Engage Inspire Challenge

A thriving independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13 in Beaconsfield. Where our ethos of Engage, Inspire, Challenge puts each boy at the heart of our school.

Come and see for yourself. Weekly tours and termly Open Days available. Visit www.davenies.co.uk or email registrar@davenies.co.uk

After more than 25 years of trading at Spitalfields and Frock Me in Chelsea & Kensington, local Debbie Pettet has an eye for sourcing vintage pieces. Her showroom in Caversham, Reading, is a hidden gem and stocks anything from a 1970s Dior two-piece classic vintage suit to a 1960s Afghan patchwork coat.

The pretty market town of Stony Stratford in Buckinghamshire has plenty to o er when it comes to unique independent shops. Located on its high street is The Siren Vintage, which stocks a fine range of art nouveau jewellery and stunning 1940s, 1950s and 1960s one-o pieces.

If you love to rummage through the rails for a one-of-a-kind item, look no further than the Peascod Street branch of Thames Hospice. This awardwinning store specialises in fashion, accessories, homeware, and memorabilia – donated by local people, with profits going towards funding a hospice in Windsor. Many items are frequently purchased for films, TV shows and vintage fashion lovers and collectors.

There’s nothing more optimistic than the sight of da odils. It’s a sure sign that spring is here and warmer, longer days are on the way – and again, Bucks and Berks have plenty to o er in the form of beautiful, scenic walks. Pack a picnic and head to Basildon Park, an elegant 18th-century house purchased by Lord and Lady Ili e in the 1950s. Expect a spectacular seasonal array of da odils and spring buds appearing throughout the 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens. There’s plenty of picturesque picnic spots to enjoy and views to the Thames Valley.

A visit to Cliveden is complete after seeing the show-stopping six-acre south parterre, which is planted with spring bedding plants and bulbs of pansies, wallflowers and heirloom da odils. A free spring trail runs until the end of May. An Easter mooch around the gardens paired with an afternoon of history and architecture at this National Trust property is just the ticket.

All this walking and shopping has left us hungry, so no better time to see what some of our finest dining establishments are serving up this Easter. Local legend maintains that Oliver Cromwell’s troops lodged at Villiers Hotel in Buckinghamshire during his visit to the town in 1643.

History fills its walls and if you’re seeking traditional fayre for the whole family this Easter, it’s worth heading to this inviting coaching inn for a roast lunch in the centre of Buckinghamshire.

If contemporary surroundings and seasonal dishes inspired by homegrown ingredients is your thing, The Woodspeen in Berkshire promises it all. Nestled in the West Berkshire countryside, on the outskirts of Newbury, this Michelin star eatery even produces its own gin using botanicals from the vegetable and herb garden beside the restaurant.

Whether you’re a budding chef or an absolute beginner, cookery courses in butchery to breadmaking are fun, hands-on experiences o ered at their cookery school on site.