Overview

A small but lovely village, famously used in 13 episodes of Midsomer Murders, so well worth visiting if following our tour. It’s lies a few miles away from Great Missenden, but is better known because of its connections with Midsomer Murders, where the village is known as “ Badgers Drift” and appeared in the very first episode, when if you remember, we saw Barnaby and Troy walking up to see Mrs Rainbird, who turned out to be blackmailing many residents. OUR PHOTOS We arrived through lovely countryside at the sign for Little Missenden (photo 1) and came across St John the Baptist church (photo 2) It was used in the episode Echoes of the dead”. It’s a Grade 1 listed building since 1958, dating back to its founding in 975, then added to in the 12th century, and one of the oldest buildings in the district, built by using Flint stones, with limestone dressings. The lane ahead (photo 3) took us into the village, where we turned right on the first turning (photo 4) before turning around to look back (photo 5). Turning right again, we drove just a few yards to reach the village green, used in Midsomer of course. Then next to this we managed to park on the curb side so as to see the Red Lion Inn (photo 7). This attractive old inn was used a number of times in episodes of Midsomer, such as when they named it “The White Swan, in the episode “Who killed cock robin” Then the inn appeared as “The Monks retreat” in “Talking to the dead” and as “The Signalman, in “Echoes of the dead”. It is quite a nice pub, with old wooden beams (photo 8) with lots of character by the fireplace (photo 9) and we found ourselves a nice little seat surrounded by many interesting Knick knacks (photo 10) while checking out the toilets (photo 11) before our very nice sandwiches were bought to us ( photo 12) with really good fresh brown bread and excellent corned beef. The toilets did have a disabled door (photo 13) but it was very small inside with just basic WC and basin (photo 14) and as you can see there is no way a chair could be taken inside. Back outside we ventured out to see the gardens (photo 15) and the small lake is fed by the River Misbourne (photo 16) which runs through Great Missenden, Little Missenden and on through Amersham. The pond was quite pleasant, and in one episode Joyce Barnaby is seen feeding the ducks near the ponds bird table photo 17) The garden holds many bits and pieces of interest (photo 18) which also decorates the little shed (photo 19). Next to the inn is a quaint little building (photo 20) which was actually turned into a little shop for the episode “The village that Rose from the dead”. All in all, a truly pleasant stop was made here, worth going to see if you can.

Transport & Parking

Very difficult to park, always a busy little village, and it’s curb side parking only, but you should find a spot. We give just 1.5 points for parking though, because of its limited parking spots.

Access

Tight, but on the level through small compacted rooms. We left wheelchair outside. Very interesting bits and pieces to look at though in the pub.

Toilets

There was a disabled toilet, but far to small, you will never get a chair inside, and then it was just very basic, but at least it was very clean.

Staff

Yes, ok, but to busy to be really friendly, but a good service provided. Excellent sandwiches offered.

Photos