It’s difficult to believe that this breathtaking small town brimming with history, culture and character lies merely 30 minutes from London and sits on a Tube line. The market town of Amersham in Buckinghamshire nestles within the Chiltern Hills, which holds official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.
Its countryside location, historic cottages and scenic appeal have made it the ideal backdrop for numerous television programmes and films. Despite maintaining its authentically traditional English atmosphere, Amersham has remained contemporary and a perfect place to reside due to its culinary scene, excellent schools, local attractions and commuter-friendly position. The town featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025 and earned recognition as “an old soul with plenty of mod cons” in Muddy Stilettos Top 300 Best Places to Live 2025, reports the Mirror.
Here we examine what the town offers and the reasons behind its highly sought-after status.
Amersham splits into two separate districts.
The Old Town nestles in the River Misbourne valley and traces its origins to the Anglo-Saxon period.
By 1086, following the completion of the Domesday Book, Queen Edith – wife of Edward the Confessor and sister of King Harold – held the manor.
Properties dating from 1450 remain standing today.
The Market Hall, formerly housing the town’s prison, originates from 1682, whilst charming period cottages scatter throughout the area.
Contemporary independent retailers line the high street alongside the historic structures, plus Michelin-starred establishments including Artichoke and Hawkyns. The newer part of the town, Amersham-on-the-Hill, boasts a fantastic array of restaurants and cafes.
Built on the north side of the Misbourne valley in the early 20th century around the station, it offers a quick 35-minute train ride to Marylebone Station in London. Alternatively, commuters can hop on the Tube on the Metropolitan Line into Baker Street from Amersham.
Amersham’s prime location, just 20 minutes from the M25 and close to Heathrow, makes it a popular choice for young professionals and families. With nurseries conveniently located near the station and a mix of Ofsted rated ‘good’ schools, as well as numerous grammar and private options, it’s an ideal place for families.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the area. Nearby attractions include Hughenden Manor, the National Trust’s country home of Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli.
This red brick house, once a top secret war base, is nestled within 600 acres of countryside. Visitors can uncover the manor’s secrets, explore the stunning parkland and garden, and children can enjoy the play area.
The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden and the Chiltern Open Air Museum, which hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, are also nearby. The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre, a state-of-the-art leisure complex, features a large swimming pool, climbing wall, spa, and fitness classes.
For those keen to delve into the town’s history, Amersham Museum and guided walks around the local area, countryside, and Old Town are available. One such walk traces the steps of renowned actors to uncover filming locations used in popular shows and films like Midsomer Murders, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Poirot.
If the idea of moving to Amersham is enticing, expect an average house price of £722,865. Rightmove data reveals that most properties sold there in the past year were detached, fetching an average price of £1,149,968.
Semi-detached properties commanded an average of £692,388, while flats were sold for an average of £345,013.