Marlow
,Marlow is a picturesque town located on the River Thames in Buckinghamshire, England. It is known for its charming historic architecture, scenic river walks, and vibrant high street filled with boutique shops and eateries. Marlow is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and riverside picnics.
The town also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, attracting visitors from near and far.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Marlow's Riverside
morning
:Start your day with a riverside walk along the Thames, enjoying the calm and scenic views. Stop by a local café for a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
afternoon
:Visit the iconic Marlow Bridge and take photos of its stunning architecture. Afterward, explore the quaint shops and boutiques in the town center.
evening
:Dine at a local restaurant along the river, indulging in delicious British cuisine. End your day with a calming stroll by the water, watching the sunset.
Marlow's Historical Gems
morning
:Begin with a visit to the River and Rowing Museum, where you can learn about the local heritage. Make sure to enjoy a light breakfast at their café.
afternoon
:Continue to All Saints' Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Spend some time in the churchyard and admire the historic gravestones.
evening
:Head to a cozy pub for dinner and enjoy a traditional ale. Relax with locals, sharing stories about Marlow's rich history.
Highlights
Good
- Charming riverside town with scenic views of the River Thames.
- Rich history and cultural heritage with historical sites and events.
- Strong community spirit with various local events and activities.
- Good transport links to London and surrounding areas.
- Variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes catering to different tastes.
Bad
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby towns.
- Limited nightlife options may not appeal to younger residents.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
- Limited public transport options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may experience flooding due to their proximity to the river.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Walk along the River Thames
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the banks of the River Thames, taking in beautiful views and the local wildlife.
Visit Higginson Park
Relax or have a picnic in Higginson Park, which features gardens, a children's play area, and open spaces.
Cycle the Marlow to Bourne End Route
Take a cycling trip along the picturesque route connecting Marlow to Bourne End, ideal for families and casual cyclists.
Explore Marlow Lock
Visit the historic Marlow Lock, where you can watch boats pass through and enjoy the nearby green spaces.
Visit the Compleat Angler
Enjoy outdoor dining or drinks at this historic hotel located by the river, with stunning views of the Thames.
Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle along the River Thames and experience its beauty from the water.
Take Part in River Events
Check out local events or races on the River Thames, which often feature rowers, skiffs, and other watercraft.
Forest Walks in the Chilterns
Explore nearby wooded areas in the Chiltern Hills, offering varied trails with stunning landscapes.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Marlow with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Marlow Bridge
A picturesque bridge spanning the River Thames, providing stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. Great for panoramic shots.
The Thames Path
A scenic walking trail along the River Thames, offering numerous spots to capture the river's beauty, wildlife, and landscapes.
Higginson Park
A lovely park by the river with well-maintained gardens, mature trees, and riverfront views, perfect for capturing the tranquility of nature.
The Compleat Angler Hotel
A historic hotel located by the river, offering beautiful views of the Thames and the nearby Marlow Weir, ideal for architectural and landscape photography.
Fishery Wharf
An excellent viewpoint to see boats navigating the river, framed by lush greenery, which is perfect for capturing vibrant photos of river life.
Marlow Hill
A vantage point that provides elevated views of Marlow and the Thames valley, offering an expansive perspective ideal for landscape photography.
All Saints' Church
A charming church with notable architecture set against a backdrop of greenery, providing a great opportunity for historical and architectural photography.
Barges on the Thames
Capture beautiful scenes of traditional barges moored along the river, showcasing the blend of nature and history in the area.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Bakewell Tart
This classic British dessert, featuring a buttery crust, raspberry jam, frangipane, and a topping of flaked almonds, can be savored at The Coach in Marlow, a renowned restaurant that serves an excellent version.
Must-Try!
Marlow Bottom Black Pudding
Seek out the Marlow Butcher for this local delicacy. The Marlow Bottom Black Pudding is a key ingredient in many regional recipes and offers a unique blend of flavors.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Marlow better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Marlow Market
The Marlow Market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food. It's an ideal spot to savor diverse culinary treats, from gourmet burgers to freshly baked pastries.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness
Residents of Marlow typically value politeness and courteous behavior. It is common to greet people with a smile and use 'please' and 'thank you' regularly.
