Summary of Content
Located on the Middle Thames, Marlow has been significant as a river crossing since the 13th century, with the construction of the first bridge by the Knights Templar.
This charming town boasts a prestigious rowing club established in 1871, which has famous members such as Steve Redgrave, the most decorated male rower in Olympic history.
A statue honoring him can be found in the picturesque Higginson Park alongside the river, where he serves as the president for the town’s annual regatta held in June.
In the 19th century, the noted engineer William Tierney Clark designed a remarkable bridge for Marlow, which served as a model for his Chain Bridge in Budapest.
Marlow’s High Street, Spittal Street, and West Street are lined with boutiques and local shops, including the renowned Hand and Flowers, which is notable for being the only pub to have earned two Michelin stars.
Let’s delve into the key attractions and activities in Marlow:
1. Marlow Bridge
Marlow has served as a crucial crossing point on the Thames since at least 1227. With the increase of traffic in the 19th century, there was a necessity for a new bridge to take the place of the original wooden structure. Civil engineer William Tierney Clark was commissioned to create this replacement.
Resulting in one of the most attractive crossings along the Thames, the Marlow Bridge (1832) features two elegant triumphal arches along with white-painted cables and railings.
This bridge constitutes one of only four suspension bridges designed by Clark; while two have been lost, this bridge and the Chain Bridge over the Danube in Budapest remain.
If you have seen the latter, which opened in 1849, you may recognize its design influence originating from the smaller structure in Marlow.
2. Thames Path
The 184-mile Thames Path trail meanders past the riverside cemetery of All Saints’ Church in Marlow, promising picturesque views whether you explore upriver towards Henley or downstream towards Maidenhead.
As you walk west, expect to encounter meadows adorned with wildflowers, grazing animals, river islands, charming churches (notably, the lovely Bisham Church), locks, and weirs.
Along the way, you will enjoy vistas of stunning mansions, including Greenlands and Cliveden.
The 18th-century Hambleden Mill and its associated lock offer delightful sights, and just moments after departing from Marlow, one can admire the church spire, bridge, and the yachts anchored along the northern bank.
3. Chiltern Hills
Just north of Marlow, the landscape transitions into hillier terrain as you enter the Chilterns, an impressive 46-mile escarpment stretching diagonally from Oxfordshire to Bedfordshire.
One does not require a vehicle to access this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; two circular walking routes commence directly from the town, inviting exploration of this rolling hills landscape adorned with beech forests.
A short drive will take you to West Wycombe Park, a magnificent National Trust estate nestled in sprawling scenery, owned by the 18th-century rake Sir Francis Dashwood, who excavated caves on West Wycombe Hill for the infamous Hellfire Club.
Moreover, you can discover the stunning Tudor country house at Greys Court or visit Hughenden, the residence of Benjamin Disraeli, a revered British Prime Minister.
4. Higginson Park
The primary outdoor space in Marlow is marked by an expansive lawn adjacent to the river, dotted with mature trees.
Yearly, Higginson Park is awarded a Green Flag, and after entering from Marlow’s High Street, you will find that it is bordered to the west by vast open countryside.
During summer, one might enjoy watching a cricket match or take a moment by the river, where you might even catch a glimpse of a kingfisher.
Contemplating the serene waters near the exquisite Court Garden House (1785), visitors will find a statue of Steve Redgrave.
This 23-acre park offers several facilities, including a children’s playground, skate park, the Shelley Theatre, named after former resident Percy Bysshe Shelley, and a leisure centre complete with a pool, gym, and tennis courts.
5. Marlow Lock
As you observe the river traffic at Marlow Lock, you may be intrigued to learn that there were once disputes between millers and navigators regarding the shallow draught.
This site is believed to have housed a flash lock during the 14th century, while the Weir was referenced in the Domesday Book in 1086. The first pound lock resembling the current one was constructed in 1825, relocated from a less favorable position downstream.
Currently, this lock is approaching its centenary, having last been reconstructed in 1927. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley spent considerable time in Marlow on a Thames skiff just upstream of the lock, where he composed one of his notable works, The Revolt of Islam, in 1817.
6. Marlow Common
Along the left flank of Marlow lies a serene section of the Chilterns within this local nature reserve.
Shaded by beeches, century-old oaks, and silver birches, the woodlands of Marlow Common serve as a habitat for species such as the green tortrix moth.
This environment in turn supports a variety of bird species, including nuthatches, treecreepers, and lesser spotted woodpeckers.
Up until the 20th century, Marlow Common was exploited for its clay for brick-making.
This extraction left the forest floor contoured with long, deep gulleys, which were later utilized as a training ground for trench warfare during the First World War.
7. All Saints’ Church
All Saints’ Church, located at the conclusion of the High Street, creates a picturesque conjunction with Marlow Bridge.
Notably, despite its Perpendicular Gothic design, the church is entirely a 19th-century construction, built following the collapse of the previous church tower in 1831. All Saints’ functions as a sizable parish church constructed from Bath stone, featuring a 50-meter spire.
Initially built in the 1830s, the structure underwent complete reworking in the 1870s and 80s under the guidance of John Oldrid Scott, the son of master restorer George Gilbert Scott.
