If you’re looking for the perfect day out with riverside walks, historic sightseeing, and a vibrant food scene, then there’s a town just over an hour from London which fits the bill.
Marlow in Buckinghamshire sits on the Thames, and is famous for its beautiful Georgian architecture. It’s a popular spot for boating, with the historic Marlow Lock well-known to people who sail in the area. From the banks of the Thames, you can hire a small row or motor boat for the day and enjoy a serene day on the water, stopping for a picnic or pub lunch along the way.
In recent years, Marlow has become somewhat of a foodie destination, with several highly-rated restaurants found in the town. One of its most famous spots is The Hand and Flowers, owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. It has the distinction of being the only pub in the UK to have two Michelin stars under its belt, and serves an ever-changing seasonal menu of British favourites. Book during the week and you can enjoy the set classics menu from £95 for three courses.
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, there’s a lesser-known option just down the road that’s also owned by the famous chef. The Coach was recently named by Which? As the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the UK thanks to its set lunches for just £20 for two courses or £25 for three. This one-Michelin-starred pub changes its set menu weekly, so there’s always something new for foodies on a budget to try. You can even stop by this cosy rustic pub for breakfast, with a full English priced at just £16.50.
After lunch, explore the historic town centre, which includes a long High Street packed with independent shops and old-fashioned pubs. Down side streets you’ll find streets full of beautiful Georgian homes, alongside interesting sights such as the Gothic Revival style St Peters Church, which holds the mummified hand of St James the Apostle. On West Street, you’ll find the Shelley Cottages, where Mary Shelley once lived and where she completed her most famous novel, Frankenstein.
The cottages are not the town’s only literary connection. T.S. Eliot also lived on West Street and his former home is now the Vanilla Pod, a French restaurant. Novelist Thomas Love Peacock, who wrote Nightmare Abbey, also lived in the town.
Marlow still has plenty of famous residents to this day. Ricky Gervais, DJ Chris Evans, and Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave have properties in the town. The latter was even president of the local rowing club for many years. The town’s location and historic charm have made it a popular spot for the wealthy, and it consistently makes the list of the UK’s richest towns.
If you’re planning a longer trip, book a room in a riverside hotel such as the Macdonald Compleat Angler. This waterfront four-star hotel sits next to the historic Marlow Bridge and some rooms have private balconies to make the most of the views. It also has the Riverside Restaurant which features a conservatory overlooking the water, the perfect place to enjoy a candlelit dinner at the end of the day.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
