Explore more this summer: Free family fun on Buckinghamshire's high streets

The programme features a wide range of exciting events, delivered by local businesses and high street partners and supported by Retail Revival Ltd, that are designed to encourage families to explore, enjoy and support their local high streets.

From treasure trails and gardening activities to arts and crafts workshops, live entertainment, sports sessions and community celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The programme showcases Buckinghamshire's vibrant independent businesses while creating memorable experiences for residents, visitors and local communities.

Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family, an opportunity to discover hidden gems on your doorstep, or a chance to connect with your local community, this summer programme offers plenty of reasons to visit and support Buckinghamshire's high streets.

Highlights include:

• Princes Risborough - Lights, Camera, Action! - 25 July to 15 August – Explore Princes Risborough this summer as you search for clapperboards hidden in shop windows across the town. Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a golden ticket to a community cinema screening at the Wades Centre.
• Gerrards Cross Dig It! - Saturday 1 August – The high street Flower Trail launches with a special Dig It! Gardening Day, packed with hands-on activities for children and families. Throughout August, visitors can then explore the high street to find hand-painted flowers displayed in local businesses, learn about each variety and complete the trail to receive a gardening-themed goody bag.
• Aylesbury Canine Capers - Saturday 1 August - Aylesbury town centre will be hosting Canine Capers, a fun, dog-themed trail for all ages. During August, explore participating shop windows to discover different dog breeds. Complete the trail to receive a free goody bag. Look out for special selfie props located around the town centre. Strike a pose, share your photo and enter a competition for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
• Happy Haddenham - Saturday 1 August – The Happy Haddenham Trail launches with free family activities, including a balloon artist, face painting and a costumed character. Throughout August, visitors can follow the trail to find 12 uplifting quotes hidden around the village and unlock special prizes in participating shops.
• Winslow - Paws in the Park fete - Sunday 2 August – Enjoy a fun-filled community fete featuring a dog agility demonstration, dog splash zone, stalls, games, live music and food. Visitors can also meet local dog-related businesses and organisations, including medical detection dogs, pet portrait artists, dog walkers, groomers and pet suppliers.
• High Wycombe: Bears on Chairs - 6 to 16 August – The Bears on Chairs trail launches on 6 August (11am to 4pm) with a free family fun day featuring arts and crafts, face painting, live buskers and a giant teddy bear character. Celebrating High Wycombe’s furniture-making heritage, the Bears on Chairs trail continues until 16 August.
• Chesham Explorer's Day - Saturday 22 August – Featuring free family activities including jewellery making, pottery painting, face painting, badge making and a football competition.
• Discover Buckingham - Saturday 5 September – Celebrate Buckingham’s thriving independent business community at this lively Open Day, featuring 30 participating businesses. Visitors can enjoy exclusive discounts, free workshops, live music and a variety of fringe activities throughout the town. With attractions ranging from a market square demonstration kitchen and a children’s entertainment garden to tarot card readings and much more, there’s something to entertain visitors of all ages.

Additional activities will take place in Wendover and Chalfont St Peter, with trails, fringe events, workshops and special offers encouraging visitors to discover what their local high streets have to offer.

Julie Ward, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration, said:

“Our high streets play a vital role in bringing communities together, and this fantastic summer programme offers families a chance to enjoy free activities across the county while discovering the wonderful independent businesses that make Buckinghamshire's towns and villages so special. With something for both young and old to enjoy, I’d encourage everyone to take part, get involved and support their local high street this summer.”

To find out what’s going on near you and plan your summer activities visit: Buckinghamshire Family Information website

Buckinghamshire’s free high street events are funded by Buckinghamshire Council through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside support from high street partners.