Welcome to Chicsville-on-Thames. Marlow is just a hop from The Big Smoke but with all that fresh air and open water, you’d never know it. Did we mention its clutch of Michelin stars and incredible shopping? All that amid grand Victorian architecture and a riverside location that hosts a world-renowned regatta. Whether you’re day-tripping, staying the night or simply popping in, there’s a reason that this south Bucks town is such a celeb-magnet. 

Let’s kick off with the stellar culinary offerings. Tom Kerridge is the proud purveyor of all three of Marlow’s Michelin stars, with two for The Hand & Flowers and one for The Coach. Book ahead and make a day of it – The Hand & Flowers turns 21 this year and was the first pub ever to be awarded the prestigious foodie gong, so it’s bucket list stuff. Sindhu by Atul Kochhar was lauded as ‘the best Indian restaurant in the home counties’ by The British Indian Good Food Guide in 2025, while Muddy favourite The Oarsman has won multiple plaudits for both its menu and its wine list. Oh, and speaking of wine, what the team at La Dolce Bolla don’t know about Italian wine isn’t worth knowing – stop in for a glass of prosecco and a plate of antipasti mid shopping spree.

On shopping, there’s retail greats like Toast, Mint Velvet, The White Company, and Space NK and indie boutiques Scamp & Dude and Un Dimanche à Paris. Spruce up your interiors with a trip to OKA or Susie Watson and don’t miss The Marlow Bookshop to pick up the next page-turner to impress the book club gang. 

The Georgian town delivers on markets too – Duck Pond Market pops up twice a month at Liston Court Gardens, a pretty escape tucked behind the high street. That’s not even your lot; Marlow Market takes place on the other two Saturdays of the month (alternating with Duck Pond), held at The Causeway. 

If returning to real life is distinctly unappealing, book a room at one of the town’s excellent hotels. The Compleat Angler has a dreamy spot on the river with one of the best afternoon teas in town, or splash out at nearby Danesfield House, the UK wedding venue of The Clooneys, no less. We bet George and Amal directed guests to Visit Marlow ahead of the nuptials to plan their Bucks break by the water. We’d suggest you check in too; it’s the ultimate guide to what’s on in the town, with handy intel from where best to park to how to entertain the kids. See you in Marlow!