Marlow

Another beautiful place, that once I was able to drive to from home in about 15 mins (she says, wistfully!) What I love about this Georgian Market town is that for a relatively small place, there’s plenty to do; and when there isn’t something specific on, it’s just a really cool place to hang out. I’ve spent many times relaxing with a book by the lock or drinks out with friends, dinners out with my partner. It really is “suitable” for anyone. And of course, it’s set on the River Thames and next to the Chilterns, so that really does add to its appeal in my opinion. If you come in via the suspension bridge over the river, although it’s a little hairy through the width restriction bridge bollards, that really is the prettiest route in.

Parking is pretty limited but possible, with plenty of 1 hour parking close by as well as options behind Sainsbury’s and Dean Street. If you are up for a few mins walk to get free parking, then I recommend heading out a bit and using some of the side streets (sorry residents, I’m sure they won’t thank me for that). You can also park at Maidenhead or Bourne End and take the train; once known as the Marlow Donkey. Beautiful views await you on this journey and named Donkey due to it’s presumably slow journey (although that is not confirmed but with no official derivation available I’m guessing). But be wary if you do get the train because they don’t run very late, so probably better for a daytime visit that way.

So more about Marlow itself…interestingly, considering it’s relative wealthy status now, it came from far more humble beginnings, yet always held an importance due to it’s position on the river, a “bustling commercial centre” which was able to transport goods downstream and a good inland port. Thought to have been settled since Saxon times, this town is and I think still attracts creative types; it’s very picturesque, especially when you consider the surroundings too. The main town is quite a charming place but as I always encourage, get off of the main high street and explore as that’s where you start to see the real Marlow. There are many many stunning Georgian and Victorian houses and pretty side streets and if you’re swept up into the dreaminess and could imagine yourself living here, well you’ll need to have pretty deep pockets!

Walkers

Higginson Park is a great place to start. Set in 23 acres, and right on the river, there’s a great playground for the kids and a great place to walk around. Keep this park in your mind as I’ve got a great food-related recommendation on this later. Situated on the Thames Path, going in either direction makes for a really scenic walk. You can head towards Bisham and further; in lockdowns, we walked upstream to Hurley Lock which is about 2 miles each way and downstream to Cookham which is a longer, about 5 miles each way; with a picnic in hand you’ll have a lovely day out and there are plenty of places to stop if you need a rest or catch the train back from Cookham. A real treat for anyone who loves architecture and real estate, are all of the lovely and unique houses along the river; definitely something for everyone’s taste and a talking point for the ones that aren’t to your taste! If you want just a little stroll and to sit and watch the boats coming through the lock, Marlow lock has a bench and a little patch of grass that is a quiet and contemplative spot.

On my list:
If you are looking for a longer walk and are a Midsomer Murders fan, the 17 mile trail, covering some really interesting facts and filming locations, then this could be ideal. I’ve not done this but it does look very appealing! Click here to see some more recommendations from the Marlow visitor information centre.

Shoppers

Marlow’s high street has the majority of shops, with the majority being independent. There are some truly lovely boutiques to pop in and my personal favourites are Winser London, Mooch and India Jane for the most decadent interiors! There’s also some familiar names and I can’t deny I haven’t gone to Marlow specifically to make a beeline for Mint Velvet a few times. What I have found is that everyone is so friendly and welcoming in this town, no matter which shop, so I hope you enjoy the same warmth. With all of this shopping talk, bargain-hunters will unite in joy that there are some true gems to be found in the charity shops of this town so do have a good look!

Drinkers

So if you’re shopped out and walked out now, you must need a refreshing drink! And luckily for you there will be LOTS of choice. Depending on the ambience you are looking for, I can recommend the Botanist again for it’s pretty interiors,live music and amazing cocktails. I have also had a nice drink in Tom Kerridge’s The Butcher’s Tap and Grill and would love to come back for food and Clayton’s for more of a cocktail and music evening. For more of a pub scene, I loved The Two Brewers which is one of the oldest pubs in Marlow dating back to 1727 and the Chequers on the high street. There are actually quite a few though and I think I’ve tried most of them but new ones do pop up so just walk past and see what you like the look of.

Places I want to try:
Grape Expectations; a wine shop where you can also sit in and try the wines and sharing boards
Rebellion Brewery – providing beverages to many of the local surrounding towns, once you look out for it, you’ll see that name a lot. They also host quite a few different evenings and friends who have been said it’s a really great night out.

Foodies

If you can get in here, I thoroughly recommend Tom Kerridge’s The Coach; specialising in small plates, it’s a cosy upmarket restaurant that you can book on the day; which I love. This makes it accessible to all and I have had a really nice lunch here! I also love the Ivy here; it’s a really spacious and light restaurant. If you are baulking at the pricey recommendations I’m making, do not fear! I have some more pocket friendly options too, at the George and Dragon and the Chequers. If brunch is on your mind though, you have to go to Fego! I still dream about the eggs benedict I had there years ago. I also say don’t rule out hotel restaurants, as I had a really lovely lunch at the Crowne Plaza not so long ago.

Going back to Higginson Park, they hold an annual Pub in the Park here; it’s A BRILLIANT day or night out. Hosted by Tom Kerridge (he’s really cornered Marlow and I did once see him walking in the park with his family; he’s very tall and really friendly were my takeaways) it’s a slot-booking event with sampling options from lots of different restaurants; a great way to try new places without the commitment of a whole meal, plus pop ups and drink stands and shopping opps too, with a concert later in the day. I’ve been in the afternoon and the evening and both were brilliant experiences (and boozy, but that’s another story; watch out for the pirate ship rum bar).

On my list:
The Vanilla Pod
Riverside Restaurant at The Complete Angler

Hotels

Now if I was planning my dream weekend here, I’d definitely want to stay at the 17th century Compleat Angler; right on the river, with beautiful English gardens. But there are also lovely looking rooms at the Hand and Flowers and more affordable options at the Premier Inn and Crowne Plaza (a little out of the town).

Sightseeing

I think to talk about the bridge is probably a good start as it was built to connect Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and was opened in 1833. Designed by William Tierney Clark, a civil engineer from Bristol, this bridge is smaller in scale but almost identical in design to his other surviving monument bridge : the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest which joins Buda and Pest. The town itself is now twinned with Budavar in Budapest as well as Marly-le-roi in Paris. So some nice connections! You can also take a leisurely boat trip via Steamer’s to lovely Windsor or a return trip to Temple Lock (if you didn’t fancy walking it). Two statues to look our for are the Sir Steve Redgrave landmark in Higginson Park; a nod to a fine British Rower who was born in Marlow and a memorial statue of Charles Frohman which is close to the church.

Places I’d like to check out:
Marlow Musuem
All Saints Church

Would I go again?

Oh yes I would! Time and again, I will always have a space for this small town. If nothing else, it makes me feel a bit cool. Writing this has made me really long to go back, so I will take some more pictures then. I hope you love it if you go.

Don’t forget to check out my other places on my main blog!