Nestled in beautiful Buckinghamshire, the Georgian market town of Marlow makes for a lovely weekend escape from the city. Popular with romantic couples as well as families who flock to the town for its many child-friendly events, Marlow offers accommodation in cute holiday cottages as well as some very appealing boutique pubs-with-rooms, and our suggestions of the best places to stay in Marlow include a pretty High Street bolthole.
Appearing in the Domesday Book as ‘Mere Lafan’, Marlow has a long and fascinating past, detailed for visitors at the Marlow Museum. Best explored on foot or bicycle, this is a wonderful place for ramblers and history-minded sightseers to discover. Following in the footsteps of the literary figures who once lived in the town — Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley and TS Eliot included — is particularly special. There are walking tours (guided and self-led) of the town itself, as well as countless trails winding along the banks of the River Thames and through the surrounding Chiltern Hills. Amble through 23-acre Higginson Park, complete with children’s playground, leisure centre and the 18th-century Court Garden House, cross the famous 19th-century Marlow Suspension Bridge, or stroll through Marlow Common to spot myriad birds flitting between the oaks and silver birches. There’s something immensely satisfying about watching life on the river from Marlow Lock, too, or taking to the Thames yourself, with boat trips, canoeing and sailing to try.
Hit the High Street, West Street and Spittal Street for lively boutiques and eateries, wine bars and trendy coffee shops. The Marlow events calendar brims with festivals, including the annual Regatta and Festival in June, as well as Chef Tom Kerridge’s ‘Pub in the Park’, a feast of food and music. Don’t miss the chance to see striking Cliveden House, just five miles from Marlow — the mansion is enormously impressive and the gardens are gorgeous — or to taste the creations of Marlow’s very own brewery, the Rebellion Beer Company, which is open to visitors. Whether you’re dreaming of top-notch cuisine in a laid-back setting, strolling the banks of the River Thames, or cheering on the regatta teams with the kids, the best places to stay in Marlow promise a cosy and characterful base for a relaxed weekend in the countryside.
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Marlow (Marlow)
In picturesque Marlow, The Chequers features elegantly renovated interiors offering contemporary, boutique accommodation. Rooms boast comfy king-sized beds, funky retro furniture and sassy modern wallpapers. Wonderful meals are served in the dining room and the lively bar is perfect for a pint.
