Maidenhead: historic town popular with shoppers

Maidenhead's main reputation is probably as a shopping heaven, but it has in fact an interesting history going back a long time, and remnants can still be seen throughout the town.

The name 'Maidenhead', strictly speaking, refers to the busy riverside area where the "New wharf" or "Maiden Hythe" was built, perhaps as early as Saxon times.

What To Do And See

Situated on the River Thames, along with the Marlow and Henley Regattas, Maidenhead Regatta is often seen as a testing ground for future Olympic rowing athletes.

Maidenhead offers good High Street shopping facilities including a shopping centre, Nicholson's Centre, located on the site of the former Nicholson's brewery.

There is also Norden Farm Centre and Maidenhead Heritage Centre and Museum.

This wealth of attractions combined with superb shopping and a wide range of high-quality restaurants makes Maidenhead a great location for short break or day trip.

Shopping

Maidenhead has a broad range of well known High Street names combined with a variety of independent and specialist stores. Step off the High Street and you'll find some hidden gems for that special something.

The Nicholsons Shopping Centre offers a selection of over 60 stores, from well-known names to small boutiques, all under one roof. Maidenhead also boasts a wide variety of regular and visiting markets, including continental, farmers' and arts markets offering shoppers a unique experience.

Interesting Tidbits

Charles I met his children for the last time before his execution in 1649 at the Greyhound Inn on the High Street in the town.

The town was home to Sir Nicholas Winton whose heroic efforts during the run up to World War 2 rescued over 600 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia

Maidenhead has many strong historical links to both the Danes and the Romans and was in the 18th century one of the busiest coaching stops in the country.

Surrounding Area

A walk along the riverside offers spectacular views of the River Thames and provides great walks to the villages of Cookham, Marlow or Windsor and Eton.

A short walk from the centre of the town takes you to the river with its 18th-century road bridge and Brunel’s famous ‘Sounding Arch’ featured in Turner's painting of ‘Rain, Steam and Speed’.

Boulter’s Lock has a restaurant and bar whilst Boulter’s Island remains a popular for its bird aviary, beautiful gardens and great views of Maidenhead weir.

General Information


  • How to get there

    Access to Maidenhead is very easy from the M4/A4 or the A404(M)/A4, only a few miles west of London, and is well signposted.

  • Further Information

    Maidenhead Website: www.maidenhead.net
     

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