Spring is the perfect time to rediscover Britain’s market towns – and one Buckinghamshire gem tucked into the Chiltern Hills is drawing attention for all the right reasons. Chesham sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by rolling countryside and woodland walks that come alive at this time of year. Despite its rural feel, it’s well connected – around an hour from London, and within easy reach of Oxford and High Wycombe.

But it’s not just the scenery that makes Chesham worth a visit.

Unlike many towns where big chains dominate the high street currently battling with an undeniable crisis, Chesham has built a reputation for its strong independent retail scene. The town’s official tourism platform, Visit Chesham, lists more than 30 individual shops, from boutiques and gift stores to delis and specialist retailers. Chesham Town Council told the Express there are around 50 independent shops across the town, giving it a distinctly local feel.

There’s a mix of long-established family-run businesses alongside newer creative ventures, many offering products you simply won’t find on a typical high street. Among the independents are a number of shops that have become local favourites.

Book lovers are drawn to Chapter Two, an award-winning independent bookshop known for its carefully curated selection and regular events.

Foodies often head to Chiltern Natural Foods, a long-running store specialising in organic produce, refill options and sustainable goods.

For something a little different, The Drawingroom combines a café with a contemporary art space, offering visitors a place to relax while browsing exhibitions by local artists.

Elsewhere, you’ll find everything from artisan bakeries and florists to vintage shops and handmade crafts.

Regular markets take place throughout the week, including general markets and themed events, where traders sell fresh produce, street food, crafts and gifts. These markets not only attract visitors but also support local producers and small businesses.

Seasonal events in spring and summer offers lovely festivals and community gatherings, such as the Chesham Fringe Festival.

Recently, the town has even submitted a bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. The bid has been developed by a wide group of organisations, artists and community figures, and aims to place creativity at the heart of Chesham’s future.

The campaign has also received backing from Alex Horne, a local resident best known as the creator of Taskmaster.

Chesham Mayor Justine Fulford said the bid has already brought the community together, giving residents, businesses and creatives a chance to celebrate the town’s cultural and environmental heritage while showcasing what makes it unique.

Chesham – alongside nearby Amersham – has also been recognised as one of the UK’s best places to retire, thanks to its blend of green space, amenities and community life. Within 10 miles of Chesham, the Care Quality Commission registers 94 GP services, with the vast majority having the second-best overall rating of “good.” Three hospitals are within a five-mile radius.

When we wrote about this last year, residents highlighted exactly those qualities. Desmond Royle, 56, who was priced out of London and arrived in Chesham with his wife 15 years ago, said the town “checks all the boxes”.

He said: “Healthcare is superb and the local Amersham hospital on the doorstep saves time. Life is slower and not as angry as other towns. You can still go out at night time and feel safe.”

Resident Lauren Cansdale told the Express there is a lot of assistance available to seniors, including grief support, 11 churches, sewing clubs, choirs, gardening groups, or dementia cafes.

The Chesham Town Council also organises Health in the High Street, a community event where people can access free health checks, wellness advice and expert talks.

Chesham’s thriving high street, excellent healthcare facilities, and tight-knit community have made it a hub of optimism that many towns will surely look on in envy.