Belle’s Essential Guide To… Marlow
Home to a prestigious rowing club, the country’s only two-Michelin-starred pub, and plenty of Blue Plaque history, Marlow is a great mini-break destination for Londoners craving some country air.
For such a small town Marlow has some big boasts. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in her home on the Thames Path, poet TS Eliot lived and died in the town, and there’s a statue in honour of local legend Olympian Steve Redgrave in the riverside Higginson Park.
So if you’re heading out to the Buckinghamshire town any time soon, here’s what you need to know when planning your visit.
Marlow Bridge
In the 19th century William Tierney Clark designed a ceremonious bridge for Marlow, which became a model for Clark’s Chain Bridge in Budapest. Take a walk to the end of the High Street and wander across the bridge to The Compleat Angler hotel and bar for an Aperol Spritz overlooking the river.
Thames Path
The 184-mile trail next to the Thames passes through the riverside graveyard of All Saints’ Church in Marlow. Walking west there are meadows with wildflowers and grazing livestock, river islands, churches, locks and weirs. The 18th-century Hambleden Mill and its accompanying lock are well worth a wander past.
Hand and Flowers
The only pub in Britain to boast two Michelin stars, celeb chef Tom Kerridge’s flagship venue has a relaxed pub atmosphere but serves way more than regular pub grub. Alongside the à la carte menu the restaurant offers a set lunch menu during the week and on Sundays serves a traditonal roast with beef and Yorkshire pudding. Vegan and veggie options are available on all menus, and staff are clearly clued up on allergens. This is Michelin star dining in a traditional British pub and is a must-visit for anyone passing through Marlow. There are also luxurious rooms on site for those wanting an overnighter, and a full English breakfast in the pub is of course included in the deal.
Rebellion Beer
On the first Tuesday of every month there’s a public Open Night at the brewery for people to visit and taste a selection of Rebellion beers, tuck into some barbecue grub and listen to talks by brewers. The stock in the brewery shop changes seasonally. Find out more at rebellionbeer.co.uk.
Boat Tours
Float past the historic wharf at Spade Oak, the wooded grounds of Cliveden, the cute Ray Mill Island, an extraordinary railway bridge in Maidenhead designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the majestic pavilions of the Monkey Island Estate. Boat tours run from the riverbanks througout the summer months.
Pub in the Park
Another Tom Kerridge brainchild, this food and drink festival has seen such success that it now tours the country after launching in Marlow early summer. Offering a mix of Michelin Star dining, food stalls and gin and champagne bars against a backdrop of live music, PITP is the pioneer of the Mircofestival in the UK. Small enough to allow for an intimate atmosphere but large enough to offer entertainment and nourishment for an entire weekend, this year’s events sees headliners Basement Jazz, Craig David and Lightning Seeds provide the soundtrack to culinary masterclasses from world-renowned chefs including Tom Kerridge, of course, Atul Kochhar and Angela Hartnett. See the full lineup, learn more about the summer-long tour, and book tickets by clicking here.
Marlow Common
This local nature reserve on Marlow’s left flank is shaded by native beeches, century-old oaks and silver birches. Up until the 20th century Marlow Common was exploited for its clay to make bricks. This left the forest floor with long, deep gullies that were adapted as a training ground for trench warfare in the First World War.
Where to stay…
From budget to boutique Marlow offers plenty of options for overnight stays. As mentioned, the Hand and Flowers offers rooms, as does the Compleat Angler. The Chequers is a boutique bar with rooms in the middle of the High Street, and there’s a great quality Premiere Inn overlooking the famous bridge and nestled right next to All Saints Church and its beautiful grounds. The hotel also houses the George & Dragon pub, a perfect pitstop destination after a day’s shopping and sightseeing.
