Maidenhead is a bustling market town in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the county of Berkshire. It has a long history, having been there since the Roman occupation of Britain. The River Thames runs through the town, punctuated by charming bridges and riverside walks. Maidenhead is popular with commuters and with day trippers who want to get out of the city for a day, enjoying rail access to London via the Elizabeth line. There are many things to do in Maidenhead, with the town centre boasting a number of independent shops as well as common high street staples. There are also a number of exploration options just outside the boundaries of the town for those interested in the outdoors or royal history. In the list below we explore some of the best things to do in Maidenhead.
A Walk Along the River Thames
A walk along the River Thames is a must, especially if you are escaping the rush of the city. Beginning from Maidenhead, you might walk along the riverside and see the sights of the town, including the 18th century bridge and Brunel’s famous Sounding Arch—featured in J.M.W Turner’s painting ‘Rain, Steam and Speed.’ From there, it is possible to walk to the villages of Cookham, Marlow, and Bray, and to Windsor and Eton. You might stop along the way for a drink and some food in a pub, or you might make your way back to Maidenhead to try one of its many delightful restaurants.
Weekly Produce Market
Maidenhead is home to a weekly produce market that runs from Thursday to Saturday. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you will find an array of tasty options, from great lunch stalls selling Mexican, Thai, Greek, and Italian foods, to stalls selling cakes, coffee, and sweet treats. As a market town, the market is an integral part of Maidenhead’s history and is well worth a visit, especially if you need to restock on fresh produce and want to do so in a more relaxed setting.
Local restaurants
Maidenhead has a growing number of independent restaurants emerging, covering a range of different cuisines. Sauce and Flour serve fresh, homemade pasta with an Italian influence. They also have a special, homemade salami and offer a relaxed but elegant dining experience. El Cerdo, a tapas restaurant, sits alongside the canal in Maidenhead’s new waterside development, serving delicious continental small plates. They have plenty of outdoor seating, which is a huge draw in the summer months. At Seasonality, you will find local and seasonal cuisine with a focus on local produce. The restaurant also has a great wine list and offers a relaxed dining experience. For those keen on craft beers, A Hoppy Place is a fantastic option. They offer 14 keg lines and three rotating casks and accept CAMRA membership cards, the real ale enthusiast’s ultimate rewards service. If you want to go a little farther afield, the village of Bray is only a mile away and is home to Alain Roux’s Waterside Inn and Hester Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, which each hold three Michelin stars.
Windsor Castle Visits
Windsor Castle is an exciting option for those with a passion for British royal history. The castle is home to 1000 years of history and is the oldest and the largest occupied castle in the world. It was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has been home to 40 monarchs in its long and varied history. The castle is still used as a royal residence, but it is possible to visit and take tours around many of its rooms. While there, you might also be lucky enough to witness the Changing of the Guard. Filled with a great variety of art and historic artifacts, Windsor Castle makes for an outstanding trip to the town.
Boat Trips on the River Thames
A boat trip on the River Thames is just the thing if you are considering a romantic day out in Maidenhead. You could pack a picnic for your gentle trip down the river past bucolic fields and under ancient bridges, or even book to go on a boat experience, like a silent boat party for you and your friends.
Flying Lessons
For those with a sense of adventure, flying lessons over Maidenhead might be the perfect activity. Flying lessons give you an opportunity to learn something new and exhilarating while also providing you with a whole new view of the countryside. These two-hour lessons allow you to observe and learn from an instructor and can be booked for two, so if you are an adventure-seeking couple you can do this as a duo.
Segway Adventures
While a little more sedate than flying an aeroplane, Segway tours are a fantastic way to see Maidenhead. The tour will take you through the streets, allowing you to explore all the sights at a comfortable pace.
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
At the Maidenhead Heritage Centre you can learn all about the history of the town, including the building of the historic bridges over the River Thames. The Heritage Centre has a collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions and there is even a spitfire simulator, for those not quite brave enough to try a flying lesson in a real plane.
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
Norden Farm hosts a variety of theatre, dance and comedy shows and has regular exhibitions from visual artists. This is the place to go if you want to see a show or are passionate about local arts communities.
Lunar New Year
In February, Maidenhead hosts a celebration of the Lunar New Year with a lion dance parade down the high street, food stalls, music, and firecrackers. This is one of a number of events held in the town throughout the year to bring the local community and visitors together and is well worth adding to your calendar.
