Fascinating Facts About the British Town of Marlow
Marlow is a riverside gem just 35 miles from London, where elegant Georgian architecture meets gourmet dining, boutique shops, and graceful rowers gliding past manicured parks. Thanks to The Marlow Murder Club, MASTERPIECE viewers may find themselves itching to visit this handsome town—murders not included. From foodie firsts to famous faces, here are some things you might not know about Marlow.
- 1.
Marlow is Home to Famous Residents
Private home on the River Thames in Marlow Marlow has long been a stylish sanctuary nestled on a particularly stunning stretch of the Thames. With over 14,000 residents, it’s said around 400 millionaires call it home—so, safe to say the town knows a thing or two about living well. Literary greats Mary Shelley and T.S. Eliot found inspiration here, while contemporary notables have included Mel B of the Spice Girls and the multi-talented Ricky Gervais. Even The Marlow Murder Club creator, Robert Thorogood, calls the elegant spot his home—undoubtedly drawing inspiration from his surroundings.
- 2.
Marlow Has a Thriving Food Scene
The Hand & Flowers pub (left) and Deep Fried Turbot with The Hand & Flowers' Chips, Caviar Tartare Sauce and Minted Pea Purée (right) Marlow is nothing short of a gastronomic hub for lovers of fine food. The town has truly earned its place on the foodie map, boasting around 30 restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide. At the heart of this culinary acclaim is celebrated chef Tom Kerridge, whose pub The Hand & Flowers made history as the first in the world to be awarded two Michelin stars. Kerridge reinvents British classics with dishes like a coffee crusted loin of venison and a chocolate cherry pit cake with espresso butterscotch. His passion for flavor doesn’t stop there—he also helms The Coach (proud holder of one Michelin star) and the Michelin-recommended pub, The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, both also in Marlow.
- 3.
Marlow is a Prized Location for Films and TV
Film crew from The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 filming in town Marlow is a go-to for filmmakers chasing that timeless English charm. It’s played host to everything from James Bond (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1969) to Jedi (Obi-Wan Kenobi, 2022). More recently, The Marlow Murder Club has filmed around Higginson Park, High Street, All Saints Church, and more, bringing the town’s character to life on screen. Judith Potts’s striking Tudor mansion—built by the Tiptree jam dynasty in 1903—has also starred in Endeavour and Midsomer Murders. Clearly, Marlow’s got range.
- 4.
Marlow Hosts Some Quirky Traditions
“Swan Uppers” tag and record swans along the River Thames, between Marlow and Henley in Buckinghamshire, UK Every summer, Marlow hosts one of Britain’s quirkiest royal traditions: Swan Upping. In a scene straight out of a storybook, His Majesty the King’s Swan Marker and team—decked out in bright red uniforms—glide up the Thames in classic skiffs, counting and checking on the grown swans and young cygnets. It’s part wildlife census, part river pageant, and 100% delightfully British.
- 5.
Marlow Has a Prestigious Rowing History
Crew competition on Dorney Lake (left); spectators in boaters (right). Rowing isn’t just a sport in Marlow—it’s a way of life. The prestigious Marlow Rowing Club has long been a cradle for British Olympic talent, including the legendary Sir Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic gold medalist. And every June, the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival brings that legacy to life. Launched in 1855, the event has evolved into a vibrant two-day spectacle, now held at nearby Dorney Lake—a world-class venue used during the 2012 London Olympics. The regatta draws international crews eager to test their speed ahead of the Henley Royal Regatta. Tradition also reigns onshore, where spectators embrace old-school elegance in boater hats and garden-party chic.
- 6.
Marlow's Suspension Bridge is a Landmark
The Marlow Bridge spanning the River Thames with All Saint's Church in the background. Marlow has had a bridge across the River Thames since the 14th century, but the one standing today is something special. Built in 1832, this graceful suspension bridge is the town’s crown jewel and a Grade I-listed landmark. Back in the day, it was a feat of engineering—and so impressive that its designer, William Tierney Clark, replicated it when building the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest. From the Thames to the Danube, Marlow’s bridge made its mark.
