Live like a local

A neighbourhood guide to Marlow

June 24, 2022

Nestled on the River Thames, this charming Georgian town is known for its regatta, market and culinary delights – and it’s just a 30-minute drive north of Coworth Park.

The River Thames

Fringed by weeping willows and ancient oak trees, the sun-dappled trail that follows the River Thames through Marlow makes for an idyllic stroll on a sunny afternoon. Meander along the path on the north bank, beneath the Grade I-listed Marlow Suspension Bridge towards Temple Lock, and you’ll see the river rippling with rowers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Every June the town hosts Marlow Town Regatta and Festival, during which local musicians and a dragon boat race entertain onlookers.

Courtesy of The Oarsman

The Oarsman gastropub

Hanging baskets bursting with hot pink petunias adorn the beamed exterior of The Oarsman, an English gastropub in the centre of town. Wooden floors and leather banquettes may tempt you to sit inside but when the sun is shining, the patio terrace will be calling. Head chef Scott Smith is known for his eclectic dishes that celebrate local, seasonal produce, conjuring up dishes such as roast cod with shrimp salad, trotters and bacon with beef dripping toast and jam roly-poly with vanilla custard. These can be paired with more than 300 wines from around the world.

46 Spittal Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DB

Marlow vineyard

Nestled in meadows on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, when the sun sets over Harrow & Hope’s vineyard and the sky turns rosé, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in Bordeaux rather than Buckinghamshire. The vineyard is a passion project by husband and wife team Henry and Kaye Laithwaite, and if the name sounds familiar, it’s because Henry’s father, Tony, founded the wine business Laithwaites in 1969. In 2019, Harrow & Hope was awarded UK Winery of the Year by WineGB and its vineyard tours and tasting room attract visitors keen to sample its English sparkling wines.

Marlow Winery, Pump Lane North, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 3RD

Courtesy of Harrow & Hope

Courtesy of Rebellion Beer Co

Marlow brewery

With the scent of hops in the air, smoke curling from a barbecue and a live band, there’s a festival vibe at the monthly social nights at Rebellion Beer Co, a five-minute drive north of Marlow. Popular with locals, the socials provide an opportunity to sample the brewery’s beers while listening to talks by co-owner Tim Coombes. Sample street food, ales and draught keg beers brewed on site in its al fresco bar, The Tap Yard – its Overthrow beer has a citrus aroma and grapefruit notes. Established in 1993, the brewery regularly wins awards by The Society of Independent Brewers.

Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire SL7 3LT

All Saints Church and around

The colour of a sheaf of corn, All Saints Church was built from Bath stone in 1831. Found on the banks of the Thames, it’s a relaxing spot, with views of Marlow Suspension Bridge. The bridge was the prototype of engineer William Tierney Clark’s next project – Budapest’s 1840s Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Higginson Park sits on its other side. Here you can watch Marlow Park Cricket Club play a match, attend a fair or explore Marlow Museum.

All Saints Church, High Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2AA

Marlow Museum (entrance near Court Garden Leisure Centre), Pound Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2AE

Once you’ve visited Marlow, you may wish to explore the region’s other English towns such as Eton and villages in Berkshire.

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Coworth Park

The scenic route to five-star bliss. Coworth Park offers idyllic relaxation in many guises, from a rural detox to an indulgent, romantic escape. Here you’ll find an experience to refresh every sense within our welcoming oasis of calm.

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