Marlow in Autumn: River Walks and Riverside Dining from a Reading Base

Marlow's riverside is a 40-minute train ride from Reading, and autumn is when the Thames path, the park and the pubs along the water are at their best.

Timing, Weather and What to Skip

September is mild and often the most reliable month for walking; October brings the best colour but also the most rain, and the Thames can rise enough to close sections of the towpath below Temple Lock. November is quieter and cheaper but daylight fades by 16:15, so plan walks before 14:00. Check the Environment Agency's river conditions page on the morning of your walk; it is updated regularly and will tell you more than a weather app.

Skip the tourist boats in favour of walking, since the stretch to Temple Lock is short and the fare is hard to justify. Avoid the bank holiday weekend in late August if you dislike crowds. And do not attempt to combine Marlow with Henley-on-Thames in one day by car; the back roads via Hambleden are slow and you will spend more time parking than walking.

Questions, answered

How do I get from Reading to Marlow by train?

Take a Great Western Railway service from Reading to Maidenhead, roughly 15 minutes, then change to the Marlow branch line for about 20 minutes more. Total journey time is around 40 to 50 minutes depending on the connection. Marlow station is a five-minute walk from the bridge.

When is the best time to see autumn colour in Marlow?

Mid-October to early November is usually peak, when the beech and lime trees along the Thames Path towards Temple Lock turn. September is milder and drier for walking, while November is quieter but has less daylight, so start walks before 14:00.

Should I stay in Marlow or Reading?

Reading gives you a much wider choice of hotels across all price bands and better rail connections across the Thames Valley. Marlow works well as a day trip from a Reading base; book one riverside lunch there rather than two meals, and eat your main evening meal back in Reading.

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