Located in Buckinghamshire midway between Aylesbury and High Wycombe, Princes Risborough is a small market town surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

Comprehensive transport networks provide connections to a variety of major destinations, with principal roads and the nearby M40 allowing easy access to London, Oxford or the Midlands A mainline rail service runs to London Marylebone or north to Banbury, Leamington Spa and Birmingham; a separate connection is available to nearby Aylesbury. A comprehensive bus and coach network provides links to local areas as well as to Aylesbury, High Wycombe and beyond. Both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are accessible via the M25.

Shopping:
Princes Risboroughs shopping facilities comprise a mix of popular chain stores together with a good variety of smaller, specialist retailers. Twice-weekly markets provide a wide range of goods from fresh produce to household items, and two large supermarkets are also located in the town. For those who enjoy eating out, a selection of pubs and restaurants serve a range of traditional and international cuisine.

Princes Risboroughs ancient fairs provide the town with one of its most popular social highlights. Held in April and September, the Market Square and surrounding streets serve as a setting for side-shows, stalls, rides and live entertainment. Further festivities are on offer in July at The Town Festival , which features a week of special events including concerts, a vintage car run, street entertainment and a childrens party.

An additional programme of arts and entertainment is provided by Princes Risboroughs many clubs and societies, with annual activities taking place in the towns Whitecross Hall or Wades Park Community Centre. Purpose-built arts facilities and a 6-screen cinema complex are available within easy reach of the town at High Wycombe.

Sport:
Sports enthusiasts are catered for by Risborough Springs, a multi-use complex situated in the town centre. Facilities include two pools, a fitness suite and aerobics studio. Opportunities for practising a range of outdoor sports are available in the town s numerous parks and recreation grounds, many of which also include children s play areas. For those in search of more leisurely pursuits, a 9-hole golf course is on offer at the Princes Risborough Golf Club.

Facilities for a number of specialist activities - including skiing, boating and watersports - are available at nearby towns such as High Wycombe and Marlow.

A wealth of open space and beautiful countryside provides Princes Risborough with one of its most outstanding assets. The spectacular formations of the Chiltern Hills make the area one of the finest for walking, and long-distance footpaths such as the ancient Ridgeway Path provide stunning views as well as access to picturesque hamlets. At nearby Whiteleaf, ramblers can follow the footpaths and bridlepaths through beechwoods, while The Brush Hill Nature Reserve allows visitors the chance to glimpse a rich variety of local wildlife in a mixture of habitats.

For an alternative way to view the countryside, the historic diesel and steam locomotives of The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway pass along a three-mile route at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. Open throughout the year, the railway also programmes special events and seasonally themed rail excursions.

HISTORY: As might be expected, the small town of Princes Risborough is notable for its royal connections. These began with the last of the Saxon Kings, Earl Harold, who owned the manor until his death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

At the time, the settlement was known simply as Risborough, but the next royal association - with the Black Prince in the 14th Century - led the village to commemorate the honour by adding his title to its name. He arrived in 1334, having been entrusted with the manor house. Although it served principally as a royal stud farm, the surrounding park was also a hunting ground (the parks deer are mentioned in a document of 1337) and it is thought that the Prince used the building as a hunting lodge.

Close to the site where the manor once stood, the Parish Church of St Mary is a handsome building constructed of flint and stone. Originating from the 13th Century, it was the subject of later Mediaeval and Tudor alterations, while the eye-catching spire and tower are a comparatively modern feature dating from the early 20th Century.

A short distance from the church stands the listed 17th Century Manor House and nearby, the charming early Tudor residence known as Monks Staithe . For a brief time it was home to Amy Johnson (1903-1941), the celebrated aviator who, among other achievements, was the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.

During the reign of Henry VIII, the town was granted the right to hold several annual fairs as well as two weekly markets. The Market Square remains the focal point of the town and is approached by picturesque streets lined with 17th and 18th Century cottages. The 17th Century Market House stands at its centre.

From the edge of town, the famous Whiteleaf Cross can be seen cut into the chalk of the Chiltern Hills. First recorded in 1738, its actual age and purpose are unknown and it remains an enigmatic local landmark.

LINKS:
www.princesrisborough.com Website maintained by the Princes Risborough Town Council for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike.