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How to get there
From the M40 take junction 4 and follow the A404 south towards Maidenhead. Marlow is signposted after about 3.3km (~2 miles). From the M4 at junction 8, follow the A404(M) north to the A404. Marlow lies about 11.5km (~7 miles) from the junction.x
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Further Information
Website: http://www.marlowtown.co.uk
Marlow: location of a suspension bridge over the Thames
Marlow is a delightful town on the River Thames dating back to the mid-11th century. Located in south Buckinghamshire, approximately four miles from High Wycombe, Marlow is surrounded by the lovely countryside of the Chiltern Hills and thus has plenty to offer for staying in the Thames Valley, or for a day out.
What To Do And See
Marlow has plenty to offer, such as riverside walks, a town centre alive with places to shop and eat, beautiful Georgian buildings, and its elegant 19th century suspension bridge.
The oldest building in Marlow is the Old Parsonage on St. Peter Street. Other important buildings include St Peter's Church and a large 18th century building at the top of High Street which once was a coaching inn used by highwayman Dick Turpin.
Marlow Lock offers some superb views of the weir, and only about 10 minutes walk from there lies Higginson Park, with 23 acres of lawns right beside the river.
Shopping
If you are considering a day out and at the same time do a bit of shopping in lively surroundings, then Marlow also is an excellent destination.
Apart from the usual high street suspects with respect to clothing, groceries, etc., you can find specialist shops and galleries on the hunt for something a bit different. And, of course, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for a bite to eat or a cup of Latte Macchiato, traditional English tea, or whatever else may take your fancy.
Interesting Tidbits
The nerve specialist Dr Battie designed Court Garden House in Higginson Park, but unfortunately forgot to include a staircase, giving us the expression "batty" (he forgot the flood plain, too, resulting in the ground floor often being under water).
Dr. Battie also once nearly had himself thrown from Marlow Bridge after offending some barge men by suggesting the use of horses to do their jobs. He allegedly saved himself from their wrath through an entertaining impersonation of Mr Punch (from the "Punch and Judy” puppet show).
Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the major English Romantic poets, and his wife Mary lived in Albion House, Marlow, from March 1817 to March 1818. During this time, Percy finished "Revolt to Islam" and Mary finished her famous horror novel "Frankenstein".
Surrounding Area
Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, with its seven lakes, borders on Marlow and the River Thames and is a great place for an easy afternoon stroll, a bit of jogging, or some easy cycling. Often you can also enjoy watching activities such as rugby or water skiing.
About 9km (6 miles) from Marlow lies Hambleden, an idyllic little village much used as a location for TV and films. Other excellent nearby destinations are Cliveden House, the lovely village of Cookham, or the Old Thatch Gardens at Bourne End (an old-world cottage, bought in 1929 by Enid Blyton and incorporated into her Tales of Old Thatch).
General Information
