Things to do in the Chilterns: Tring Park

Things To Do In Tring | Best Walks, Food & Local Highlights

Tring is a small market town in the Chilterns with a big personality. Known for its Victorian heritage, beautiful countryside, and unique attractions, it’s a fantastic place to explore.

One of the best things about Tring is its location. Not only does it sit on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, but it’s also surrounded by incredible landscapes, such as the Ridgeway National Trail, Ivinghoe Beacon, and Dunstable Downs.

In addition, the postcard-perfect village of Aldbury and the grand Ashridge Estate offer even more reasons to explore the area.

With its mix of history, nature, and great food, Tring is easily one of the best places to visit in the Chilterns. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Also read: 15 Best Things To Do In The Chilterns, England

Best Things To Do In Tring

Visit the Tring Natural History Museum

Tring’s Natural History Museum is one of the most surprising finds in the Chilterns. Housed in a grand Victorian building, this museum was once the personal collection of Walter Rothschild. This eccentric zoologist gathered thousands of taxidermy animals from around the world.

Inside, you’ll find everything from polar bears and giant tortoises to tropical birds and insects. The museum also has a famous flea collection (yes, really!). And even a taxidermy ride-on tortoise, once used by Rothschild himself.

Best of all? Entry is free, making it a fantastic stop for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re fascinated by wildlife or just love quirky museums, this is one of the best things to do in Tring.

Natural History Museum in Tring

Explore Tring Park

Just a short walk from the town centre, Tring Park is one of the most scenic spots in the Chilterns. This mix of woodlands, rolling meadows, and open hills offers beautiful walks with great views over Tring and the surrounding countryside.

Several trails run through the park, including a section of the Ridgeway National Trail, one of Britain’s oldest paths. Along the way, you’ll likely spot red kites soaring above and might even see deer in the wooded areas. Some parts of the park are popular for locals walking their dog.

A key landmark inside the woods is the obelisk, a monument that serves as a crossroads, linking different walking routes through the park. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer hike, Tring Park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.

Visit Tring’s High Street & Weekly Farmers Market

Tring’s High Street is full of independent shops, inviting cafés, and great restaurants. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the Tring Farmers Market, where you can browse fresh local produce, artisan bread, and handmade goods from Chilterns-based suppliers.

Some of the best places to check out include:

  • Our Bookshop | An excellent independent bookstore that hosts occasional events.
  • The Espresso Lounge | The go-to spot for great coffee and pastries.
  • Culture Bakery | A fantastic artisanal bakery for fresh loaves and sandwiches.
  • The Akeman | A welcoming place for a drink after a walk in Tring Park, with comfortable seating and a cosy fireplace.
  • Crockers | A relaxed, homely restaurant offering a top-notch dining experience.
  • Tarboush | A great choice for Lebanese cuisine.
  • Beans N’ Brunch | A solid pick for coffee and brunch.

The mix of local businesses, cafés, and restaurants makes the High Street a great place to explore at any time of day.

Visit Tring Brewery

Tring Brewery has been producing high-quality, locally brewed ales since 1992 and has built a strong reputation in the Chilterns and beyond. Known for its traditional brewing methods and creative beer names inspired by local history, the brewery is a great place to discover award-winning craft beers.

The brewery shop is stocked with fresh cask ales, bottled beers, and seasonal specials. If you’re interested in the brewing process, you can join a tasting session or book a brewery tour, where the team explains how their ales are made while you sample different styles.

For casual beer drinkers and beer lovers alike, this is one of the best places to visit in Tring.

Tring Brewery beer

Visit the Charming Village of Aldbury

Just a short drive from Tring, Aldbury feels like a village straight out of a storybook. With its historic cottages, village pond, and traditional pubs, it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Chilterns.

The village is known for its well-preserved Tudor and Georgian buildings, many of which have appeared in period dramas and films. At its heart, you’ll find the old village stocks and whipping post, reminders of its long history.

Aldbury is also a great stop for a drink or meal, especially if you’re craving classic British pub food. Both The Greyhound Inn and The Trooper serve hearty dishes, with the latter featuring a lovely garden that’s perfect for sunny days.

If you’re hiking the Ridgeway National Trail or heading to Ivinghoe Beacon, Aldbury makes a perfect starting or finishing point.

Explore Ashridge Estate

Just a short drive from Tring lies the beautiful Ashridge Estate, one of the most scenic spots in the Chiltern Hills. Managed by the National Trust, the estate covers over 5,000 acres of ancient woodland, rolling hills, and open parkland, with plenty of trails and paths to explore.

