Marlow (England)

Marlow is twinned with Marly-le-roi, near Paris. It also has a special relationship with Budapest due to the Tierney Clarke bridge across the river which is a miniature version of the famous Chain Bridge there. He built four such bridges but only these two survive. The Marlow Bridge is also the only suspension bridge across the River Thames. The town is home to British Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave and holds an annual regatta on the River. It is a very upmarket area, with house prices being extremely expensive, often upward of £750,000 for those close to the river. The nearest villages along the River of suitable walking distance are Bourne End towards Maidenhead, and Hurley towards Oxford. Those looking for a more adventurous walk can walk to Cookham (2 miles) and Maidenhead (4 miles). Henley-on-Thames is a more challenging walk of about 8.5 miles (11 km).

All locations in and around town are walkable or drivable.

• 🌍 Marlow Bridge. A very attractive suspension bridge built 1829 and 1832 by William Tierney Clark, the same engineer that built the Széchenyi Chain Bridge across the Danube in Budapest. (updated Dec 2015)
• Old Thatch, Coldmoorholme Ln, Bourne End, SL8 5PT. The house where Enid Blyton the prolific children's author (famous for Noddy and The Famous Five) wrote many of her books in Bourne End. Now privately owned. (updated Aug 2018)
• There's a paved maze in Higginson Park by the river, which is a mild challenge.

Marlow has a busy and active atmosphere and is packed full of coffee shops and restaurants. These features make it an excellent place for socialising or simply relaxing with a coffee and watching the wealthy (and others) go about their lives. Marlow has a park which borders the river where one can hire a rowing boat, or enjoy the views and wildlife (predominately swans, geese and ducks)from the safety of the benches under the trees!

It is also about an hour's leisurely walk from Bourne End if one follows the river Thames through the adjacent fields. If you are too worn out to want to walk both ways, then the train (Marlow Donkey) is fun for all ages between Marlow and Bourne End. Once in Bourne End train station, there is a connection to Maidenhead via Furze Platt.

• Hike along the river

• 🌍 Rebellion Beer, Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom SL7 3LT, ☏ +44 1628 476594, info@rebellionbeer.co.uk. M-Sa 8AM-7PM. (updated Jun 2017)

• 🌍 The Spade Oak, Coldmoorholme Ln, Bourne End, SL8 5PS, ☏ +44 1628 520090. Pub near Bourne End is a great spot to stop for lunch near the river. It is found across the level crossing next to the Thames Path in Spade Oak Field and down a small country lane. Food is excellent. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Vanilla Pod, 31 West St, SL7 2LS, ☏ +44 1628 898101, fax: +44 1628 898108. Fantastic French cuisine - good prix fixe menus. 

Bourne End has its fair share of Indian restaurants and take-aways.

There are plenty of cafes in Marlow, including a Costa and a Starbucks. However, there are also other, smaller businesses which do perfectly adequate refreshment! A cafe by the park is also very reasonable, serving warm meals and drinks as well as the usual sandwiches and cakes.

There is a pub called The Firefly near to Bourne End train station. The Firefly also has a 'gig room' at the back where live music is played.

• The Compleat Angler. Marlow's most famous hotel on the banks of the River Thames beside the magnificent suspension bridge.