Attractions and Places To See around Little Marlow - Top 20

Little Marlow and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the historic Hambleden Lock and Weir, which dates back to 1338 and has been featured in a Charles Dickens ghost story. Another significant landmark is Cobstone Windmill, an early 19th-century smock mill overlooking Turville. In Marlow, explore All Saints' Church, a Victorian creation built after its Norman predecessor's spire collapsed. The village of Little Marlow itself is home to the 12th-century St John the Baptist Church and the site of the former Little Marlow Priory.

Yes, the area is excellent for nature lovers. The proposed Little Marlow Lakes Country Park offers 300 hectares of diverse landscapes, including lakes, woodlands, and grasslands with extensive footpaths. Within this, the Spade Oak Nature Reserve is a regionally important site for birdwatching, especially in winter, and supports otters and various fish species. You can also access the scenic Thames Path for riverside walks or explore numerous walking and cycling trails through rolling fields and woodlands.

Families can enjoy the open spaces and playground at Higginson Park in Marlow, which offers stunning Thames views. The Hambleden Lock and Weir is also a fascinating historical site for all ages. For a taste of local life, the Holyport Village Green, a pleasant settlement, hosts an annual Village Fair. Many of the walking trails, particularly those around the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, are suitable for families and dog walkers.

Little Marlow offers a variety of hiking and walking options. You can find easy hikes like the "Spade Oak Nature Reserve & Warren Wood loop" or the "St John's Church – Spade Oak Nature Reserve loop from Little Marlow." For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Little Marlow guide or the broader Hiking around Little Marlow guide, which includes moderate routes like the "Marlow Suspension Bridge – Marlow Lock loop."

Absolutely. The area is popular for road cycling. You can find routes such as the "Marlow Suspension Bridge – Hambleden Weir loop from Marlow" for an easy ride, or more moderate options like the "Aston Hill Climb – Ewelme Village loop from Marlow." For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Little Marlow guide.

The Spade Oak Nature Reserve, located within the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, is a prime spot for birdwatching. It's a regionally important site for migrating and breeding wading birds, with over 200 species recorded, including kingfishers, herons, and terns. Winter is particularly good for observing various bird species.

Yes, Little Marlow is home to charming traditional pubs. The Queens Head and The King's Head offer welcoming atmospheres and dining options within the village. The Spade Oak is another country pub nearby, providing additional choices for food and drink.

Hambleden Lock and Weir is a historic lock on the River Thames with records dating back to 1338. It was originally a flash lock and later became a pound lock. The site is notable for its long history of renovations, its connection to a Charles Dickens ghost story, and its role in the first Oxford and Cambridge University boat race in 1829.

Cobstone Windmill, also known as Turville Windmill, was built around 1816 on Turville Hill. It is a smock mill that replaced an earlier 16th-century mill and was a working mill grinding cereal until 1873. It gained fame after being cosmetically restored for the filming of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in 1967.

Little Marlow hosts a traditional Village Fete annually on August Bank Holiday Monday. This event offers family fun, including a dog show, classic car show, and various activities, contributing to the strong sense of community in the village.

The woodlands surrounding Little Marlow provide habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. You might spot foxes, badgers, deer, stoats, and various bat species. Birdwatchers can look out for woodpeckers, owls, sparrowhawks, and kestrels, among many other bird species.

The Little Marlow Lakes Country Park is a proposed park encompassing 300 hectares of Green Belt land. It features a rich array of natural assets, including lakes, riverside areas, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and scrubland. It's designed to offer extensive footpaths and riverside meadows, making it popular for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.