Explore Marlow, a vibrant riverside town known for its boutique shops, cafés, and parks.
Set on the River Thames amidst the meadows of the river valley and the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills, Marlow is a vibrant Georgian market town. Named one of the UK’s ‘coolest’ places to live, it is renowned for its historic streets, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, all of which add to the town’s distinctive charm.
Not sure where to visit? Why not check out these fantastic locations:
Higginson Park
Set along the River Thames, Higginson Park is a Green Flag park with a history dating back to 1758 and open to the public since 1926. The park features expansive lawns, formal flowerbeds, mature trees, and a brick-in-grass maze designed by Adrian Fisher to mark the Millennium.
Perfect for families, Higginson Park offers a large children’s playground, a year-round skate park, and boat trips along the river. The park also celebrates Marlow’s sporting heritage with the Sir Steve Redgrave statue overlooking the Thames.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure facilities at the Court Garden Leisure Centre, including a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts. Throughout the year, the park hosts popular events such as Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park, the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival, French markets, raft races, fun runs, and community fetes.
Higginson Park has earned the Green Flag Award for excellence in park management for thirteen years running, making it a must-visit destination in Marlow.
Historic streets and landmarks
Explore Marlow’s historic streets and landmarks, including:
- All Saints Church: a striking landmark with a 170ft spire that can be seen from across the town, offering a glimpse into Marlow’s rich architectural heritage.
- St Peter Street: a charming historic thoroughfare lined with period buildings and home to St Peter’s Church, which is said to house the mummified hand of St James the Apostle.
- Marlow Place: an elegant Georgian residence built around 1720, now a Grade I listed building, showcasing the grandeur and refinement of 18th-century architecture.
- Shelley House: the former home of Mary Shelley, where she completed her classic novel Frankenstein, making it a fascinating stop for literature enthusiasts.
Walking trails
Marlow is easy to explore on foot, offering walking trails for all ages and abilities. See the Visit Marlow website for more information.
Getting there by bus
Our Carousel Country 850 service connects High Wycombe, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Twyford and Reading. Get off the bus at the Marlow West Street or Dean Street Car Park bus stops.