Home > Things to Do > Day Trips
Not only can Marlow offer you many delights, it is also a great base to get around to visit many local attractions. Here we have a selection of great days out, all within an hour or so from Marlow. They are listed in order of the typical time it takes to drive from Marlow.
If you think we have missed anything, please contact us.
It is recommended that you contact each entry for opening hours and pricing details.
Salters Steamers
Cruises, from Marlow
Boat trips from Marlow, including seasonal short trips and private/group cruises on the Thames. Britain’s longest-established Thames operator, with over 165 years of experience. There is something very traditional and charming about the whole experience. Salter’s have been operating on the Thames for generations, and that sense of heritage really suits the setting. Check the Salters website for current routes, dates and availability. Pickup from Higginson Park with a board showing times of departure.
Stanley Spencer Gallery
Gallery, 4 miles from Marlow
Stanley Spencer had a profound impact on the art world, characterised by a unique blend of spirituality, realism and imagination, has left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate and inspire generations of artists and enthusiasts. The exhibitions are thoughtfully presented, with enough context to make the works accessible even if you are not already familiar with Spencer. His paintings are distinctive, sometimes surprising, and full of detail, personality and symbolism.
High Street, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9SJ, UK
Cliveden House
Historic building, 6 miles from Marlow
Cliveden house is a stunning National Trust Location with glorious gardens and woodlands overlooking the River Thames, along with activities for all age groups and for that reason Cliveden works well for families. The maze adds a bit of fun, the woodland paths give children space to explore, and the cafés make it easy to turn a visit into a day outing. For adults, there is enough history, architecture and garden design to make it feel much more than just a scenic walk
Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS
Odds Farm
Farmyard, animals and attractions, 6 miles from Marlow
Odds Farm Park is a brilliant family day out, especially for younger children who like animals, play areas and plenty of space to burn off energy. The farm has a lovely mix of things to do, so it feels much more than just a quick visit to see the animals. Children can meet farmyard favourites, enjoy animal activities, explore the outdoor play areas, tackle the go-karts, and spend time in the sand and water play areas. There is a real sense that the site has been designed with families in mind, with lots to keep children busy throughout the day. Odds Farm is open daily between 10:00 and 17:30.
Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 0LX
The Hell-Fire Caves
Caves, 6.5 miles from Marlow
Hidden beneath the hillside at West Wycombe, the caves offer something very different from a typical family day out or country walk. The experience takes you underground through a series of man-made tunnels and chambers, with a fascinating mix of local history, mystery and theatrical storytelling along the way. It is a particularly good choice for older children, teenagers and adults who enjoy history with a twist. It also works well as part of a wider trip to West Wycombe, where you can combine the caves with a walk up the hill, views across the Chilterns, and time exploring the village.
The Hellfire Caves – Church Lane, West Wycombe, HP14 3AH
West Wycombe Park
Historic building, 6.5 miles from Marlow
Another National Trust location, West Wycombe Park, Village and Hill is a wonderfully varied day out, combining grand architecture, beautiful countryside, historic streets and some of the best views in the area. The walk up West Wycombe Hill is well worth the effort. From the top, you get sweeping views across the Chilterns, along with the striking church and mausoleum that make the skyline so distinctive. It is one of those places where the landscape, architecture and local history all come together beautifully. West Wycombe also works particularly well as part of a longer outing. You can combine the park and village with a walk on the hill, a visit to the nearby Hellfire Caves, or simply a slower wander through the estate and surrounding countryside.
Butler L W, Flat 2/West Wycombe Park House/West Wycombe Pk, High Wycombe HP14 3AJ
Hughenden Manor
Historic building, 7 miles from Marlow
Hughenden is a lovely National Trust day out, combining history, gardens and peaceful Chiltern countryside in one very appealing visit. The manor is best known as the former home of Benjamin Disraeli, and the house gives a fascinating insight into his life, personality and political world. It feels personal rather than overwhelming, with rooms and displays that help bring the story of this colourful Victorian Prime Minister to life.
Hughenden Manor, Hughenden Manor Cafe, High Wycombe HP14 4LA
Greys Court
Historic building, 10 miles from Marlow
Greys Court is a beautiful and very peaceful National Trust day out, tucked away in the Chiltern countryside near Henley-on-Thames. The house has a wonderfully lived-in feel. Rather than being an overwhelming grand mansion, it feels intimate, characterful and full of stories, with layers of history that stretch from its medieval origins through to its life as a much-loved family home. That mix of Tudor architecture, later additions and homely interiors gives Greys Court a particularly warm atmosphere. The gardens are a real highlight. They are arranged as a series of linked spaces, with walled gardens, colourful planting, quiet corners and atmospheric ruined walls creating something to discover around almost every turn. It is the sort of garden that rewards a gentle wander, especially when the flowers are at their best.
