Towns on the Thames – Where to live along the river

Towns on the Thames are often highly desirable places to live, offering a balance of convenience, good amenities and all that life by the river has to offer.

Often, when house hunters think about living by water they often immediately think of seaside locations, however, there are a great many rivers running through the UK and a number of lakes, where buyers might find a place to live.

For those who are looking to live in a relatively urban setting with ready access to the water or even a home looking out onto the river, a town on the River Thames might be the perfect area to look for a home.

Marlow

Marlow in Buckinghamshire has long been a popular riverside town on the Thames.

The town is ideal for those who are relocating from London and looking for a place to live that still offers a fast commute when needed with the train journey taking as little as around 45 minutes with the right connections, and by car the journey takes around an hour.

There is a choice of excellent schools including no less than four rated Outstanding by Ofsted catering to 4-18 year olds, including the esteemed Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School.

Marlow is known for its strong community, the regular events, excellent shopping and plethora of places to eat good food.

Property for sale in Marlow ranges from beautiful large detached homes on the river to elegant town houses within sought after private gated estate such as Wethered Park.

Maidenhead

Maidenhead in Berkshire is often named one of the best places to raise a family.

Not only does this town on the Thames enjoy a prime riverside position on the southwestern bank but it has many green spaces dotted across town for residents to enjoy, there are also convenient transport connections and a number of excellent schools.

Crossrail is due to arrive in Maidenhead in the not too distant future and when it does the journey time from Maidenhead to Bond Street will be reduced from 59 minutes to just 39 minutes. For the occasional commuter, or a regular one, the shortened journey time will be very welcome.

Many houses in Maidenhead enjoy generous gardens, and are private, set back from the road, often within walking distance of the train station and all the amenities.

If house hunters are seeking a more quiet place to live the nearby villages of Bray and Taplow are also highly desirable places to live.

Windsor

Windsor, also located in Berkshire, is another beautiful town on the Thames but not only does the town offer stunning riverside homes, house hunters can also find homes that offer direct access to the Great Park or views over The Long Walk which runs from the Copper Horse statue to Windsor Castle.

Whilst Windsor is historic and regal it is also incredibly cosmopolitan and is a favourite amongst those seeking a home in close proximity to top schools, a fast commute into London and an excellent selection of places to dine or shop.

Homes in Old Windsor that sit on the river banks are particularly sought after, as are the houses positioned on St Leonard’s Hill.

Eton

On the opposite side of the River Thames to Windsor, Eton, perhaps best known for Eton School, is also a popular place to live.

Eton boasts impressive architecture and beautiful houses, though buyers might find there are typically less homes available to buy in Eton meaning they might often consider living either side of the river in Windsor or Eton.

Some of the riverside developments on the Eton side of the river boast the most impressive views over Windsor and Windsor Castle such as those in Windsor Bridge Court.

Reading

Reading is another Berkshire town located on the River Thames.

In recent years Reading has seen its popularity as a place to live increase steadily with the announcement that crossrail would stop in the town and that Reading is now an established tech hub.

Looking beyond its commuter links, job prospects and position on the River Thames, Reading has good schooling options, beautiful homes and easy access to the Chilterns and Berkshire Downs.

Though they rarely become available to buy there are beautiful riverside houses that will often have their own mooring and boat house together with a rural outlook being positioned on the outskirts of the town near to the Mapeldurham Estate.

Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire is a picturesque town on the Thames that boasts a scenic riverside and long rowing history.

The town is a particularly sought after place to live, desirable for the amenities on offer in the town, the stunning homes both on the riverside and throughout the town and the proximity to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Henley-on-Thames is home to the renowned Leander Club and has a popular rowing scene highlighted each year at the Henley Royal Regatta, perhaps the best-known regatta in the world.

Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston Upon Thames is a town and borough within Greater London whilst also being in the historic county of Surrey.

Many families choose to move out of central London to Kingston Upon Thames, drawn to the strong community, top schools and access to the river and green spaces.

Equally the area appeals to young professionals and older residents as there is a great deal on offer and lots to do whilst the area is also a peaceful and more tranquil area away from busy central London and other suburban locations.

Riverside houses can be found in Kingston Upon Thames such as those located on Lower Ham Road which is in the Riverside North Conservation Area, Thames-side Strategic Area of Special Character and Thames Policy Area meaning the riverside properties, and the area in general, are protected to ensure the character and beauty of the area is retained.

Not only does Kinston have excellent shopping options such as The Bentall Centre but being by the river and with lots of sporting facilities nearby there are options to enjoy activities both on land and on the water, perhaps a reason why this area is quite so popular with families.

Why move to a town on the Thames?

For a great number of reasons a town on the Thames might present the perfect setting as a place to live.

The River Thames runs through some of the most desirable areas in the home counties and the best properties will often be sold discretely off market meaning it can be advantageous to have someone ‘in the know’, such as a property finder, on your side as a buyer to uncover opportunities you might otherwise not be made aware of.

To discuss your search for a property please do get in touch.