Celebrate summer: 7 things to do in Marlow this season

London Lifestyle

Celebrate summer: 7 things to do in Marlow this season

19 Jul 2019

Image credit: Gordon Bell / Shutterstock.com

We still have to pinch ourselves that we've managed to join the gorgeous town and genuine community on the Middle Thames, Marlow. Little history lesson, it was a significant crossing on the river as early as the 13th century when the infamous Knights Templar constructed the first bridge. Marlow is home to many stunning locations and features the only pub in the UK to have received two Michelin stars, the Hand and Flowers. So once you've had your history lesson, you may be wondering what there is to do in Marlow? Here are the top 7 things to do in Marlow this season:

All Saints' Church

Located at the end of High Street, All Saints' Church is the picture perfect partner to the Marlow Bridge. Despite its Perpendicular Gothic lines, the church is a 19th-century creation, built following the collapse of the tower of the old church in 1831. 

Boat Trips

From July to September the boat company, Salter's Steamers introduces regular services from Marlow to Windsor. You'll drift past the wooded grounds of Cliveden, the historic wharf at Spade Oak, an impressive railway bridge in Maidenhead produced by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the grand pavilions of the Monkey Island Estate. There are further services to Henley where you can take in picturesque villages and more stylish stately homes at Bisham Abbey and Temple Medmenham.

Cliveden

Only located five miles from Marlow, Cliveden is a National Trust Estate around a 19th-century Italianate mansion. The house is high over the river, situated atop two stately terraces, one hemmed by a 17th-century balustrade purchased from Rome's Borghese Gardens. Although the house is now a luxury hotel, you can pop in for a 30-minute tour and learn about the illustrious visitors and residents such as Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.

Marlow Bridge

Since at least 1227 Marlow has been a crossing point on the Thames, needing to be replaced in the 19th-century while the engineer William Tierney Clark was called upon to construct it. This magnificent bridge is balanced by two triumphal arches along with cables and railings painted white, and it was also the template for the Chain Bridge over the Danube in Budapest. 

Marlow Common

The woods on Marlow Common are shaded by century-old oaks, beeches and silver birches. These give a home to a diverse number of bird species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and treecreepers. As the forest floor has deep gullies from the 20th-century clay exploitation, these were adopted as a training ground in the First World War.

Thames Path

This extensive trail is situated right alongside the Thames which goes through the graveyard belonging to All Saints' Church. Walking West there are meadows filled with wildflowers and grazing livestock, churches, river islands, locks and weirs. Looking out over the water you'll get a clear view to stunning mansions such as Greenlands and Cliveden.

Rebellion Beer

Marlow has its own microbrewery called Rebellion and its brewed beers are served in the Michelin-starred pub, the Hand and Flowers. The stock in the brewery shop varies at certain times of the year, but you can always purchase bottles and barrels of Rebellion's IPA, red and blonde beers as well as any seasonal beers which are on offer.

So there we have it, if you're new to Marlow and haven't visited some of its iconic landmarks or just haven't popped your head into the famous microbrewery yet, we hope we've helped you find a way to unwind in Marlow. For a little 'me-time' retreat with your feet up, a glass of wine and a truly soothing environment, come in for a complimentary consultation with one of our expert stylists in our church-converted salon!

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