Aylesbury is a very pretty market town in Buckinghamshire, known for its history and historic architecture, for being the location of the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, for the arts centre of Waterside Theatre, and for its ducks. It is surrounded by the picturesque Vale of Aylesbury, within which are dotted more historic houses, manors and halls. So the best places to stay in Aylesbury will appeal to families, walkers and cyclists, those with an interest in history and architecture, and folk who like poking around National Trust properties. Our Gurus’ favourite accommodation option at the moment is Hartwell House & Spa, one of England’s showcase grand house escapes.

Aylesbury’s market town atmosphere is still very much alive, and markets are still held here three or four times a week. Expect to see local farmers and suppliers selling direct, just as they always have. The Market Square is an impressive place to start admiring Aylesbury’s architecture too. You can spot Jacobean, Tudor, Stewart and Georgian designs, both in the historic heart of town, around the market, the Town Hall, and St. Mary’s Church, and on the more residential streets fanning outwards.

Other local highlights include walking or cycling along the Grand Canal, or sailing along it; visiting Aylesbury Manor, which was once owned by Anne Boleyn’s father, Hartwell, where Louis XVIII of France stayed during his exile, and Waddesdon Manor, which has an impressive art collection.

The town is a good year round destination, so our advice is to book ahead if you want to guarantee your room in the best places to stay in Aylesbury.

The Best Places to Stay in Aylesbury

For A Country House Escape

• Hartwell House & Spa is one of England's great showcase country escapes, a 16th Century stately home set in beautifully landscaped parkland. The accommodation is going for magnificent! The 52 elegantly proportioned rooms and suites, and the gracious reception rooms, lounges and dining room, are lavishly decorated in keeping with the era of the house, and feature stunning antiques, and fine art and fabrics. Once your eyes have taken in the pretty rooms cast them outside, where there are wonderful views of the grounds and the surrounding Vale. There’s also a spa, and the promise of delicious meals.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Aylesbury is London Luton Airport, which is only half an hour away by car. Unfortunately, if you want to journey between Luton Airport and Aylesbury by public transport, you have to go all the way into central London and out again! If you’re coming via London, trains leave from Marylebone station, and run every half hour or so, so all of London’s airports are fairly convenient if you’re not planning to hire a car.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Aylesbury is certainly pretty in the sunshine, and in the summer the market definitely takes on more of a bustle as visitor numbers increase, but many of Aylesbury’s attractions have an indoor element too, so don’t discount a visit at any time of year. The National Trust properties surrounding Aylesbury are open almost year round, and the Roald Dahl Museum certainly is. An annual Roald Dahl Festival is held in early July, during which an impressive parade of giant character puppets processes down the main streets of Aylesbury.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Buckinghamshire
• Consider Aylesbury’s neighbours including the best places to stay in Oxford?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.