HOTSPOT – MAIDENHEAD

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MAIDENHEAD

WITH THE THAMES RUNNING THROUGH IT, GREAT TRAIN

LINKS TO LONDON AND LOVELY COUNTRYSIDE ON TAP, IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY THE MARKET TOWN OF MAIDENHEAD IS A FAVOURITE FOR THOSE LEAVING LONDON

In 2020, the Berkshire town of Maidenhead became the second most popular place to

relocate to from London, with a huge 27% increase in buyers doing just that. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is consistently named as one of the best places to live in the country, with the most recent accolade placing the locale in the top 10. Known for its pretty town, country feel, ease of travel and notable history, it’s an attractive option for homebuyers. There are new things happening in the area, too. Long-awaited Crossrail will stop at Maidenhead, revolutionising travel times and options, while redevelopment around Maidenhead’s waterways brings homes and amenities that appeal to young homebuyers.

WHO LIVES HERE?

Maidenhead is a commuter town with great links to the capital, so it’s a hit with buyers seeking the tranquillity of a country town close to London. This is a good-sized town, with excellent amenities, surrounded by lovely countryside – a real bestof-both spot. The average age of residents is around 40, so young families and commuting professionals can be found in their plenty. With big tech firms located in Reading and Slough, it’s an ideal location for those workers. Families with school-age children love it here too – Maidenhead’s secondary schools have recently been ranked in the top 10 in the country.

SHOPPING

Nicholsons Shopping Centre is home to 60 stores, including big names such as Topshop, WH Smith and Superdrug. On the pedestrianised

high street, you’ll find M&S, New Look and Monsoon. There’s a fruit and vegetable market as well as a bi-monthly farmers’ market.

Windsor, Reading and Slough are easily reached by car or train and have many more shopping and dining options.

EATING OUT

This is a real foodie part of the country. The village of Bray is famed for Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, known for its theatrical dining experiences, and Alain Roux’s Waterside Inn – a favourite for fine dining. Michelin-starred pubs in the area include the family run Crown in Burchett’s Green and Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. There’s also Roux at Skindles, a waterside brasserie with a terrace bar.

There are plenty more relaxed dining options, including The Boathouse at Boulters Lock, artisan bakery and cafe Bakedd, and popular restaurant Coppa Club.

OUT AND ABOUT

The Thames runs through this market town, so riverside activities are easy to come by. There are great walking and cycling options along the river (with plenty of places to stop for lunch), as well as boat trips, kayaking, paddleboarding (try Paddleboard Maidenhead) and windsurf hire. If canoeing is your thing, the route from Boulter’s Lock to Marlow is particularly pretty. Bray Lake is also a good spot for enjoying water sports.

Parks are in their plenty and include Ray Mill Island, an island park in the Thames complete with cafe, aviary and lots of wetland life. Open countryside lies just outside the town, with plenty of opportunity for walking and country pursuits.

Heading indoors, there are lots of good options when it comes to entertainment. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is the place to go for live theatre, comedy and music, as well as art and fitness classes and film screenings. There’s also an Odeon Cinema in the town centre, while The Picturehouse and Chapel Wharf, part of the Waterside development, host a variety of events.

Nightlife is strong in the area, and there are a number of bars that are good for relaxed meet-ups or live music. Surrounding areas, including Bray and Windsor, offer a great deal by way of pretty sights, quaint shops and cafes, meaning you’re never short of new ideas for afternoons or evenings out. It’s also very easy to find local health clubs, a leisure centre, rugby, golf and tennis clubs.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS

Trains from Maidenhead station run regularly and directly to London Paddington in as little as 18 minutes. Crossrail (now expected to run through Maidenhead in 2022) will provide greater access to east and south London and 12-minute journeys to Reading.

By road, Windsor is a short drive away, while Henley and Marlow can be reached in just over 15 minutes. There are also convenient road connections via the M4 and M25, while Oxford is around 45 minutes away along the M40. For convenient international travel, Heathrow airport is 20 minutes away.