Punctuality
Being on time is seen as a sign of respect. Whether for social gatherings or meetings, it’s advisable to arrive at the agreed time or a few minutes early.
Community Engagement
Marlow has a strong sense of community. Engaging in local events, supporting local businesses, and showing respect for shared spaces are important aspects of interacting with others in the area.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Marlow with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Marlow, as in the rest of the United Kingdom, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a gratuity of around 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. In pubs, it is less common to tip, but patrons might round up the bill or leave small change. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a typical practice. Tipping in other services, such as hairdressers or hotel staff, is also appreciated but not compulsory.
Payment
In Marlow, various payment methods are widely accepted. Cash is still used, but card payments (including contactless) are very common in both retail and hospitality sectors. Most establishments also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. In restaurants, it is increasingly common to pay at the table or at a designated payment station. Online payments and pre-booking payments are also used for services like hotels and restaurants.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Marlow.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Marlow as the flowers begin to bloom and the weather gradually warms up. Expect pleasant temperatures, lively events like river festivals, and scenic walks along the Thames.
Summer
Summer (June to August) in Marlow brings warm weather and longer days. It is perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, and boat trips on the river. The town hosts various festivals and events, making it a lively time to explore.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) showcases stunning fall foliage around Marlow. The weather is generally mild, and it is a quieter time to visit with fewer crowds. Expect harvest festivals and cozy evenings in local pubs.
Winter
Winter (December to February) can be chilly in Marlow, with occasional frost and snow. However, the town is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy festive markets, ice skating, and warm meals at local restaurants.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Marlow Hill
A scenic hilltop area offering trails with beautiful views of the River Thames and surrounding countryside.
Higginson Park
A lovely park along the River Thames with flat walking paths and access to nature trails.
The Malt House
A short trail leading through woodlands and along riverside paths, suitable for various skill levels.
Loop of the Thames
A popular walking route that encircles the Thames, providing picturesque views and a peaceful environment.
Burnham Beeches
A nature reserve featuring ancient woodlands and a network of trails, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
Crown Estate
Offers various trails through beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking for a longer trek.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Marlow through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Marlow by plane.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The primary airport serving London and the busiest airport in the United Kingdom.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Second largest airport serving London, known for both domestic and international flights.
London Luton Airport (LTN)
An international airport to the north of Central London, primarily serving low-cost carriers.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
An international airport northeast of central London, popular with budget airlines.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Located in the West Midlands, this airport serves a wide variety of international destinations.
Manchester Airport (MAN)
One of the largest airports in the UK, serving a multitude of international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White British
The largest demographic group, comprising individuals who identify as ethnically White British.
Other White
Includes people from European countries and other white ethnic backgrounds.
Asian or Asian British
This group includes individuals of Asian descent, such as South Asian and East Asian populations.
Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
Comprises individuals who identify as Black or of African or Caribbean descent.
Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups
Includes individuals from mixed backgrounds, combining multiple ethnicities.
Other ethnic groups
This category captures ethnicities not classified in the major groups, including those of Middle Eastern and Aboriginal backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rowing
Marlow is known for its rowing clubs and events, particularly due to the River Thames running through the town.
Cricket
Cricket is a popular pastime in Marlow, with several local clubs and a vibrant community around the sport.
Rugby
Rugby is played at both amateur and youth levels in Marlow, with local teams competing in regional leagues.
Football
Football enjoys popularity in Marlow, featuring local clubs that engage with the community through youth and senior leagues.
Tennis
Tennis has a following in Marlow, with various clubs offering facilities and coaching for players of all ages.
Running and Athletics
Running clubs and events are prevalent, encouraging both competitive and leisure running among residents.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many eateries in Marlow, including The Vanilla Pod and The Botanist, offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that non-meat eaters can relish the local cuisine.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy gluten-free options at The Two Brewers and The Chequers, known for their efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions.