Maidenhead boasts a prime location in scenic, Middle Thames countryside. Once considered a playful escape for London’s affluent elite, its appeal stretches back to the Edwardian era.
Although the days of drinking clubs are long gone, the town manages to preserve that vivacious quality with an impressive calendar of dance and arts festivals. Other nearby treasures include the famed horse race at Royal Ascot and the international rowing event, Henley Royal Regatta.
Maidenhead may be conveniently located within a stone’s throw of the capital, but the rural charm of one of England’s oldest counties is ever-present. As such, it’s a sought-after destination for commuters seeking a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living.
In the town centre, high street staples sit alongside individual boutiques and local businesses. Nicholsons Shopping Centre is home to an extensive selection of shops, and weekly farmers’ markets showcase locally sourced produce. Other attractions include the ODEON cinema, a tenpin bowling alley and Magnet Leisure Centre.
The River Thames lies a short walking distance from the centre of town, where visitors usually stop to admire the popular 18th century bridge and landmark known as the Sounding Arch. From here, walking paths navigate to the charming villages of Marlow, Cookham and Bray. Often considered the culinary capital of the UK, Bray boasts a selection of world-renowned eateries.
The exceptional schooling establishments of Maidenhead and nearby Windsor are the icing on the cake. A welcoming destination for families, couples and the older generation, Maidenhead is a great place to call home.
Transportation in Maidenhead
Only a short distance from the M4 corridor, Maidenhead offers convenience for commuters travelling by car to London and the rest of the UK. Travel to Heathrow Airport takes as little as 30 minutes, while both the M25 and M40 motorways are within easy reach.
At Maidenhead station, there are over 100 services per day to London Paddington. This takes an average of 44 minutes, with Slough and Oxford taking 14 minutes and 52 minutes respectively.
As part of the Crossrail programme, a high-capacity railway is set for completion in 2019. This will further reduce journey time and improve services.
Things to do in Maidenhead
From the cultural attractions to the historic sights, shopping and family-friendly entertainment, Maidenhead offers something for both visitors and residents. Local highlights include:
- The Sounding Arch
- Maidenhead Heritage Centre
- Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
- ODEON Maidenhead
- Bray Lake Watersports
- Bird Hills Golf Centre
- Tenpin Maidenhead
- Magnet Leisure Centre
- York Road Stadium
- Boulter’s Lock and Ray Mill Island
- Absolutely Karting
- Braywick Nature Centre
Primary and secondary schools in Maidenhead
A great choice of educational establishments can be found in Maidenhead. For children aged five to 11, Oldfield Primary is one of the most sought-after schools. Ofsted judged it ‘outstanding’, along with the other nearby primaries Lowbrook Academy and St Edmund Campion.
Options for comprehensive schools are just as extensive. Newlands Girls’ School and Furze Platt Senior School both offer exceptional facilities, with an impressive GCSE and A-level pass rate. Alternatively, choose from the renowned grammar schools of Upton Court or Sir William Borlase’s.
For the budding actor or performer, the famed Redroofs Theatre School caters to pupils from nine to 18. Former students include Kate Winslet, Kris Marshall and Joanne Froggatt.
Transport Links and Schools in Maidenhead
Maidenhead is a large market town on the Southwestern bank of the River Thames, situated just 28 miles west of Charing Cross. Maidenhead has a long history of settlement, going back to the Anglo-Saxon and Roman periods.
Maidenhead consistently ranks highly for satisfaction rates in London commuter towns. It is also a town which attracts families, owing to a fantastic selection of excellent schools and a fine selection of activities and events.
Maidenhead is very well connected with transport links too. Maidenhead Train Station, operated by Great Western Railway, offers quick and frequent trains to London and Reading. Generally, it takes between 25 and 45 minutes to reach London, and a train to Reading will take as little as 12 to 25 minutes.
There are frequent bus services running in the town too, offering easy connections from Maidenhead to destinations including Windsor, Slough and Bracknell.
Maidenhead also has strong road links, with easy access to the A4, M4, M40 and M25 for those travelling by car.
There are well over 60 primary schools in the wider catchment area. Many of these schools are rated as ‘Well Above Average’. A fantastic choice of secondary schools are located in the area too including Cox Green School, Furze Platt Senior School and Desborough College.
What is There to Do in Maidenhead?
Maidenhead is home to an abundance of amenities and places of interest.
There are two major supermarkets in the area, and Taplow Retail Park, otherwise known as The Bishop Centre, has outlets including Homesense, Tk Maxx and a large Tesco superstore.
The heart of Maidenhead is found around Maidenhead High Street. The Nicholsons Shopping Centre houses over 60 stores including Argos, Next, WhSmith and H&M. Around the main high street, you will also find a number of independent retailers and cafes, offering a more unique flavour.
A cluster of bars and restaurants is located near the train station, as well as an eight-screen Odeon cinema for exceptional cinematic experiences.
Maidenhead hosts a vibrant monthly Farmers’ market, attracting locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy the very best produce in the area here, and pick up an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Ray Mill Island is a wonderful park with laid out gardens and a peaceful ambiance. It offers a welcoming environment for a family picnic and in the summer a café runs on the island. There is an adventure play area for children as well as an aviary and guinea pig enclosure.
Boutler’s Lock is another noteworthy spot in Maidenhead, which is north-east of the town centre in Maidenhead.
Maidenhead Heritage Centre is a history museum with a fantastic Spitfire simulator to keep you entertained. And for a spot of posh lodging, Cliveden House with its chic spa and hot tubs is a great spot.
Maidenhead has is blessed with a plethora of green space, with 30 parks and open spaces in the area such as Ockwells Park, Kidswell Park and Oaken Grove Park. Windsor is also within easy access to the magnificent Windsor Great Park.
The main leisure centre in the area is Magnet Leisure Centre, home to fitness suites, a gymnasium, sports hall and a large swimming pool.
History of Maidenhead
Originally known as South Ellington, this riverside town was once a small hamlet until the construction of a bridge over the River Thames in 1280. As the first structure of its kind on the main London-to-Bristol road, Maidenhead was established as a major transportation hub. Although the original construction no longer exists, the current Maidenhead Bridge dates back to 1777.
Growth and prosperity was to continue following the establishment of a railway in 1838. The Great Western Line put Maidenhead on the map as a popular tourist destination for those seeking fun by the river. Widely known for its splendour and debauchery, the town was home to drinking clubs and champagne parties. It also attracted visitors from far and wide during Ascot Sunday.
Today, Maidenhead manages to celebrate that glamorous heritage with an expression of the arts through music, drama and dance events.