Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire, set in the Vale of Aylesbury in the south-east of England. It is the largest town in the county and the administrative base for Buckinghamshire Council. This guide introduces the town, its history, neighbourhoods, transport and things to do, with links to the local businesses, services and amenities listed across this directory.
Where Aylesbury is
Aylesbury sits in the valley of the River Thame, ringed by the Chiltern Hills to the south and a patchwork of Vale villages and market towns including Wendover, Haddenham, Winslow and Buckingham. It is connected by the A41, A413 and A418, and lies within reach of the M40 and M25. For travel options see our guide to getting around Aylesbury.
A short history
Aylesbury grew up as a market town and has held a market in its historic Market Square for centuries. It has been the county town of Buckinghamshire since the 16th century, and landmarks such as St Mary’s Church and the 15th-century King’s Head coaching inn, now cared for by the National Trust, still stand near the centre. The town also gave its name to the Aylesbury duck. Read more in our history of Aylesbury.
The town centre and shopping
The heart of the town takes in Market Square, the Kingsbury and the High Street, along with the Friars Square and Hale Leys shopping centres and a regular street market. You will find independent shops, high-street names and services across the centre. Browse our shops and services and places to eat and drink.
Neighbourhoods
Aylesbury has expanded well beyond its old centre, with established areas and newer developments alike. These include the Town Centre, Bedgrove, Southcourt, Elmhurst, Fairford Leys and Walton Court, plus surrounding villages. Each neighbourhood page lists the businesses based there.
Local council and services
Day-to-day local services in Aylesbury, such as bin collections, council tax, planning, schools and social care, are run by Buckinghamshire Council, the unitary authority for the county since 2020. Official information and online services are at buckinghamshire.gov.uk. You can also find local councils and public services in the directory.
Getting around
Aylesbury station and Aylesbury Vale Parkway run Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone, and the town is served by local bus routes and main roads across the Vale. For local journeys, see our taxis and private hire listings or the full getting around guide.
Things to do
The town has a strong cultural and outdoor offer, from the Waterside Theatre and the county museum to canal walks and the nearby Chiltern countryside. See our things to do in Aylesbury guide, or browse attractions and days out in the directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aylesbury the county town of Buckinghamshire?
Yes. Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire and the largest town in the county.
Which council covers Aylesbury?
Buckinghamshire Council, a unitary authority based in Aylesbury, runs local services. Its website is buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
How do I get to London from Aylesbury?
Chiltern Railways runs direct trains from Aylesbury and Aylesbury Vale Parkway to London Marylebone.