Living in Marlow: A Riverside Town with Lasting Appeal
Living in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, means having the river at the heart of daily life. The Thames shapes the town’s pace and layout, with the bridge, the church spire, and the towpath forming familiar landmarks on even the most ordinary days.
It’s easy to move between the High Street, the park, and the water without thinking about it, and that simplicity is a large part of the town’s appeal.
Marlow’s setting is not only scenic but genuinely practical. Its walkable layout and proximity to London are among the reasons so many people relocating to Buckinghamshire find the town immediately feels familiar and easy to live with.
A town shaped by its setting
The connection between town and water is one of Marlow’s greatest strengths. Higginson Park, sitting directly beside the Thames, offers open lawns, play areas, rowing clubs, and a waterfront that feels accessible rather than ornamental.
The proximity of the High Street to the river means a short detour can quickly turn into a walk, a moment of calm, or a change of pace. The towpath extends in both directions, giving effortless access to long walks and cycle routes without needing to get in the car.
For anyone considering living in Marlow, this blend of walkability and green space is often a major part of the decision.
A high street with everyday ease
Marlow’s High Street brings together independent shops, cafés, restaurants, the cinema, and everyday amenities in a setting that is easy to navigate on foot. There is enough choice to keep daily life interesting without the scale or busyness of a larger town centre.
Weekdays feel calm and manageable and weekends bring a lift in atmosphere without overwhelming the town.
For relocators, this balance often provides exactly what they’ve been seeking, somewhere that feels lively without becoming demanding. Many quickly find that living in Marlow makes everyday errands refreshingly straightforward.
Marlow’s food and drink scene
Marlow’s reputation for good food is well established. The two Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers and the Michelin-starred public house – The Coach – are widely known for their fine dining experience.
The town’s appeal also comes from its broader mix: relaxed brunch spots, quality gastropubs, neighbourhood restaurants, and places that work just as well for a quick midweek supper as for a long lunch by the water.
Nearby spa hotels and country retreats add to the offering, giving residents extra options for dining, wellness, and social time without having to travel far. This contributes to why living in Marlow feels both comfortable and rewarding for long-term residents.
Leisure in and around Marlow
Active life on the water
The Thames gives Marlow an unusually accessible waterside lifestyle. Rowing is well established, paddleboarding has grown in popularity, and there are local sailing and boating clubs for those wanting something more structured. Because the river is so close to the centre, these activities feel easy to weave into everyday routines.
Walking and cycling in the Chilterns
The Chiltern Hills rise just above the town, offering countless walking routes, bridleways, and quiet lanes. Some paths lead directly from Marlow into open countryside, making it simple to enjoy a walk before work or head out for a longer weekend route. Cyclists also benefit from the mixed terrain, with everything from gentle riverside paths to more challenging hill climbs.
Fitness, wellness, and local clubs
Marlow supports an active lifestyle through its gyms, independent studios, and larger wellness facilities. Danesfield House and The Marlow Club offer spa and gym memberships, swimming pools, and fitness classes that many residents use throughout the year. Local clubs such as rugby, tennis, football, and running provide easy ways to get involved.
Events and social life
The town’s social scene is rounded out by its annual events. Marlow Regatta brings sporting tradition to the riverfront, while Pub in the Park creates a relaxed, sociable weekend that draws visitors but remains firmly rooted in the local calendar. These gatherings add colour without overwhelming the quieter rhythms of the town.
Marlow’s educational offering
Education is a significant consideration for many relocating families, and Marlow offers a strong mix of reputable state and independent options.
Primary schools
- Danesfield Primary School: A sought-after primary school balancing academic success with forest school in the surrounding woodland setting.
- Holy Trinity CE School: A junior school known for strong academic outcomes and a smooth transition from local infant schools.
- Spinfield School: A popular primary offering balanced academics and an encouraging atmosphere.
State secondary schools
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School: A co-educational grammar school known for academic strength as well as excellent music and drama.
- Great Marlow School: A co-educational secondary and sixth form with a broad curriculum, strong sports provision, and a positive local reputation.
Independent and selective schools nearby
- Wycombe Abbey (High Wycombe): One of the UK’s leading girls’ boarding schools with exceptional results and extensive facilities.
- Shiplake College: An inclusive co-educational day and boarding school set in 63 acres of countryside.
- Claires Court (Maidenhead): An all-through independent school with varied pathways and strong pastoral provision that is particularly noted for its outstanding rugby and SEN support.
- St Piran’s School (Maidenhead): A warm, well-regarded preparatory school with a nurturing approach and strong foundations.
This breadth of choice gives families confidence when planning both immediate schooling and long-term pathways.
Though availability and admissions criteria can vary, it’s one of several reasons many choose living in Marlow over similar-sized towns.
A property market defined by character and consistency
Marlow’s housing stock offers a wide variety, and house prices reflect the town’s lasting appeal, strong amenities, and proximity to London, which means homes can command a premium compared to other areas in the region.
Period homes near the centre bring charm and established gardens, while quieter residential streets slightly further out provide larger houses with more space and greenery.
Along certain stretches of the Thames, a small number of homes enjoy direct water access and wide, uninterrupted views.
Desirable pockets such as Mill Road, Quarry Wood Road, Bovingdon Green, and the elevated roads above the town remain consistently sought after, while modern developments provide low-maintenance options near amenities.
People are drawn to living in Marlow for a mix of reasons: more space while staying connected to London, access to strong schooling, a calmer pace of life, or the appeal of a walkable, well-balanced town.
Connectivity
For those commuting to London or other regional hubs, Marlow offers a rail connection via Marlow station with services to Maidenhead and onward links to Paddington and the Elizabeth Line.
Journey times into the Capital are manageable for many but can vary depending on travel mode and time of day.
Although motivations differ, the underlying attraction is the same; Marlow offers a way of living that feels practical, grounded, and easy to settle into.
Help to find your perfect home in Marlow
At Garrington, we’ve supported many clients in their searches across Marlow and the surrounding villages, and a clear pattern emerges; once buyers understand the town’s layout, amenities, and residential pockets, its appeal becomes unmistakable.
Many prime homes in Marlow are held long term, reinforcing the value of early insight, local intelligence, and access to quieter, off-market opportunities.
Marlow brings together elements that support a smooth and enjoyable daily life for many. It offers depth without complexity and a sense of ease that becomes more noticeable with time.
If you would like tailored guidance on living in Marlow, information on the area’s grammar schools, or details on the surrounding area, Garrington’s team would be delighted to help you explore the options and navigate your search with confidence.
Please get in touch.
