Discover Weston Turville

Discover Weston Turville through a range of themes: the reservoir and its water engineering history, St Mary the Virgin church, a castle site, golf and footpaths along old routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Weston Turville, these points of interest can help you tailor your stay to your interests. The themes span medieval structures and the industries of the 19th century.

The reservoir: water engineering and sailing

Weston Turville Reservoir was built in 1797 to supply water to an arm of the Grand Union Canal. This purpose places it within the area’s water engineering history. Today, sailing takes place on the reservoir through the Aylesbury Sailing Club. Here, a historic supply function meets a present-day sporting connection.

Church and castle site

The present-day St Mary the Virgin dates from the mid-13th century; its tower dates from the 15th century. The church is listed as a Grade I building. The two dates distinguish the origins of the present-day church from the later tower and make its history visible across several centuries. On summer weekends, St Mary the Virgin may be open at certain times outside published service times, usually in the afternoon. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether it is scheduled to be open.

The grounds of the Manor House are home to an 11th- to 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle. The site is listed as a Scheduled Monument. The English technical term refers to a type of castle with a mound (motte) and an enclosed courtyard (bailey). The church and castle site therefore offer different historical perspectives: the present-day church dates from the mid-13th century, while the castle site dates from the 11th to 12th centuries.

Footpaths and golf

The footpaths in Weston Turville follow old routes. Those who enjoy walking can appreciate their course as a distinct connection to the area alongside its buildings. Weston Turville Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. The two interests differ in concrete terms: the footpaths are notable for following old routes, while golf is centred on a clearly defined 18-hole course at the foot of the Chiltern Hills.

Economic history in the 19th century

Economic history complements the architectural themes. Aylesbury plum orchards were an important industry in Weston Turville in the 19th century. Straw plaiting was also an important industry in the 19th century. In 1864, Weston Turville was described as the country’s leading centre for breeding Aylesbury ducks. Together, these themes represent fruit growing, craft and animal breeding as distinct aspects of the economy at the time. In chronological terms, this 19th-century economic history came considerably later than the 11th- to 12th-century castle site and the church’s building history from the 13th to the 15th century.

Discover more destinations: Botley, Amersham, Wendover, Seer Green, Buckingham, Slough, Long Crendon, Chalfont St Giles

For the broader travel overview: Buckinghamshire.