Old Amersham
One of England's best-preserved High Streets
Old Amersham's High Street is a remarkable survival — a medieval market town that has changed remarkably little since the coaching era. Wide and grand, lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and historic inns, it has been used as a film and TV location many times over.
The Kings Arms sits at the very heart of it. Step out the front door and you're in the thick of it: the Market Hall, St Mary's Church, the alleyways and courtyards that make Old Amersham a pleasure to wander through.
The town is also the terminus of the Metropolitan Line — making it easy to reach from London, yet entirely without the feeling of a commuter dormitory. Old Amersham retains its own character, its own pace, and its own very good pubs and restaurants.
On the Doorstep
What to see and do
One of England's finest coaching-era High Streets. Browse independent shops, admire the timber-framed buildings, and spot the locations used in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
A beautiful 13th-century parish church with brasses, monuments, and a peaceful churchyard. A short walk from the hotel along the High Street.
Amersham's 17th-century Market Hall is still the focal point of the High Street. Markets have been held here since a royal charter was granted in 1200.
Housed in a medieval hall-house, the Amersham Museum tells the story of the town from its earliest days. Free entry and well worth an hour of your time.
Walk straight from the hotel into some of England's most beautiful countryside. Beech woodland, open downland, and sweeping views — all within a mile of the High Street.
Old Amersham's High Street is refreshingly free of chain stores. Antiques, interiors, fashion, and food — all from independent traders who know their craft.
Walks & Days Out
On foot from The Kings Arms
You can walk directly from the hotel into the Chilterns. These are some of our favourite routes — ask at reception for printed maps and local tips.
A beautiful walk through the Chess Valley, following the River Chess through water meadows to Chesham. Return by train on the Metropolitan Line.
A gentle loop from the hotel through the grounds of Shardeloes — a beautiful Capability Brown landscape — and back along the Misbourne valley.
Through fields and footpaths to the pretty village of Little Missenden, with its Saxon church and peaceful valley setting. Return the same way or via taxi.
Climb out of Amersham onto the ridge above Coleshill for panoramic views across the Chilterns. A classic Chiltern ridge walk with beech woodland and wide skies.
Within Easy Reach
Days out from The Kings Arms
Old Amersham is perfectly placed for exploring the Home Counties.
The world's oldest model village in nearby Beaconsfield. Delightful for families.
Ancient beech woodland managed by the City of London. Extraordinary pollards and quiet trails.
National Trust house and grounds near High Wycombe — former home of Prime Minister Disraeli.
A spectacular Rothschild estate with extraordinary art collections and formal gardens. National Trust.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England's great baroque palaces. Birthplace of Winston Churchill.
The university city is easily reached by car or coach. Colleges, the Bodleian, and excellent restaurants.
Convenient for early departures — stay at The Kings Arms the night before your flight.
Direct Chiltern Railways trains from Amersham. London is on the doorstep when you want it.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to Old Amersham
35 minutes from London Marylebone by Chiltern Railways. 25 minutes from Heathrow by car. Free parking for guests staying at The Kings Arms.