The Saracens Head in Old Amersham was built in 1530 and carries its history with the settled assurance of a building that has survived a great deal and intends to survive considerably more. Set in the heart of one of Buckinghamshire’s most beautiful market towns, its low ceilings, atmospheric bar and period character make it one of the most evocative stops on any walking tour of Old Amersham. The rooms are not without quirks — steep stairs, and at least one bathroom that reviewers recommend avoiding — but the comfortable beds, generous breakfasts and genuinely warm staff make it a natural choice for those who value character over uniformity.
The beer selection is reliably good, the Sunday lunch has attracted quiet admiration, and staying here gives immediate access to the historic town, the Chiltern Brewery’s local ales, and some of the finest walking countryside in the southeast. For those who find modern hotels indistinguishable from one another, the Saracens Head offers the pleasure of a building that has its own story.
