man-made tunnels were built in 1700s to host the Hellfire Club – essentially a satirical gentlemen’s club in 18th century.
Later on, the caves were used as underground bunkers during World War Two, and are now a tourist attraction.
Entry to West Wycombe Park and the village is completely free for National Trust members.
For those who aren’t, adults entry is from £10 with children between 5-17 from £5.
These are the National Trust locations you can visit for a fraction of the price with the National Lottery.
And another National Trust village that featured in a very famous Disney film.
This Village Was Once Owned By The Queen Of England
You’ll find this beautiful village in Devon…
The pretty village of Clovelly, was owned by William the Conqueror who then gave the village to his wife, Matilda Flanders, as a gift.
The village was owned by royalty until the 1200s. Since then, Clovelly has been owned by different families and is currently under the care of John Rouss, who inherited the village from his mum in 1983.
If you plan a visit, the village looks like it’s stuck in time with quaint cobbled streets. Even the 83 cottages in the village are hundreds of years old, and the fact that Clovelly is car-free adds to the atmosphere.
The stunning seaside village requires a ticket and entry fee for anyone planning a visit. Adults can visit Clovelly for £9.50, with children aged seven to 16 needing to pay £5.50.
The fee goes into maintaining the village to preserve its character and charm.
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