Living In Bucks: Marlow

2026-07-24T16:46:40Z

With its famous bridge, independent shops, excellent restaurants and countryside on the doorstep, Marlow has become one of the South East’s most sought-after places for families, professionals and anyone looking for a little more breathing room without losing touch with London. Often described as Buckinghamshire’s answer to a countryside version of a Chelsea neighbourhood, Marlow has plenty of charm without feeling like a museum piece.

Why We’d Recommend Marlow

Marlow gets a lot right. It has the beauty of a countryside town, the social life of somewhere much larger and the kind of community atmosphere that makes people actually want to stay.

The River Thames is the obvious star of the show, but Marlow has so much more to offer than just pretty views. The town has a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafés, independent shops and pubs, while the surrounding Chiltern Hills provide endless opportunities for walking, cycling and weekend adventures.

We think it’s especially suited to families, commuters and anyone moving out of London who still wants a lively place to live. It feels polished without being overly formal – you’ll see expensive cars outside restaurants, but also muddy boots after a morning walk. Marlow does luxury quite naturally.

Things To Do

Living in Marlow means you’re never short of something enjoyable to do. The obvious starting point is the River Thames, where the riverside walks are some of the best in Buckinghamshire. An early morning stroll from Marlow Bridge towards Bisham is one of those simple pleasures that will make you wonder how you ever lived anywhere else.

Food lovers are exceptionally well looked after. For a special occasion, The Hand and Flowers needs little introduction, being one of the UK’s most famous restaurants and having 2 Michelin stars. If you’d like the Tom Kerridge taste for a little less, The Coach and The Butcher’s Tap And Grill are also great options.

For something more relaxed, The Oarsman is a brilliant choice, or if you prefer a classic pub atmosphere, The Two Brewers, The Ship and The George and Dragon are all local favourites.

Coffee lovers will also be more than happy here, with so many great spots on the high street. If you can get a table, Fego Marlow is well worth a visit for a coffee and some brunch. Strawberry Grove is an excellent choice for some stand-out cakes, and we’d also recommend The Cedar Coffee Shop if you’re looking for a good breakfast.

Shopping is another Marlow strength, with people flocking to the town for the shops during a sunny weekend. The High Street is full of independent boutiques, homeware shops and cafés, which is great when you’re in the market for a gift for a special someone (or yourself). When you need bigger shopping trips, nearby Beaconsfield, Maidenhead and High Wycombe have plenty of options.

Places To Eat

Marlow has earned its reputation as one of the country’s best foodie destinations, and it’s impossible to talk about the town’s dining scene without mentioning Tom Kerridge’s collection. The Hand & Flowers needs little introduction as it remains the UK’s only pub with two Michelin stars, while The Coach offers a more relaxed take on fine dining. If you’re looking for a more affordable Kerridge experience, we’d highly recommend The Butcher’s Tap and Grill for their excellent burgers and roast on a Sunday.

The foodie scene doesn’t just stop at Kerridge though! The Chequers is a local’s favourite for hearty, meat-led dishes, while The Oarsman is well worth a visit for some creative, seasonal dishes. If you’re in the market for a classic pub atmosphere, The Two Brewers, The Ship and The George and Dragon are all well worth the visit. Fans of Indian cuisine are spoilt for choice too, with Vaasu by Atul Kochhar serving vibrant, contemporary dishes and Sindhu (also by Atul Kochhar), overlooking the Thames from The Compleat Angler, offering elegant flavours with spectacular river views.

BRVTVS combines modern Italian cooking (including delicious pizzas) with cocktails and a carefully curated vinyl soundtrack. Suum Kitchen has quickly built a loyal following for its fresh, flavour-packed Vietnamese menu, and Ginger Wings is a firm favourite for anyone looking for somewhere that’s “pushing the boundaries of what wings can be”.

Round the corner in Liston Court, La Dolce Bolla is the go-to for sparkling wine and alfresco drinks in its charming courtyard, with Satolo offering a great brunch spot across the courtyard. The adjoining Liston Court Gardens regularly hosts markets, street food, live entertainment and seasonal events.

