About Chesham

Introduction

The Buckinghamshire town of Chesham lies in a steep-sided valley, where the River Chess springs and beech trees grow in abundance on the Chiltern hillsides. With over 1,000 years of recorded history, the town has an ancient Parish Church, with surrounding buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st-century. The pedestrianised High Street has shops to suit all tastes, from well-known national retailers to family-run specialist stores. There are excellent public amenities on offer including the refurbished Open Air Swimming Pool, the Elgiva Theatre and Cinema, and the magnificent 28-acre Lowndes Park.

Shopping in Chesham

Chesham town centre is a character packed alternative to uninspiring indoor shopping centres, and, with its pedestrian high street, a refreshing change from other fume-filled town centres.

The Broadway, with its War Memorial, is at the centre of town, by the station, car parks, main bus stops and taxi rank. From here, the brick-lined High Street runs north to the supermarkets, and south to the Market Square clock tower, past a wonderful mixture of shop fronts and facades. Look out for numerous yards, alleys and side streets with small, independent shops and services.

There is a twice-weekly market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) held in the High Street, and on the last Saturday of each month there is a local produce Market, offering a wide range of products from the local area. There are also very popular French and Italian Markets visiting over occasional weekends. Chesham is full of hidden treasures – allow plenty of time to search out the unique specialist stores, antique shops and art galleries tucked away in all corners of the town.

Business in Chesham

Today Chesham has a diverse economic base comprising about one thousand, typically small-medium sized enterprises representing all business sectors. Within the two industrial parks, light engineering and fabrication industry is to be found alongside printers and graphic designers or other technology-based firms, wholesalers, distribution and courier businesses. As elsewhere there has been an expansion of professional business services and consultancies.

How to get to Chesham

Less than 30 miles from Central London and easily accessible from the M1, M25 and M40 motorways, with scenic drives through countryside to the town.

By public transport

Only 40 minutes (approx.) by train from London – Baker Street (Metropolitan Line) and Marylebone (Chiltern Line). Change at Chalfont & Latimer for Chesham station, unless stated otherwise. There is a good local bus network. To plan your journey go to: the Chiltern Railways website or Bucks County Council Travel Information.

On foot or by bicycle

The Chiltern Hills are an ideal location for ramblers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Chess Valley Walk – a 10-mile riverside walk in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; tel: 01844 271308
• Chiltern Heritage Trail – cycle and walking routes linking the area’s main tourist attractions; tel: 01494 729000
• Chiltern Link – 8-mile walk from the Ridgeway at Wendover to the Chess Valley; tel: 01296 382171

Chesham is the first Walkers Are Welcome town in the Chilterns, achieving this status in 2010.

Six walking routes around Chesham have been created, with an accompanying set of well-designed and attractive leaflets to guide you on your way.

You can pick up free copies of the walk leaflets from Chesham Town Hall and Chesham Library, or download the PDFs from here: