There’s plenty of things to do in Marlow; whether you’re looking to walk around the town and discover Marlow’s rich history in its Georgian and Victorian architecture and Marlow Museum, dip in and out of a variety of independent shops and boutiques, enjoy a walk along the Thames Path or hire a boat and relax on the river.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MARLOW
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Shopping - Marlow offers a vibrant and bustling town centre at Its heart. As you stroll down the high street, you'll find an exquisite blend of high-end shops, offering the latest in fashion, jewellery and luxury goods, a mix of boutiques and well-known high street retailers, each offering a warm welcome and adding a unique flavour and local flair to your shopping experience. Shopping in Marlow includes boutiques with a difference such as Jacu offering Japanese/Korean designs, or Moda in Pelle with their range of elegant, affordable luxury ladies shoes. Don't miss our local galleries, showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional art, making our town a haven for art lovers. Visit a beautiful art gallery like Clarendon’s Fine Art Gallery with its contemporary paintings and sculptures. Don’t forget to drop into the Marlow Bookshop or join one of their events.
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Hire a boat at Marlow - Make the Thames your playground and hire a self-operated electric boat or rowing boat, from The Little Green Boat Company at Higginson Park. Perfect for memorable family outings, accommodating up to 8 individuals.
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Follow the Midsomer Murders Trail - Follow a 17 mile trail and explore filming locations used for the popular TV detective series Midsomer Murders. Pick up a trail leaflet from Marlow visitor information service or download a copy.
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Stay active at Court Garden Leisure Complex and House located within Higginson Park.- facilities include swimming pool, gym, sports hall, squash court, cafe and outdoor tennis facilities.
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Enjoy a social night at Rebellion Brewery - on the first Tuesday night of the month. A fantastic evening of great beer, great food and great atmosphere.
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Explore the wildlife at Marlow Common and it was also home to a successful brick and tile industry, using clay exhumed from massive clay pits, these deep excavations can still be seen and inspected at the site today. It is also a site of an old WW1 training ground where troops practiced trench warfare before handling the real thing.
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Walk to Marlow Lock and Weir - a short walk (about 1/2 mile) from the main gate at St Peter's Church will lead you to Marlow Lock, by the weir, in a lovely setting where you can see wildlife. From the Church you will see a waymark to the Lock, this takes you along Church Passage to St Peter Street. Cross diagonally right and continue to Mill Road. Turn right down Mill Road and head round the corner until you reach the riverside lawns. The path to Marlow Lock is on your right.
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Great for families - Families with young children will love the vibrant children's play park, a favourite spot for fun and laughter. Higginson Park has indoor and outdoor catering and public toilets, a brick in grass maze and a large children's playground and a skate park which is open all year. The Thames Path passes through the Park and there is an area of protected wetland with kingfishers and a variety of swans, ducks and other waterfowl. A statue to Sir Steve Redgrave, the five gold medal winning Olympic rowing hero, stands proudly looking out to the river.
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Discover the history of Marlow - Marlow Museum provides an insight to the history of this beautiful and historic town and the surrounding area. A mix of permanent displays and temporary exhibitions. Current exhibition - LACE - from Sir William Borlase to Pamela Nottingham MBE (5 Apr - 7Sep 2025). In school holidays there are often special activities for children.
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View original artworks - Hayden Art Gallery is a family run, independent Art gallery in the centre of Marlow. It only exhibits original artworks from unique artists, sculptors and artisans whether they are emerging talents or established creators.
Whether you're in Marlow for a leisurely day of shopping, a gastronomic adventure, a cultural exploration, or a walk along the Thames Path, the town promises an unforgettable experience.
Walks around Marlow
When the weather is lovely, stroll down to the riverside and take a walk along the Thames Path National Trail or amble through Higginson Park. Strolling by the river is one of Marlow’s greatest pleasures. You can follow its banks in either direction for easy, level walks with some wonderful scenery.
Destinations upstream
- Temple Lock (3 miles return) with a lovely view of Bisham Church on the opposite bank.
- Hurley (4.5 miles return) a small village home to one of the oldest inns in the world ‘The Olde Bell’ and the perfect spot for riverside picnics.
- Hambleden (11.5 miles return) with the picturesque lock, a series of weirs and Hambleden Mill you can cross the river here to catch a bus back to Marlow.
- Henley (16 miles return) a delightful town famous for its Royal Regatta. You can catch a bus back to Marlow from Henley.
Destinations downstream
- Bourne End (6 miles return) pass the wooded slopes of Winter Hill rising on the opposite bank as you leave the town and follow the path through meadows to Bourne End.
- Cookham (8 miles return) from Bourne End cross the river at the railway bridge and continue for a further mile onto Cookham which is home to the Stanley Spencer Gallery.
- Maidenhead (15 miles return) a bustling town with its 18th-century road bridge and Brunel’s famous ‘Sounding Arch’.
- Windsor (29 miles return) beyond Maidenhead the river becomes busier and in places there are views of grand homes finishing with the grandest of them all, Windsor Castle, towering above the water.
