Ivinghoe Beacon – Buckinghamshire, England - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Ivinghoe Beacon

Buckinghamshire, England

Model aircraft soar over 360-degree views of the countryside at the start of England's oldest road. 

View all photos
Ivinghoe Beacon seen looking north from The Ridgeway. Pointillist/cc by-sa 3.0
Ivinghoe Beacon seen looking north from The Ridgeway. Pointillist/cc by-sa 3.0
Model aircraft enthusiasts at Ivinghoe Beacon in 1979. Jeff Buck/cc by-sa 2.0
120
90
Top Places in Buckinghamshire
Stoke Park Golf and Country Club
Buckinghamshire, England
Dockey Wood Bluebells
Buckinghamshire, England
 See All

Ivinghoe Beacon is an imposing gateway to the hills of the Chilterns, a local landmark beloved by nature lovers and model aircraft enthusiasts thanks to its steep chalk hill walking trails and windswept panoramic views of the English countryside.

This iconic hill marks one end of the Ridgeway National Trail, considered to be the oldest road in Britain. The ancient trackway is now a hiking path that stretches 87 miles long. It heads southwest from Ivinghoe toward Avebury, passing many ancient and prehistoric sites along the way.

Adding to the intrigue of this unique place, the uphill wind of Ivinghoe Beacon also makes the slope a popular site for hobbyists flying radio-control model aircraft gliders, known as “slope soaring.” It has been a destination for model aircraft enthusiasts for the past 40 years.

Although the Ivinghoe Beacon is actually fairly close to the nearby villages of Ivinghoe and Aldbury, it has an isolated, remote feel, and has been used as a filming location for such fantasy movies as Harry Potter and the new Star Wars.

Know Before You Go

Parking is free, with fantastic views. The Beacon is part of the Ivinghoe Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its wildlife.

landscapes aircraft hiking film locations trails ancient
Nearby
The Pitstone Windmill
1.10 miles
Dockey Wood Bluebells
1.32 miles
Bridgewater Monument
2.42 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The Pitstone Windmill
Ivinghoe, England

The Pitstone Windmill

This windmill is believed to be the oldest in the British Isles.
Buckinghamshire, England

Dockey Wood Bluebells

Each spring this woodland floor is carpeted with purplish flowers as far as the eye can see.
Bridgewater Monument.
Aldbury, England

Bridgewater Monument

You can climb to the top of the column built to honor the "father of British inland navigation."
The lion seen from Gallows Hill.
Whipsnade, England

Whipsnade White Lion

This unusual geoglyph was built as a warning so low-flying aircraft wouldn't scare the zoo animals.
Related Places
Mexican Hat, Utah

Mexican Hat

This balancing rock is one of Utah's most unusual geological formations.
Indian Canyons
Palm Springs, California

Indian Canyons

Traversing these canyons, visitors can take in stunning views and glimpses of the region's history.
Ferry to Cape Wrath across the Kyle of Durness.
Keoldale, Scotland

Cape Wrath

The farthest northwesterly point of the British mainland is one of the most remote places in the Scottish Highlands.
Dana Village.
Bsaira District, Jordan

Dana Village

A ghost village sits atop a mountain within Jordan’s largest biosphere reserve.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web