- Explore the brick and grass maze, made by designer Adrian Fisher for the Millennium.
- Hire a boat or hop on a river cruise down to nearby Henley or Windsor.
- Spot the wildlife in the wetland area, with lots of birds making Higginson Park their home.
- Head to the Leisure Centre for a spot of tennis or a dip in the pool.
Higginson Park, located in the centre of Marlow in Buckinghamshire, is the perfect place to go for a gentle walk or some time out next to the water.
Having started life as a garden in 1758, Higginson Park has grown over the years and made into a public park in the early 20th century. Now, you can find lots of great features here that will make your visit a day to remember, including a maze, formal gardens, a playground, and lots of waterside pathways. With over a million visitors coming to explore the park every year, it’s not difficult to see why Higginson is one of the most popular parks in Buckinghamshire.
Located on the Thames Path, Higginson Park is a fantastic spot to take in views of this famous river without the busy atmosphere of London. The colourful canal boats, green setting and views of the town make this park a brilliant picturesque picnic spot, where you can sit and watch the world go by. With 23 acres of parkland to run, skip and jump around, there is plenty of space for kids to run riot. Once you’ve had a look around the formal gardens and tried your luck at the maze, head to the children’s playground where you will find a host of high-quality climbing equipment and lots of activities for the kids. If you have a mini skater or biker on your hands, you might also want to check out the skate park, where there are various ramps to practise and perform tricks.
As well as the picturesque location and quiet atmosphere, Higginson Park is also a favourite with sports lovers. See if you can spot the statue of Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, as he waves holding his oar outside Court Garden. If you keep an eye on the river, you are bound to see some rowers or kayakers go by too. There are plenty of places for boat hire in Marlow, with rowing boats, motorboats and day boats available from The Little Green Boat Company within the park. Alternatively, you can hop on a river cruise to see some of the surrounding areas with a little extra local knowledge.
Court Garden Leisure Complex is located in the park itself and is a great place to go for a swim, or squash or tennis. Family memberships are available, and you can also book kids in for swimming classes. There are trampolining and gym facilities available, and there are birthday passes on offer for groups of children, with varying themes and ages. Or, if you fancy some outdoor sport, you will find a cricket pitch on the west side of the park, and Higginson Park is also home to Marlow Bowls Club.
The charming town of Marlow is also a great place to explore once you’ve wandered around the park. Cross the historic Marlow Bridge, which is a Grade-I listed structure, and has been around for nearly 200 years. In fact, Marlow Bridge was used by its designer William Clark, as the blueprint for Budapest’s Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which provides passage across the River Danube. There are also many more historical places to visit in Marlow, such as Albion House on West Street, where Mary Shelley famously completed her novel ‘Frankenstein’, or T.S. Eliot’s wartime home, which is located on the same street.
The area around Higginson Park is also a great place to grab some local food. Inside the park, you’ll find The Resolute, a small family-owned café serving tea, coffee, handmade pastries and hot meals. Or, venture a little further afield to Kingswood Parade for some tasty pizza at Da Luca’s, or Sindhu at Marlow Bridge, Marlow’s #1 Indian Restaurant. There are also numerous places to get something to take away and enjoy in the park with a view over the Thames.
If you loved your day out the Higginson Park, check out the nearby Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield. Or, if you like exploring parks in Buckinghamshire, add West Wycombe Park on the list for your next family adventure.
What to know before you go
- The leisure centre is open from 6.30am - 9pm Monday-Friday, and 8am - 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
- There is indoor and outdoor catering at the park and plenty of spaces for picnics.
- There are accessible public toilets in Higginson Park, with baby-changing facilities. The bathrooms are open from 6am - 10pm from 1 April until 30 September, and from 6am - 7.30pm for the rest of the year.
- BBQ's and drones are not allowed in the park.
- If mooring a boat, overnight fees apply between 6pm, and 9am.
Getting There
- Higginson Park is located in the town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
- There is a car park on Pound Lane, which you can find just off the High Street, near the entrance of the park.
- The nearest station is Marlow Train Station, with good connections to the surrounding areas. You can also reach Marlow by train from London, with one change at Maidenhead.
- Various buses run to and from Reading, Maidenhead and High Wycombe.
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