Living in Marlow

Marlow is noted for its strong sense of community and lively local life. Residents enjoy a welcoming and engaged atmosphere, supported by events such as the annual Marlow Regatta, Marlow Carnival, and a monthly artisan market in the town centre. Local volunteer groups and active neighbourhood associations further strengthen community bonds.

Outdoor pursuits are central to life in Marlow, with ample access to the River Thames for rowing, sailing, and paddleboarding. Higginson Park, at the heart of Marlow, hosts regular gatherings, concerts, and fitness groups, while the Chiltern Hills offer expansive walking and cycling opportunities just beyond the town’s borders.

Community facilities include the Marlow Community Association, youth clubs, sports teams, and a range of societies catering to interests from arts to gardening. The combination of riverside walks, historic sites, and community spirit makes Marlow an attractive location for those seeking a balanced and engaging lifestyle.

Safety is an important factor for those considering Marlow. The town is seen as a generally safe and peaceful area, with crime rates lower than in larger urban centres. Residents typically report feeling secure, especially within the residential neighbourhoods and around the town centre.

Thames Valley Police are responsible for policing in Marlow, and there are regular patrols as well as active neighbourhood watch schemes. Areas such as the town centre and riverside benefit from a visible police presence during events. Like any town, minor incidents do occur, but violent crime and serious offences are comparatively rare.

Recent initiatives such as increased CCTV coverage and local community safety groups have contributed to maintaining a reassuringly safe environment. Regeneration of some communal areas has also had a positive impact on the overall perception of safety in Marlow.

Parking in Marlow is generally manageable, with several public car parks available close to the town centre and riverside. On-street parking is controlled in central locations, and resident permit schemes are in operation for many residential streets. Some of the busier periods, such as weekends or during local events, can see car parks fill up quickly.

The town is served by the A404, which provides fast access to the M4 and M40, enabling convenient journeys to London, Slough, Reading, and Oxford. Congestion is typically moderate but can increase at peak times or during school runs. Local traffic management schemes help ease flow through central Marlow and around key junctions.

• High Wycombe – approx. 15 minutes via A404 (7 miles)
• Slough – approx. 25 minutes via A404/M4 (17 miles)
• Reading – approx. 35 minutes via A404/M4 (23 miles)
• Henley-on-Thames – approx. 20 minutes via A4155 (11 miles)
• London – approx. 55 minutes via M40 (34 miles)

Cycle parking is also available in several areas around the town, and the riverside provides alternative routes for non-motorised travel.

Marlow is nationally recognised for its thriving food and drink scene. The town is home to Michelin-starred establishments such as The Hand and Flowers and The Coach, both overseen by chef Tom Kerridge. Alongside these are highly regarded pubs like The Two Brewers and The Chequers, as well as a selection of traditional English inns on the town’s historic streets.

The restaurant scene is diverse, encompassing fine dining, modern gastropubs, and cosy cafés including Satollo and Burgers Artisan Bakery. Takeaways, wine bars, and friendly coffee shops populate the high street and riverside areas. The selection caters to all tastes, from contemporary British to a wide variety of international cuisines.

Nightlife in Marlow tends toward the relaxed and sociable, with cocktail bars, live music venues, and regular themed evenings. The riverside setting makes for atmospheric evening walks and al fresco dining during the summer, while the town centre offers a warm atmosphere year-round for socialising.

School Quality: Marlow stands out for its high-performing schools, including Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School and several highly rated primaries, which contribute to its popularity with families.

Parks and Green Space: Higginson Park, alongside riverside paths and access to the Chiltern Hills, offers plentiful green spaces for children and families to explore and play.

Childcare: The town features a wide range of nurseries and childcare providers, supporting working parents and offering flexible arrangements.

Safety: Safety is a notable strength, with low crime rates and visible community support helping families feel secure in local neighbourhoods.

Family Activities: A busy calendar of family-friendly events, sports clubs, holiday activities, and outdoor adventures ensures plenty to keep children engaged throughout the year.

Marlow offers an excellent environment for pet owners, with abundant green spaces, riverside paths, and proximity to the Chiltern Hills creating multiple opportunities for dog-walking and outdoor activities. Higginson Park and the Thames Towpath are particularly popular with local pet owners for their scenic routes and ample space.

The town is served by several veterinary clinics and pet care providers, alongside dedicated pet shops and grooming services. Many of Marlow’s cafés and pubs are dog-friendly, welcoming pets both indoors and in outdoor seating areas.

General attitudes to pets in Marlow are positive, with rental properties increasingly offering pet-friendly terms and public spaces providing dog waste bins and designated exercise areas. Access to open countryside ensures pet owners can enjoy an active and inclusive lifestyle.

Marlow’s location provides excellent transport links, both for commuting into London and exploring the local countryside. The town is served by Marlow train station, which offers rail connections via Maidenhead and access to the Great Western Main Line. Regular services link Marlow to Reading, London Paddington (via interchange), and Oxford.

For those traveling by road, Marlow sits close to the A404, providing quick access to the M4 and M40 motorways. Local bus routes connect Marlow to High Wycombe, Henley-on-Thames, and other surrounding towns.

Heathrow Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive, making international travel convenient for residents and frequent business travellers.

• London Paddington – around 1 hour via train (including change at Maidenhead)
• Reading – approx. 35 minutes by train or car
• High Wycombe – 15 minutes by car or bus
• Henley-on-Thames – 20 minutes by car
• Oxford – 45 minutes by car
• Heathrow Airport – 30 minutes by car

Cycling and walking routes are well developed, particularly alongside the Thames, supporting a healthy lifestyle for locals and commuters alike.

Schools in Marlow are widely regarded for their quality and reputation, making the town particularly attractive for families. The area is served by a choice of primary and secondary schools, along with access to colleges and reputable independent institutions.

Primary Schools:
Holy Trinity Church of England School is a popular choice, last rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2016. St Peter's Catholic Primary School is also well-regarded, with a Good rating as of 2017. Sandygate School serves younger children and has built a strong reputation locally.

Secondary Schools:
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School is the standout secondary in Marlow, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2012, and well-known for academic achievement and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Great Marlow School is a comprehensive option, rated Good in its last Ofsted report in 2017, providing a strong academic and sports focus.

Colleges and Further Education:
Wycombe Abbey and John Hampden Grammar School are accessible in neighbouring High Wycombe, expanding academic options for local students. Bucks New University, located in High Wycombe, offers higher education opportunities within reach.

Universities:
There are no universities directly in Marlow, but students benefit from ease of access to institutions in Oxford, Reading, and London, all within an hour’s journey by road or rail.