Henley, Greys Court NT, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG
Stonor Park
Historic building, 10 miles from Marlow
Stonor Park is a beautiful and memorable day out, combining historic house, gardens, countryside and family-friendly adventure in one very scenic setting. Tucked away in a peaceful Chiltern valley near Henley-on-Thames, the estate feels impressive without being overwhelming. The house has a remarkable sense of history, having been home to the Stonor family for generations, and there is something special about visiting a place that still feels like a living family home rather than just a museum. For families, Tumblestone Hollow is a major highlight. The adventure playground gives children plenty of space to climb, explore and use their imagination, making Stonor a particularly good choice for a day out that works for both adults and younger visitors. Adults can enjoy the house, gardens and views, while children have something genuinely exciting to look forward to as well.
Stonor, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6HF
Bekonscot Model Village
Model Villiage, 12 miles from Marlow
Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is the oldest model villiage in the world and is a wonderfully charming day out, and one of those places that appeals to adults just as much as children. Tucked away in Beaconsfield, Bekonscot feels like stepping into a tiny version of another era. The model village captures 1930s rural England in remarkable detail, with miniature towns, cottages, churches, shops, stations, gardens and little scenes that reward slow looking. Everywhere you turn, there is something small and clever to spot. The railway is a real highlight. Trains weave their way through the village, passing stations, bridges, tunnels and carefully created landscapes, adding movement and life to the whole experience. For younger children, this is often the most exciting part, but it is hard not to be impressed by the craftsmanship whatever your age.
Warwick Road, Beaconsfield,
Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PL
Roald Dahl Musuem and Story Centre
Musuem, 12 miles from Marlow
An award winning family museum, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is a wonderfully imaginative day out, especially for families and young readers. Set in Great Missenden, the village where Roald Dahl lived and wrote for many years, the museum feels perfectly placed. This is not just a display of books and objects; it is a chance to step into the world of one of Britain’s best-loved storytellers, with plenty of colour, humour and creativity along the way. The museum is especially good for children. The galleries are hands-on and interactive, with activities, sounds, moving images and creative displays that help bring Dahl’s stories to life. Younger visitors can explore at their own pace, while adults will enjoy seeing original material from the archive and learning more about how Dahl worked, wrote and created his memorable characters.
81-83 High Street,
Great Missenden,
Buckinghamshire,
HP16 0AL
Legoland
Theme park, 14 miles from Marlow
LEGOLAND Windsor is a big, colourful and energetic family day out, and an especially exciting choice for children who love LEGO. The park is packed with rides, shows, models and interactive attractions, so there is a huge amount to see and do. From gentle rides and DUPLO areas for younger children to rollercoasters, water rides, building zones and live entertainment, it is the kind of place where families can easily spend a full day. One of the real highlights is the sense of imagination throughout the park. Everywhere you turn, there are LEGO models, themed lands and little details that make the whole place feel playful and creative. Miniland is particularly impressive, with famous buildings and scenes recreated in LEGO, while rides such as The Dragon, Flight of the Sky Lion and LEGO NINJAGO The Ride add plenty of excitement for older children. LEGOLAND works best when approached as a proper full-day outing. There is a lot to cover, and it is worth planning ahead, checking ride availability and making use of the app to help manage queues and timings. It can get busy, especially during school holidays, but there is enough variety across the park to keep children entertained throughout the visit. LEGOLAND is also part of the merlin entertainment pass allowing passholders to go for free.
Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Museum, 14 miles from Marlow
Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire was founded by volunteers in 1976, and opened to the public in 1981. The Museum is a charity that rescues threatened historic buildings, which would otherwise be demolished, and rebuilds and preserves them in a traditional Chilterns landscape. The museum feels more like a historic village than a traditional indoor attraction. Instead of looking at exhibits behind glass, visitors can wander between rescued and reconstructed buildings, stepping inside homes, workplaces, barns, chapels and farm buildings that tell the story of everyday life across the region. That is what makes the museum so appealing. It brings history down to a very human scale. Rather than focusing only on grand houses or famous names, Chiltern Open Air Museum shows how ordinary people lived and worked, with buildings, gardens and displays that feel tangible and easy to understand.
