Patricia Hodge is one of the UK’s best known actresses. Known most recently for her role as the eccentric mother in the BBC’s hit sitcom Miranda, she’s currently starring the national tour of the farce Dandy Dick (above).The play moves to the Aylesbury Waterside from 17-21 July.

Wendover Woods

I don’t tour very much so I don’t spend much time traveling around counties, but before I turned to acting, I was a primary school teacher and I spent a very happy year living in a farm cottage between Wendover and Chesham. Wendover Woods are  just lovely, really peaceful with or without kids.

The Bell at Aston Clinton

I’ve lived in West London for years now, but I remember in the early days before the food revolution in the UK, we would make the pilgrimage out of the city for a decent Sunday lunch and we’d always head to The Bell at Aston Clinton. It sounds like a lot of effort but it was always worth it.

The Bell, London Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, HP22 5HP. Tel: 01296 632777

Quainton

Coming from rural Lincolnshire I remember first setting eyes on Buckinghamshire and thinking it the most beautiful county I’d ever seen. It always seems so civilised to me, with all the lovely country pubs and architecture. I used to visit a friend who had a house in Quainton and I still love the village – so pretty and quaint with that lovely windmill.

Bradenham Beech Woods

My aunt and uncle lived in Bradenham (my uncle was in the RAF nearby) and we visited them regularly when I was a child. We would walk and play in these woods. They really are incredibly beautiful.  

Bekonscot Model Village

This is one of those places that everyone comes to with kids. I definitely remember coming here when I was young, and of course, I ended up taking my own children too. It’s a perfect morning’s entertainment for little ones.

Bekonscot Model Village, Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PL. Tel: 01494 672919