What are your ten top Summer hotspots in and around Marlow?

Most people living in Marlow and the surrounding area will agree that we are pretty blessed when it comes to great places to visit.  

And while the summer holidays haven't exactly been scorching hot so far, we found our own list of top summer hotspots in the area - including the best views, walks and places to grab a quick drink or a bite to eat.

See if you agree with us?  If not we'd love to hear about YOUR favourites....

Hanging out at Higginson Park

The obvious choice, surely? Fact is, Higginson has something for everyone, whether you're a small person seeking the thrill of the playground or a grown-up seeking to relax by the river with a coffee or soak up glorious views of the River Thames on a gentle stroll down to Temple Lock.

You'll often catch a cricket game at the club at weekends and the skateboard ramp is usually busy with expert bikers and boarders shwoing off the latest stunts.

The Cafe in the Park is the perfect place to stop for a spot of light lunch, as is the cafe at Court Garden, which serves up a good selction of hot meals and sandwiches at very reasonable prices.  If lazing about on the river is your thing, you can hire a boat or get stuck in to a game of mini golf courtesy of Lindsay and Billy who also run the roundabout and bouncy castle.

Exploring Marlow Common

The best thing about taking a stroll around the woods at Marlow Common is that it won't cost you a penny.  The old war trenches and hidden rope swings provide endless entertainment for children of all ages and it's a popular place for local dogwalkers too.

In early summer, don't miss your chance to catch the breathtaking beauty of the bluebells - a sight not to be missed.

Taking a break at The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green

After a summer's day stroll around the woods, The Royal Oak at Bovingdon Green is a perfect place to stop for a spot of re-fueling. This pretty, white-washed village pub was recently voted Buckinghamshire Best Dining Pub in The Good Pub Guide 2011.

The garden is a great place to hang out with friends during the summer months and the pub welcomes families with open arms, which makes it one of the best foodie destinations in Marlow to head to with the kids (incidently, the Treacle Tart is worth a visit in itself...!)

A quintessetially English experience at Cliveden

A stroll around the beautiful gardens of Cliveden, just beyond Bourne End on the way to Taplow, is hard to beat on a summer's day.  This historical country house was orginally built as a hunting lodge and then made famous by the Profumo affair in the 60s. It's now a luxury hotel but opens up its 376 acres of gardens to the public.

Explore the gardens, before stopping off at The Orangery for a spot of resfreshment. Lovely.

An action-packed activity day at Longridge

Outdoor activity centre, Longridge, provides a wide range of waterports for all ages, inclusing summer camps, corporate teambuilding, birthday parties and after school activities. 

It's a registered charity and used by 100,000 young people all year-round.  Their learn-to-row courses are a great opportunity to get grown-ups back onto the water too.

Tea with a view at The Compleat Angler

Along with the famous Marlow Rowing Club, The Compleat Angler, on Marlow Bridge is one of Marlow's most famous locations.  It sits in a truly beautiful spot right on the river, offering guests stunning vews over the river and weir to one side and Marlow Bridge to the other.

The garden is the perfect place to sit and relax on a sunny summer afternoon and if the rain clouds arrive, you can always console yourself with a delicious meal inside at the hotel's Aubergine restaurant.

A riverside stroll to The Bounty

Keen walkers should take a scenic stroll along the river from Gossmore in Marlow all the way to Bourne End, where The Bounty pub is waiting to provide a much-needed cool drink.

Exisiting fans can confirm that this local favourite isn't the most glamorous pub you'll find in our little corner of Buckinghamshire, but it's in a fantastic position with staff that are friendly and welcoming.  If your riverside trek has tired you out (or you've indulged in one too many 'refreshments'), you can always hop on the train back to town.

A slap-up breakfast at OTT  

On The Thames Restaurant is, as it's name suggests, right on the riverside at Bourne End. Check it out for its amazing views and great atmosphere.

The weekend brunch is famous - just make sure that you book in advance as it can get busy, particularly during the summer months.

Watch the world go by at The Chequers

Everyone was sad to see The Chequers close down a few years back. Now back and looking better than ever, this favourite local haunt is serving up some seriously good steaks.

Perfectly positioned on the high street, it's a fantastic place to relax back with a drink and take in the hustle and bustle of Marlow High Street on a summer's evening.

Treat yourself the Marlow's most famous cream tea

The crream Tea at Danesfield House Hotel & Spa is famous.  So if you're looking for something decadent, yet dignified to do on a summer's afternoon, this is where it's at.

Tuck into a selection of delicious sandwiches and cakes on the terrace (you can always work them off later with a stroll around the 65 acres of gardens...!) 

 

See our gallery of summer hotspots in and around Marlow