This influence is visible in the exterior flushwork (delicate limestone and flint patterns), while Scott also designed the striking reredos, crafted from marble and embellished with tiled scenes from the crucifixion.
8. Marlow Museum
Open free of charge during Wednesday and weekend afternoons in the summer, the town’s museum provides a glimpse into local history.
Inaugurated in 2009 and meticulously curated by volunteers, the museum contains fascinating items in its permanent collection, such as a drum captured from the Russians by General Higginson in the Crimean War and Marlow’s historical stocks (a restraint for punishment). Periodic exhibitions are also available, showcasing local trades like lacemaking and brewing, natural history, or profiles of prominent local figures such as Steve Redgrave and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
9. Boat Trips
The countryside between Marlow and Windsor is strikingly beautiful, characterized by country houses, charming locks, and historical bridges.
From July to September, the boat company Salter’s Steamers operates a regular service from Marlow to Windsor on Mondays.
Passengers can enjoy views of the historic wharf at Spade Oak, the wooded grounds of Cliveden, the charming Ray Mill Island, an extraordinary railway bridge in Maidenhead designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the impressive pavilions of the Monkey Island Estate.
Additionally, services upriver to Henley operate on Tuesdays through Fridays, allowing passengers to view quaint villages and more opulent stately homes at Temple Medmenham and Bisham Abbey.
The 18th-century folly constructed by James Wyatt on Temple Island serves as the starting point for races in the Henley Regatta.
10. Water Activities
The Middle Thames is bordered by lakes utilized by watersports clubs for sailing, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
While many of these clubs require memberships, several welcome guests and provide equipment rentals.
Located at Westhorpe Lake, on the eastern edge of Marlow, Marlow Open Water Swim offers opportunities for outdoor swimming all day on Saturdays and on weekday evenings, provided participants sign a waiver.
If you lack equipment, renting wetsuits, caps, and goggles is available for your session.
For those who prefer a gentler activity, the center also offers stand-up paddleboards for rent.
11. Cliveden
Located just five miles downstream from Marlow, Cliveden is a National Trust estate featuring a 19th-century Italianate mansion.
This opulent house overlooks the river from a height, designed on two grand terraces, one of which is framed by a 17th-century balustrade acquired from Rome’s Borghese Gardens.
Now a luxury hotel, the mansion offers 30-minute tours that delve into the intriguing life of its illustrious residents and visitors, which include Nancy Astor (the first woman MP in the UK), Winston Churchill, and Charlie Chaplin.
Much of your visit will be spent exploring the lavish gardens, including one of Europe’s largest parterres, an Italian-style long garden enriched with topiary.
Additional highlights include a sizable yew tree maze with over 1,000 trees, a sophisticated Japanese-themed water garden, and dense woodlands perched on cliffs overlooking the Thames, concealing a charming flint folly from the mid-19th century.
12. Cookham
Situated along a bend in the Thames, Cookham is an affluent settlement known for its notable past residents.
In 1897, Guglielmo Marconi resided in the village while conducting experiments, and this house is now marked with a blue plaque.
Among England’s most esteemed 20th-century painters, Stanley Spencer, was born here in 1891, studied nearby in Maidenhead, and ultimately passed away in Cliveden.
Following his death in 1959, a gallery dedicated to his work was established within the chapel where he worshipped as a child.
The Stanley Spencer Gallery houses over 100 paintings, which are showcased through seasonal exhibitions.
Visitors should check the gallery’s website for regular talks and guided walking tours that trace the paths Spencer took to visit local patrons.
13. Marlow Town Regatta and Festival
Inaugurated in 2000, Marlow’s annual regatta occurs in June, two weeks preceding the more renowned festival at Henley, located just a few miles upstream on the Thames.
Notably, Steve Redgrave serves as the event president.
Rowing competitions take place on Saturday amidst the scenic backdrop of Marlow’s charming bridge.
This regatta is a ticketed fundraising event, featuring races organized in three divisions commencing at 08:00, 11:00, and 15:00. Attendees are encouraged to dress elegantly, adhering to a strict dress code between 11:00 and 18:00 on Saturday, a requirement which is relaxed in the evening when live music is featured.
Sunday is designated as a town festival featuring dragon boating, a cake competition, various trade and craft stalls, a dog show, and diverse entertainment for families.
14. Rebellion Beer
In addition to discussing the Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers, we must mention that several establishments in Marlow serve beers crafted at the town’s own microbrewery, Rebellion.
The brewery shop’s offerings change seasonally, allowing patrons to purchase bottles, barrels, and kegs of Rebellion’s IPA, blonde, and red beers, in addition to seasonal brews.
On the first Tuesday of each month, the brewery hosts an “Open Night,” during which visitors can sample a wide range of Rebellion beers for a small fee, enjoy barbecue bites, and engage in insightful discussions led by the brewers.
15. Dining
Marlow proudly houses the very first pub to have received two Michelin stars.
The Hand and Flowers, overseen by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge and his wife Beth Cullen-Kerridge, opened its doors in 2005 and earned its first Michelin star within a year, followed by a second in 2012. Despite its prestigious acclaim, securing a table for lunch or dinner during the week is typically manageable.
However, Fridays and weekends are often fully booked well in advance.
The menu varies seasonally, with Sunday highlighting traditional roast beef accompanied by Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, and red wine sauce.