Family Friendly

Marlow is one of those places where your kids can enjoy a wonderfully outdoorsy childhood. Higginson Park is a favourite family spot, sitting right beside the Thames with plenty of room for picnics, playtime and summer afternoons. With a newly refurbished playground, it really is a great spot for the kids to let off some steam. The surrounding countryside also provides endless opportunities for bike rides, walks and adventures.

For bigger days out, you’re close to some of Buckinghamshire’s best attractions, including Cliveden, Odds Farm Park and Bekonscot Model Village.

Schools

Marlow doesn’t disappoint when it comes to schools either. The town is home to the highly regarded Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, an outstanding co-educational grammar school in the centre of town.

Primary options include schools such as Marlow Church of England Infant School and Foxes Piece School, alongside other well-regarded local choices.

You also have access to four outstanding grammar schools:  Beaconsfield High (girls), Wycombe High (girls), Sir William Borlase’s (Marlow co-ed), and John Hampden (boys).

Bourne End is also in an ideal location for some of the area’s most respected independent schools. For younger children, Davenies in Beaconsfield, The Beacon in Amersham, Caldicott near Farnham Royal and Godstowe in High Wycombe (girls) are great options. For secondary education, nearby choices include Wycombe Abbey, Claires Court in Maidenhead and St George’s School in Ascot, with several offering school transport from the wider area.

Commuting To London

Marlow offers a surprisingly practical commute considering how rural it feels. The town has its own railway station, with services connecting via Maidenhead, where passengers can access faster services into London, including the Elizabeth line.

The journey is not quite the effortless “walk downstairs and onto a Tube” commute of London living, but the trade-off is well worthwhile. You get countryside, space and a river on your doorstep – a fairly good exchange for changing trains.

For drivers, Marlow is well positioned for the M40 and M4, making journeys around Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and into London relatively straightforward. Heathrow Airport is also close by, making jetting off on an adventure remarkably easy.

Health & Wellness

Marlow is brilliant for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. With access to The Thames Path, Chiltern countryside and many other local walking routes, you really are spoilt for choice.

Marlow’s also packed with places to help you to look and feel your best. The town is brimming with boutique hair salons, with favourites including Korean head spa specialist The Peach, alongside Harington’s, Brothers and DORATA.

For those who like to stay active, The Marlow Club and The Crowne Plaza are comprehensive health and fitness destinations, both with impressive ranges of facilities. Venture a little further, and you’ll find the luxurious spa at Danesfield House, perfect for an indulgent afternoon of pampering, while Soma House, on the road towards High Wycombe, offers cutting-edge wellness treatments including cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Community

Despite becoming increasingly popular, it has kept the atmosphere of a traditional market town where people know local businesses, support events and actually bump into neighbours.

There are many events throughout the year to enjoy, including the famous Marlow Regatta, Pub in the Park and Fizzy Fest, which bring a great atmosphere to the town.

Property in Marlow

Property in Marlow reflects its popularity. Riverside homes, period cottages and large family houses command premium prices, while there are also more modest options tucked away on residential roads.

The average property price is higher than many neighbouring Buckinghamshire towns, but buyers are paying for a rare combination: excellent schools, beautiful countryside, restaurants, community and London access.

Nearby Areas

You’re spoilt for choice with how many beautiful places are on your doorstep in Marlow. Henley-on-Thames is only a few minutes away and offers an excellent choice of restaurants, boutique shopping and riverside walks. Cookham provides a more traditional village atmosphere, and Beaconsfield combines historic charm with premium shopping and dining.

Insider Tip

Get into Marlow early on a Sunday morning to beat the crowds. Grab a coffee at one of the brilliant independents and go for a stroll down the river. It’s when you see the real magic of the place – dogs everywhere, locals saying hello and the Thames looking suspiciously like it belongs in a luxury countryside advert.

Our Opinion

Marlow is one of Buckinghamshire’s standout places to live. It has the beauty that people move out of London for, but without losing the energy that makes somewhere feel alive.

The biggest attraction is balance. You can enjoy outstanding food, beautiful walks, excellent schools and a strong community, all while being close enough to London when you need it.

For anyone looking for a premium Buckinghamshire lifestyle without the stiffness, Marlow deserves to be near the top of the list.