Your next day trip: the market town 90 minutes from Essex named ‘most perfect’ with 900-year pub

You bring the appetite.

Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire has jumped up the wish list after a national round-up of classic market towns put it firmly on the map. For many in Essex, it sits within a manageable 90-minute hop, promising history, good cooking and family-friendly diversions without a long slog.

Why this market town is turning heads

The Telegraph recently spotlighted a dozen places it called quintessentially British market towns that offer something different. Beaconsfield made the cut thanks to a handsome Old Town, period architecture and a set of attractions that punch above the town’s size. Georgian fronts rub shoulders with Tudor timber, while independent shops and cafes keep the pavements busy at weekends.

Named among 12 standout market towns by national travel writers, Beaconsfield mixes heritage, comfort and easy day-trip logistics.

Walk the Old Town high street and you move from antique storefronts to modern delis in a few steps. A short stroll leads to one of Britain’s most storied pubs. A Michelin-decorated chef runs a celebrated Indian kitchen in town. And the world’s oldest model village sits just down the road, ticking a box for families.

A 900-year pub and a ghostly whisper

The Royal Standard of England, tucked on the edge of Beaconsfield, claims around nine centuries of service. Flagstones creak, beams sag, and open fires warm pints on cold afternoons. Local lore says the Candle Room has a resident Cavalier spirit, and old Civil War echoes linger in the car park. Whether you buy the tales or not, the sense of continuity feels real the moment you step inside.

A pub pouring ale for around 900 years and a high street lined with period façades give Beaconsfield its lived-in charm.

Food with a pedigree

Beaconsfield’s dining scene draws attention beyond its size. Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef in Britain to earn a Michelin star, oversees Riwaz in the Old Town. That heritage blends with bakeries, coffee spots and traditional kitchens serving roasts on Sundays. It suits a late lunch after a museum-sized morning in miniature.

Getting there from Essex in around 90 minutes

From much of Essex, you can reach Beaconsfield in approximately an hour and a half, traffic permitting. The most straightforward routes use either the M25 by car or a rail combo through central London.

By car

From Chelmsford, Brentwood or Epping, head towards the M25, then join the M40 westbound for Junction 2. The drive usually takes 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 50 depending on orbital traffic. Parking is available around the Old Town and near attractions, with charges applying in some car parks.

By rail

Take the Elizabeth line or Greater Anglia services into central London, then switch to Chiltern Railways at London Marylebone. Fast trains reach Beaconsfield in around 25–35 minutes from Marylebone. The whole door-to-door journey from Essex typically lands near the 90-minute mark if connections line up.

What to do when you arrive

You can fold several strong stops into a single visit. The compact layout helps, and much sits within a short drive or walk of the Old Town.

Britain’s oldest model village

Bekonscot Model Village and Railway opened in 1929 and is widely regarded as the oldest model village on the planet. It spreads landscaped scenes, tiny stations and working miniature railways across picturesque grounds. Children spot playful vignettes; grown-ups clock the craftsmanship. It operates for most of the year, with timed entry during busy periods.

Hands-on fun for children

Odds Farm Park sits just outside town and brings a full day’s worth of kid-friendly energy. Expect friendly farm animals, a sizeable indoor playbarn, and outdoor activities such as go-karts, tractor rides and a round of crazy golf. It suits mixed-age groups, especially if the weather turns.

A stroll through the Old Town

Set aside an hour to roam the Old Town. The streets show off Georgian and Tudor details, with mellow brick and black-and-white timber under clay tiles. Independent boutiques provide browsing, while cafes and pubs handle rest stops. Look for side lanes that feed into quiet residential pockets for a short loop.

• Must-see trio: The Royal Standard, Bekonscot Model Village, Old Town high street.
• Best photo spots: Tudor-fronted terraces at golden hour, pub interiors by the fireplace.
• Good timing: Arrive by mid-morning to beat lunch queues and secure parking.
• Family tip: Combine Bekonscot before lunch with Odds Farm in the afternoon.

Prices, timings and a quick checklist

Many visitors build a day around two paid attractions and a leisurely meal. Costs vary with season and age bands, so check current rates before setting out. Budget for train fares or fuel, attraction entry, and a sit-down lunch or pub supper.

Plan for two headline stops and one great meal: that mix makes a satisfying 6–8 hour itinerary without rush.

Pack comfortable shoes, a light jacket even in summer, and a backup indoor activity if showers roll in. Weekends bring more bustle and fewer parking spaces; weekday mornings feel gentler.

Beyond the postcard: who will like it, and who might not

Beaconsfield suits couples seeking a relaxed ramble, families after low-stress attractions, and anyone who loves a heritage pub with character. Food-focused day trippers find serious cooking without the hassle of a big city dinner.

If you want a packed museum trail, late-night bars or cut-price dining, the town may feel too gentle and a touch pricey. Traffic on the M25 can also stretch the journey; rail takes the edge off that risk if you can manage one change in London.

Make the most of that 90-minute window

Leave Essex by 9am, reach Beaconsfield near 10.30am, and start at Bekonscot before the crowds. Aim for a 1pm lunch at Riwaz or a roast in the Old Town. Walk it off along the high street, then settle by the fire at The Royal Standard from mid-afternoon. Head back before the evening peak and you’ll be home for a late tea.

For a lower-cost version, swap the restaurant booking for a bakery picnic and a slower wander through the town’s historic lanes. The core appeal remains the same: compact sights, welcoming tables and the feeling that you’ve been somewhere with roots.