Start your visit at Monument Drive, where you’ll find parking and a visitor centre. From here, you can follow a variety of waymarked walks. Some of these are short and easy, while others long enough to fill a full day outdoors.

If you’re visiting between mid-April and mid-May, don’t miss the bluebells in Docky Wood. This part of the estate becomes a stunning carpet of blue, and is considered one of the best bluebell spots in the UK.

According to the National Trust, bluebells are a sign of ancient woodland – areas that have been around for at least 400 years. The UK is home to about half of the world’s bluebells, making this seasonal bloom something truly special.

Insider tip: The paths can get quite muddy, especially after rain, so it’s worth bringing waterproof hiking shoes or wellies.

Best Walks Around Tring

Tring is surrounded by some of the most beautiful walking trails in the Chilterns. And that is exactly why Tring and its surrounding countryside is my favourite part of the Chilterns.

Here, you’ll find trails ranging from gentle countryside strolls to more challenging hikes. So, there’s a walk to suit every appetite.

For more trails in the region, check out my best things to do in the Chilterns article.

Tring Park Walk

One of the best walks starts right from the town centre and takes you through Tring Park, a stunning area of meadows and woodlands with fantastic views over the Chiltern Hills. The Ridgeway National Trail passes through here, and you’ll likely spot red kites soaring above.

Things to do in the Chilterns: Ivinghoe Hills

The Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon

For a longer, more rewarding hike, follow the Ridgeway National Trail from Tring (or start at Wendover Station) to Ivinghoe Beacon. This scenic walk takes you through Aldbury, past rolling hills and chalk grasslands, before reaching the iconic Ivinghoe Beacon.

Here, you’ll find yourself on one of the highest points in the Chilterns. The views from the top are well worth the climb. For more information on this trail check out nationaltrail.co.uk.

Dunstable Downs & the Chilterns Gateway Centre

For another breathtaking viewpoint, head to Dunstable Downs. These rolling chalk hills offer some of the best panoramic views in the region. It’s a popular spot for walking, kite flying, and even paragliding.

The Chilterns Gateway Centre provides information on local trails and is a great place to start a walk through this amazing landscape.

How to Get to Tring

I’m not going to sugar-goat it, but using public transport in the Chilterns is a bit of a nightmare. There aren’t many options, and it’s quite expensive. That said, check out these options for getting to Tring.

  • By Train | Tring is well-connected to London Euston via the West Coast Main Line. Trains run every 10 – 20 minutes with a journey time of around 40 minutes. From Tring Station, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the town centre. Get your tickets on thetrainline.com.
  • By Bus | Bus services connect Tring to Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, and Hemel Hempstead, though they run less frequently than trains. If you’re coming from London, the train is the best option.
  • By Car | Tring is located just off the A41, making it easily accessible from London, Oxford, and the Midlands. The town has several public car parks, with convenient parking near the High Street and Tring Park.

Need a rental car? Then check out your options on booking.com.

Where to Stay in Tring

Tring is a small town and as such doesn’t have too many options for staying overnight. However, these are a few of the most charming accommodation options.

  • Pendley Manor Hotel | For a more luxurious stay, Pendley Manor is a grand country house hotel set in beautiful gardens. With elegant rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant, it’s a great choice for a relaxing countryside getaway.
  • The Greyhound Inn (Aldbury) | Located in nearby Aldbury, The Greyhound Inn is a traditional coaching inn with comfortable rooms and a cosy pub downstairs. It’s ideal for those who want to stay in a picturesque village setting while still being close to Tring.
  • Premier Inn Tring | For a budget-friendly and convenient option, Premier Inn Tring offers comfortable rooms just outside the town centre. It’s a great base for exploring the Chilterns.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tring

With its independent shops, cosy cafés, and a great selection of pubs and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Tring is such a special town. On top of that, the beautiful countryside makes it one of the best towns to visit in the Chilterns..

Have you visited Tring, or have any questions? Leave a reply below, or reach out on Instagram. And if you enjoy discovering new destinations, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll get the latest travel guides straight to your inbox.

Are you planning your trip to the UK? Check out my latest articles in my United Kingdom Travel Guide for more travel inspiration, or continue reading with the latest UK articles:

Previous Post
Old Amersham Market Hall

7 Things To Do In Old Amersham | A Historic Market Town Guide

Next Post
Church in Marlow along the Thames Path

Best Things to Do in Marlow, Buckinghamshire (2026 Guide)

Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *