Round and about
Balney Grounds is situated in an area of unspoilt countryside and within easy reach of many towns and villages which have historical connections. These include
Aylesbury
County town of Buckinghamshire full of character and charm with narrow Tudor alleyways, good 17th century houses and quiet pathways around the great churchyard of St Mary's. There are medieval features and an, inn now owned by the National Trust, dates from pre-Tudor times.
Buckingham
Old market town, originally county town of Buckinghamshire until 1725. Place of interest include the Town jail, now an antique shop, Castle House, where Catherine of Aragon stayed as Queen and approximately one century later Charles I presided at a war council.
Claydon House
Steeple Claydon, Middle Claydon, East Claydon and Botolph Claydonwere all manors once belonging to the 2nd Earl of Verney, who built Claydon house at Middle Claydon, one of the finest mansions in Buckinghamshire, in 1752. Once the home of Florence Nightingale is now a National Trust property.
Olney
Market town on the River Ouse, famous for its Shrove Tuesday pancake race - a tradition which started in the 15th century. Home of John Newton who wrote 'Amazing Grace.'
Silverstone
Home of British Motor Racing and host for the British Formula one Grand Prix.
Stratford on Avon
Old market town, birthplace of William Shakespeare has become one of the world's most famous tourist centres. Buildings are still preserved in their original half-timbered style. A contrast to the Shakespearian emphasis is the Tibor Tiatsa Collection of miniature model cars and exhibition of textiles and ceramics.
Warwick
An hour's drive, Warwick, on the banks of the Avon, is the County town of Warwickshire. Warwick Castle which overlooks the river was sold by Lord Brooke in 1978 after having been in his family's possession since 1605. oaken's House near the castle wall contains the Joy Robinson doll museum.
Woburn
Old village with much Georgian architecture. Woburn Abbey originally founded in 1145, was given to the Russell family, Dukes of Bedford by henry VIII at the Dissolution. In the 3000 acre park is the famous Wild Animal Kingdom where visitors can drive among lions, giraffes and elephants.
Also there are many historic buildings which can be visited, including
Althorp House
Home of the Spencer family since the 1500s, with family pictures and furniture. The beautiful stables, once home to almost 100 horses, now house thte exhibition devoted to Diana, late Princess of Wales.
Castle Ashby
Historic gardens around Elizabethan Mansion. House is not open to view.
Stowe
Magnificent Georgian gardens, full of romantic temples and lakes. Said to be the best British garden for follies. Tea room and gift shop
Sulgrave Manor
Beautiful Tudor house, set within the heart of a peaceful Northamptonshire village. Home of the ancestors of George Washington and a permanent reminder of the special relationship between Britain and America. www.stratford.co.uk/sulgrave