From Cotswold villages to seaside towns, the UK is home to a variety of stunning towns. England is home to some of the UK’s prettiest villages as well as a number of riverside gems, such as Marlow. Located in Buckinghamshire, just outside London, Marlow’s historic high street and picturesque setting attract visitors from all over the country, yet it remains fairly quiet.

It’s set on a scenic stretch of the River Thames and surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills.  The town was recorded in the Domesday Book as an established settlement, valued for its fertile land and river access.

It then developed as a river crossing and trading point before becoming known for malting and brewing.

In the 19th century, the construction of the bridge began to improve connections across the Thames, and the arrival of the railway later in the century further boosted accessibility and growth. 

Now, it’s an affluent residential and leisure destination known for its riverside setting, rowing heritage and outstanding dining scene.

There is a lot to do and see in the town, including hiring a rowing boat, visiting Higginson Park for a picnic or seeing the iconic Marlow Bridge.

The high street also attracts plenty of visitors thanks to its charming independent boutiques, galleries and speciality shops.

Shops include Mint Velvet, Whistles, The White Company, Space NK, Waterstones, and some independent stores such as The Cheese Shed, The Marlow Bookshop, and The Dresser.

The Marlow Regatta and rowing traditions are central to local life, with competitive rowing deeply rooted in the town’s sporting heritage.

Marlow also hosts regular markets where visitors can find local produce, including delicious ice cream and sourdough bread.

The town is well-regarded for its food scene, including award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred dining.

The Hand and Flowers is perhaps the town’s most celebrated restaurant, as it was the first pub in the country ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, with this achievement retained still today.

Owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, it elevates classic British dishes using refined techniques and bold flavours in a relaxed, high-end gastropub setting. However, dining here doesn’t come cheap, with prices for a set Sunday lunch around £195.

Housing and living costs tend to be above the national average, reflecting its desirability and commuter-friendly location.

House prices in Marlow have averaged £735,793 over the last year. The majority of properties sold in the town over the last year were detached homes, with an average price of £952,833.

At the time of writing, there are over 200 properties for sale in the town, with the most expensive on the market for a whopping £11million.

The town is also close to Maidenhead and Bourne End, with good transport links.

Taking to TripAdvisor to share the best things to do in the town, many suggested taking a stroll along the river by the suspension bridge.

One user said: “It’s so peaceful and relaxing. There’s even an ice cream van in the summer months.” Another wrote: “We go here all the time in summer. Lots to do and I’d recommend the Compleat Angler pub.”

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