If you’re craving a day away from the hustle and bustle of London, where better to escape to than somewhere that’s been voted one of the best places to live in the UK by Muddy Stillettos? Taplow in Buckinghamshire is the perfect blend of riverside views, woodlands to walk through and has the endorsement from politicians and royals alike.
As you might expect, a detached house there will set you back £1.15 million or £625k if you’re after semi-detached, so for those of us whose bank accounts might not stretch that far, a day there is a great alternative (and less costly!)
Where is Taplow?
Sitting on the River Thames, Taplow sits right next to the more well-known market town of Maidenhead, which is famous because The Spice Girls recorded some of their earliest hits there. Taplow also has its fair share of claims to fame, though, including Ant McPartlin (yes, Ant of Ant and Dec fame) choosing this location to get married and visitors to Taplow’s gem Cliveden House have welcomed guests from Winston Churchill to Mahatma Ghandi, but more on that later!
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This English village is also embedded in ancient woodlands, Burnham Beeches, which are perfect for an Autumnal stroll. The woodlands also bring their own fair share of celeb endorsements, with films like Maleficent, Harry Potter and The Princess Bride being filmed here. Who knew so much Hollywood glamour could be found in a quaint little commuter town?
Things to do in Taplow
Let’s start with the star of the show; Cliveden House. This stunning Grade I listed building sits on 376 acres of land, and National Trust members can explore the Rose Garden, Water Garden and impressive maze that sit on those grounds. You also get access to one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames, Cliveden Reach, where in warmer months, is the perfect location for a riverside picnic.
The house itself is now a luxurious five-star hotel, complete with a gorgeous spa, and the venue even hosts weddings. Speaking of, the night before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan Markle stayed at the hotel for her bridal preparations.
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Aside from Cliveden and Burnham Beeches, which make ideal walking routes, Taplow plays host to Odds Farm — a great day out for the whole family. There is also a lakeside sauna where you can treat yourself, while also enjoying stunning views. Other ways to pass the time include a visit to The Bishops Centre, where you’ll find a Nike Factory store and other shops to have a mooch around.
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Getting to Taplow from London
Taplow is a popular commuter town due to its proximity to the capital. Taplow has its own Elizabeth Line station, meaning you can get to London in just 45 minutes, arriving at Paddington. If you’re driving, you can get to central London in just over an hour.