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB
Windsor Castle
Castle, 14.5 miles from Marlow
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs. Set at the heart of Windsor, the Castle dominates the town and feels special before you even step inside. It is one of those places where the scale and history are immediately obvious, with towers, courtyards, ceremonial spaces and views that remind you just how important Windsor has been for centuries. The State Apartments are a major highlight. Richly decorated and still used for royal and ceremonial occasions, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of royal life. The rooms are full of history, art and detail, and the included multimedia guide helps make the visit easy to follow without feeling overwhelming.
Windsor SL4 1NJ
Go Ape – Bracknell
Outdoor Activities, 19 miles from Marlow
Unforgettable days out, family adventures and group trips are waiting in Swinley Forest. Take on the high ropes with three levels to choose from. You can also take on the beautiful forest trails with the Segways, the perfect balance of fun and exploring, or get together with your group for some stressbusting Axe Throwing. Set among the trees of Swinley Forest, it has a real sense of escape from the moment you arrive. Instead of a gentle walk or traditional attraction, this is all about climbing, balancing, swinging and zip-lining your way through the forest, with plenty of fresh air and adrenaline along the way.
Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW
Natural History Museum
Museum, 21 miles from Marlow
The Natural History Museum at Tring is a fascinating and slightly unexpected day out, especially for families, animal lovers and curious children. Set in the former private museum of Lionel Walter Rothschild, it has a very different feel from the larger Natural History Museum in London. It is smaller, quieter and easier to explore, but still packed with interest. The galleries are filled with animals, birds, insects and natural history specimens from around the world, creating the feeling of stepping into a classic old museum full of discovery. One of the museum’s biggest strengths is how accessible it feels. Children can get close to the displays, spot unusual creatures, compare animals of different shapes and sizes, and ask plenty of questions along the way. It is educational without feeling too formal, making it a good choice for a family visit that is both fun and genuinely interesting.
Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP
Wellington Country Park
Country Park, 24 miles from Marlow
Wellington Country Park is a fantastic family day out, especially for younger children who enjoy outdoor play, animals and plenty of space to explore. Set in a large country park near Reading, it has a lovely mix of countryside, woodland, lakeside views and purpose-built family attractions. It feels much more than just a walk in the park, with enough activities to keep children busy for hours while still having a relaxed, outdoorsy feel. There is a huge amount for children to enjoy. The adventure play areas, miniature railway, jumping pillow, splash zone, mini golf, Welly Wheels and animal farm all add variety to the day, so families can move easily from one activity to another without things feeling repetitive. It is the sort of place where children can climb, run, explore, splash, ride and let off steam.
Wellington Country Park,
Odiham Road,
Riseley,
Berkshire,
RG7 1SP
Waddesdon Manor
Historic Building, 33 miles from Marlow
Waddesdon Manor is one of the most impressive days out in Buckinghamshire, combining grand architecture, beautiful gardens and a real sense of occasion. The first view of the house is memorable in itself. Built in the style of a French château, Waddesdon feels wonderfully dramatic, with its towers, terraces and formal gardens creating a setting that feels very different from many other country houses in the area. Inside, the Manor is full of history, art and decorative detail, with rooms that reflect the Rothschild family’s taste, collections and love of entertaining. It is a place where the richness of the interiors is just as much part of the experience as the building itself, and there is plenty to absorb for anyone interested in art, architecture or social history.
Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH
Dinton Pastures Country Park
Historic Building, 33 miles from Marlow
Dinton Pastures Country Park is a 350-acre country park, situated in the heart of Wokingham. It is an oasis of woodland, meadow, and lakes in the midst of the most urbanised part of the Thames Valley. The Country Park consists of multiple lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, with footpaths and meadow to explore. The Country Park is accessible 365 days of the year, with car parks open every day. Dinton Pastures Country Park is a lovely outdoor day out, with a great mix of lakeside walks, wildlife, play areas and family activities. Set between Reading and Wokingham, the park feels surprisingly spacious and peaceful, with lakes, meadows, woodland and riverside paths all giving it a proper countryside feel. It is the sort of place that works just as well for a gentle stroll as it does for a more energetic family visit. One of the biggest attractions is the setting. The lakes and open spaces make Dinton Pastures feel calm and scenic, while the paths give visitors plenty of options for exploring at their own pace. It is a good place for wildlife spotting, dog walks, fresh air and relaxed time outdoors.
Dinton Pastures Country Park,
Davis St,
Hurst,
RG10 0TH