Marlow

Marlow Regatta is an important fixture in the British rowing calendar, and it has been so for more than 150 years now. Taking place each summer two weeks before Henley Royal Regatta, Marlow is both a last chance to prepare, and for some a last chance to qualify for British rowing’s marquee event.

Speaking of which – Marlow is also a great place for those attending Henley Royal Regatta to stay during the six days of competition. The towns of Marlow and Henley-on-Thames are just a short drive apart, and this is great news for you as a host in the summer.

Dating back to 1989, the Reading Festival has been one of the highlights of the British live music calendar, showcasing artists from multiple genres and drawing thousands of fans from across the country and further afield to the Thames Valley each August Bank Holiday. Once again this is a great opportunity for a short letting host, and since it’s less than an hour’s drive away, again that includes hosts in Marlow too.

At mealtimes in Marlow, you’re quite simply spoilt for choice. The town boasts no fewer than four Michelin-starred establishments in Tom Kerridge’s ‘The Coach‘ and ‘The Hand and Flowers‘, and ‘Sindhu‘ and ‘Vaasu‘ from Atul Kochhar. They are by no means alone however, and elsewhere in town you’ll also find restaurants specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, modern Mediterranean food, classic Italian dishes and more.

This Marlow based brewery does a lot to connect with it’s local community and customers, all while brewing some amazing craft beer in the process. Public tours are held on the first Tuesday of every month, letting you see how Rebellion Beer is made, and sample the end product at your leisure alongside a variety of informal food options.

The River Thames is a big part of life in Marlow, and still embraced by the local community. You have the choice of walking along the river on the Thames path, or boarding a number of scheduled boat services operating from Marlow to Windsor (Mon) or Marlow to Henley (Tue-Fri). A trip on the Thames isn’t your only option when it comes to enjoying some time on (or in) the water however, as nearby lakes also offer activities such as wild swimming, paddle boarding canoeing and more.

In the heart of town you’ll find Higginson park – a quaint urban greenspace that fronts onto the Thames offering some very picturesque views year-round. Located within the park you’ll find a skatepark, children’s adventure park, café, and plenty of walking paths, flower beds and benches where you can just sit and watch the world go by for a while. This isn’t the only way you can get back to nature in Marlow though, as the town also lies at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, with the North Wessex Downs and South Downs within reasonable driving distance too.