LIVELY, THRIVING AND WELL SERVED

Long Crendon is fortunate in having a population small enough to offer a real sense of community yet large enough to sustain a wide range of amenities and pastimes. Every age group is well served, with a rich variety of sports clubs, associations, interest and hobby groups. Regular gatherings for people of all ages, from baby and toddlers sessions to day centre activities for the elderly, ensure that no one ever need feel lonely. In this lively environment barely a day passes without something happening – from coffee mornings to quiz nights and safari suppers to sponsored walks.

Picturesque cottages and period architecture are surrounded by beautiful countryside with numerous marked public footpaths and bridleways. These offer walks to various places of interest and neighbouring villages. Rural but not remote, the village is conveniently located for access to larger towns and cities (Thame 2 miles; Aylesbury 9 miles; Oxford 15 miles; High Wycombe 17 miles). A 10-minute drive takes you to junction 8a of the M40 from where London is less than an hour away.

Long Crendon also benefits from a large business community offering a wide range of products and services.   For more information, please refer to the Business Listings section which also includes more detail for the Cafés, Pubs, Restaurants, Shops, Take Aways, and Venues for Hire. 

Health

There is no longer a GP Practice (Part of Unity Health) available in Long Crendon. This facility was closed down during the Corona Virus Pandemic due to the unsuitability of the premises from a space point of view. It was decided there was no way to keep patients sufficiently distanced from one another in the present building.

Patients now needing an actual appointment with a medical practitioner have to be seen elsewhere (Brill, Chinnor, Princes Risborough or Thame. Actual and Telephone appointments must be arranged by using the Unity Health on-line system https://www.unity-health.co.uk/ .

Long Crendon is now a dispensing surgery only so you can collect prescriptions from them direct. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 1.00 pm. Please note that items like “Urine Samples” are no longer collected from the Long Crendon Surgery and need to be dropped off at one of the other surgeries.

The intention is that Long Crendon Surgery will no longer offer a GP service and as a result the plans are to build a new Medical Centre in Greenings. The required land has been secured, planning permission granted and the footings for the new building completed. There are ongoing discussions with various bodies, including the Government, about raising the required finance to complete the project.

The Long Crendon Dental treats private patients (N.H.S treatment is available for under 18’s). Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

A registered Osteopath practice is located on the Bicester Road.

Shops

The Square is the hub of the village and it is here you’ll find the shops. A small (but good quality) selection comprising:

Long Crendon Butchers is a long established butchers offering quality cooked and raw meats and very helpful service. A selection of dairy produce, fruit, vegetables, fresh bread, cakes, dried and tinned goods are also stocked.

“NISA express” this ‘open all hours’ (or most of them anyway) shop sells a good selection of papers, magazines, sweets, cigarettes, crisps, groceries and so on. It is also licensed to sell alcohol. The shop which offers ATM services also incorporates the Post Office offering comprehensive postal services. A bustling centre of activity where you invariably bump into local friends and neighbours.

Barry Pearce Carpets: Another long standing village business, Barry’s your man for the supply and fitting of any kind of carpets and floor coverings.

Renewed Eco Shop is an organic grocery store. (Starter packs + Bulk refills, Dried Food, Household, Personal Care, Store Cupboard and Gifts/Hampers)

The Stables at Long Crendon Manor in Thame Road offers a Farm Shop, Bakery and Cafe.

Bucksum Farm Shop, Shabbington Field Farm, Shabbington Road, Long Crendon, HP18 9EU, one mile out of the Village, provides Salad & Seasonal Vegetables.

Education

State schools
Long Crendon County Combined Primary School: an ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted September 2008) co-ed school which takes pupils from reception through to year 6.

Pre-school: Housed on the same site as the primary school it offers morning and afternoon sessions for children from 2 years up to reception. Close links between pre-school and primary make for an easy transition when the time comes.

Breakfast and after-school club: Caring and convenient ‘wrap around’ provision for working parents, operates daily throughout the school term.

Secondary education: Pupils at Long Crendon school benefit from being ‘dual catchment’. The nearest state secondary school is Lord Williams’ comprehensive in Thame (https://www.lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk/) and Long Crendon School is included in its catchment. However, because the primary school comes under Buckinghamshire Local Education Authority, year 6 children can take the 11+ exam. This determines which children qualify for places in the county’s selective Grammar schools. Those that pass usually opt for one of the 3 grammar schools in Aylesbury.

Independent schools
Long Crendon does not have any independent schools but Ashfold is just 2 miles away and Oxford offers a selection of both primary and secondary independent schools, accessible via a public bus service.

Public library

Now run by volunteers as a Community Library, it is welcoming and well organised. If you can’t find what you’re looking for the helpful staff will order it for you. In addition to books in normal and large print, audiobooks and computer access, the library also hosts regular events such as story time for pre-schoolers and holiday reading challenges for older children. It’s a hive of activity, but there is also a quiet reading area with a selection of daily and local papers.

Opening Times:

Tuesdays 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Saturdays 10.00am – 1.00pm

Email: Email: hello@longcrendonlibrary.org.ukTel: 01296 382415

Estate Agents

There are a wide number of estate agents covering the sale or letting of properties in Long Crendon. 

Hairdressers

The village is home to two hairdressing salons:
Maze (25 Bicester Road) doing ladies, gents and children’s hair.
Freestyle (5 the Square) gents and boys hair.

Car services

Vehicle sales, servicing, repairs and fleet management are all catered for by a variety of businesses within and on the outskirts of the village.

Eating out

Most tastes and all budgets are catered for within the village. Takeaway options range from traditional English fare fish and chips to a choice of Indian and Thai cuisine. The restaurant styles vary from casual and cosy pub grub to the fine dining experience provided by The Angel.

Take Away

• The Mermaid – traditional fish and chips and the usual auxiliary menu items
• Crendon Indian – extensive take away menu
• The Churchill – wide ranging Thai menu
• The Angel – cooked and ready to cook meals (available Wednesday to Friday – order the day before)
• The Eight Bells – order from the full menu for takeaway collection

Pub/Restaurants

• The Churchill – excellent Thai cuisine, lively event calendar
• Eight Bells – food all day, seasonal menu’s, live events
• Crendon Indian – well established and very popular Indian restaurant
• The Angel – is open for Dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm

Fine Dining

• The Angel – well known and highly regarded restaurant, famous for its fish dishes but offering much more besides.

Cafes

• The Flower Pot Café – a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy a lovely coffee and homemade cakes and muffins.  Childrens play area and menu available.
• Café at The Stables, Thame Road. Licensed café is open from 8am for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Lighter dishes are available throughout the day in addition to daily blackboard specials.

Venues for hire

Given the thriving social life of the village and numerous events put on by the clubs and associations it’s no surprise that the four main venues available for hire are in frequent use. These are:

• Village Centre (main hall with small kitchen; small hall and licensed bar room)
• Church House (dining hall with kitchen; main assembly hall with stage)
• The Pavillion (small hall with kitchen)

Just a mile outside the village on the Chearsley Road is the beautiful Notley Abbey Tythe Barn, a favourite for weddings and special events.

The pubs and restaurants in the village also offer private hire facilities, by arrangement.

Recreation Ground

Site of many a hard fought football match, summer fetes and other community gatherings, this open space is at the heart of the village. The location for the tennis courts, bowling green and exercise equipment. It also has a secure and well appointed children’s play area.

Places of Worship

There are three key denominations represented in the village, each is distinct with its own congregation but it says much about their respective community spirit that they frequently come together for village events.

• Church of England: St Mary’s
• Catholic: Our Lady of Light
• Baptist: Long Crendon Baptist Church