High Wycombe Reviews

Living in High Wycombe

High Wycombe’s not a big place - it doesn’t need to be when you can get to London in less time than it takes you to cook a decent dinner.

A train ride from High Wycombe to the capital will take you no more than 45mins. The town, which is the home of Buckinghamshire New University, is nestled up against the picturesque Chiltern hills. That does mean there’s a bit of a slope going on here, and also that the weather is a degree or two colder than other towns in the region. Bring a sled in the winter, just in case.

There’s a high street in the town but at some point you’re going to have to encounter the Eden Shopping Centre, providing students and residents with their regular dose of retail therapy. This is a BIG centre, with over an hundred shops, a bowling centre, a cinema, and a library. Take a map, because the centre is twice the size of the campus (and right next door to it) or they might find you years later, still wandering the mall and muttering that you only came in to buy a book for your summer reading list.

Although you’ve probably walked several miles just exploring Eden, you might feel the need to get some exercise into your routine. There are quite a few gyms in the town, and also Wycombe Sports Centre which has an Olympic sized pool, large gym, playing courts for various sports, and an outdoor running track. That should keep you busy! There are two more big cinemas in High Wycombe, as well as the Swan Theatre for shows, concerts and comedy. There’s also Rye Park, one of the largest parks in the district, with a wooded area running along one side and the river between the two. It’s a great place to jog, take a picnic blankets and some revision, or attend one of the many community events the council put on every year, such as the People’s Festival and Asian Mela.

There’s also a local airstrip with two flying schools and a gliding club, so it’s not uncommon to see something swooping overhead as you walk to your lecture theatre. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Actually yes. Yes it is a plane. Unless it’s a glider. In which case it isn’t technically a plane, but still... Oh never mind.

Day out

• London: Obviously!
• Hughendon manor: This was the home of Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. And a very nice home it is too! The beautiful manor house and large grounds will keep you happy, and the educational angle will keep your tutors happy. Smiles all round.
• Chilterns: The rolling countryside makes a great getaway from your pre-exam stress. Take a walk, get a bike and follow a cycle route, indulge in some recreational cow-tipping... Ok maybe not that last one.

Getting around

• Car: No. High Wycombe can turn into Congestion Central, particularly during the rush hours. Everything is so close together it’s easy to walk most places, and public transport takes care of the rest.
• Taxi: Neales Taxis
• Tran: There’s a direct in to London Marylebone, and also to Birmingham Snow Hill.

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