This small Buckinghamshire village has appeared in numerous TV shows and films. Its 12th-century church, historic pub, and iconic windmill attract visitors to the Chiltern Hills.
Turville is a small village in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, England. This rural settlement has appeared in various TV shows and movies, including "The Vicar of Dibley" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Visitors can explore the 12th-century St Mary the Virgin Church, enjoy a meal at the historic Bull and Butcher pub, or admire the distinctive Cobstone Windmill on the hill above the village.
Getting to Turville
Turville is located about 5 miles west of High Wycombe and 7 miles north of Henley-on-Thames. You can reach the village most easily by car, taking the M40 motorway and exiting at junction 5. The journey from London takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available near the Bull and Butcher pub or by the village church.
St Mary the Virgin Church
At the heart of Turville stands St Mary the Virgin Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century. The church has a squat west tower and is constructed primarily of local flint. Inside, you can see a marble memorial to William Perry, the great-grandfather of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The church appeared as St Barnabas in the popular TV series "The Vicar of Dibley".
The Bull and Butcher
The Bull and Butcher is Turville's local pub, serving the community since the 16th century. This half-timbered establishment has a warm atmosphere, local ales, and traditional pub fare. In the pub's garden, you can enjoy a drink while looking at the surrounding countryside. Inside, you'll see the restored well featured as a table in the Well Bar, which served as an essential water supply for the village during World War II.
Cobstone Windmill
On a hill overlooking Turville is the Cobstone Windmill, visible from the village. This windmill appeared in the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Although it's a private residence and not open to the public, you can admire the windmill from a distance or take a footpath from the village for a closer look. The walk up to the windmill gives you extensive views of Turville and the surrounding Chiltern Hills.
Film and TV Locations
Turville's traditional appearance has made it a popular filming location for numerous productions. Besides "The Vicar of Dibley", the village has featured in TV shows such as "Midsomer Murders", "Lewis", and "Killing Eve". Films shot in Turville include "Goodnight Mr Tom" and "The Day of the Triffids". As you walk through the village, you might recognize locations from these productions.
Walking Trails and Nature
The village is surrounded by the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Several walking trails start from or pass through Turville, allowing you to explore the local countryside. The Chiltern Way, a long-distance footpath, runs near the village. These walks take you through rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the rural landscape.
Nearby Places to Visit
While Turville itself is small, you can find several interesting places within a short drive. Stonor Park, a historic house with gardens, is about 2 miles away. The Hell Fire Caves, a network of man-made caverns, are located 2.2 miles from Turville. The Warburg Nature Reserve is 3.6 miles from the village, with diverse habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities. The town of Henley-on-Thames, known for its annual regatta, is about 7 miles south and makes for a pleasant day trip.
