Blog
Along the river from Staines-upon-Thames to Marlow.
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
There is something quite unique about life in a riverside town or village. When you’re out on the water, you have to slow down and relax, enjoying the tranquillity and the ever-changing landscape. Early morning mists, long summer days and stunning views mean that riverside properties are always in demand, often commanding a premium if the property comes with a mooring and access to the river itself. A boom in riverside development over recent years has brought a buzz to towns like Staines-upon-Thames, while Windsor revels in its history and royal heritage. All along the Thames, riverside residents delight in the picturesque scenery and riverside amenities.
Staines-upon-Thames is a popular place to live with proximity to both Heathrow and London, blue chip employers, excellent transport links and competitive house prices. Its location allows it to capitalise increasingly on its greatest asset; the River Thames. A vibrant riverside town, Staines offers a lifestyle to match. The three-arched Staines Bridge was completed in 1832 and has recently been the focus of a redevelopment area with riverside housing developments, restaurants, cafés, and other leisure facilities along the waterfront promenade. Transport connections are excellent; close to the M25, Heathrow Airport just three miles away and with rail links to London Waterloo and Reading. River boats also connect Staines to Windsor, Runnymede, Hampton Court, Shepperton and Sunbury.
Just a few miles upriver, Wraysbury has a real village feel to it, yet is well connected with two local stations, both of which are on the line from Windsor to London Waterloo. There is easy access to the motorway network (M25, M4 and M3) and to international destinations via Heathrow. Wraysbury is ideal for city commuters and international travellers yet retains its village charm and riverside appeal. History and romance are very much a part of its heritage – Henry VIII reputedly courted Anne Boleyn here, and Wraysbury is possibly the real site of the Magna Carta signing in 1215. The George, a 14th century Grade II listed coaching inn whose head chef trained under Heston Blumenthal, produces “simple food, expertly cooked” using fresh ingredients from local sources including its own garden. The Perseverance, also Grade II listed, is a “great traditional English pub with fantastic home-cooked food”. During the 1930s, gravel pits were an unwelcome sight in the area but are now appreciated as beautiful lakes, where wildlife flourishes, and where sailing, fishing, bird- watching and diving are enjoyed year-round.
Windsor needs no introduction having hosted fairytale royal weddings, Olympic and Jubilee events on a global scale. The Castle is in the heart of the town, which is packed with entertainment and shopping opportunities and an array of bars and restaurants. The River Thames separates Windsor from equally historic Eton and offers boat hire and leisurely cruises along the river. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out: Côte Brasserie boasts excellent value and river views. Across the bridge Browns also has a cracking spot by the Thames and is quintessentially British. Gilbey’s in Eton is excellent for lunch or dinner while Antalya is hugely popular with locals and brings a sizzle of the Mediterranean.
Upriver from Windsor you find the riverside towns of Marlow and Maidenhead, both of which offer riverside walks, parks, hotels and restaurants. From historic landmarks and royal pageantry to scenic parkland and the picturesque River Thames, there’s much to explore this summer to inspire those seeking a riverside property from Staines-upon-Thames to Windsor and beyond.
For more information about the area or to see our portfolio of properties for sale or to let in Staines-upon-Thames, Wraysbury, Windsor, Taplow, Maidenhead, Bourne End and Marlow, please visit frostweb.co.uk.
