Local Attractions and Things To Do

Cookham Dean is a small picturesque village featuring its own church, two fine local pubs both serving food and The Sanctum boutique hotel and restaurant all within walking distance (max 3 mins) of the house.  The countryside is typical of the Chilterns Hills with abundant farming and woodland for those who enjoy walking.  Several National Trust properties are within easy reach i e Hughenden Manor, Cliveden House and West Wycombe House and Caves to mention a few.  Cookham Rise is a short drive away featuring a splendid butcher and Countrystore local supermarket where you buy virtually everything.  The close by towns of Marlow and Maidenhead both house most of the larger Supermarkets and a fine Artisan bakery in Marlow.

The Thames riverside is never far away with the nearest town being Cookham (a 5 min drive) which is home to The Sir Stanley Spencer gallery along with several very good restaurants such as The White Oak and The Bell & Dragon and two of the best Indian restaurants in the UK.  Other towns nearby are Marlow (good for high street shops) with fine local Hotels such as The Complete Angler Hotel sitting on the River Thames and Dansfield House Hotel and Spa. Marlow also hosts its annual Town Regatta in June and is one of the multi-lane regattas in the British Rowing calendar, attracting a large entry from schools, clubs and universities from around the UK along with overseas crews who are preparing for Henley Royal Regatta, in Henley which is worth a visit and is a stone’s throw away. Henley is also famous for The Henley Festival, with both events being held during the summer months.  Other local events such as The Boxing Day Games and The Gravity Grand Prix which are held locally in Cookham Dean are also an enjoyable day out. The riverside town of Maidenhead is also nearby with its cinema, bowling and Leisure centre.

The town of Beaconsfield, although not on the river, is worth a mention with its old and new towns as well as Beaconscott Model Village and various excellent eateries.

Another benefit of the location of the Orchard is its fine motorway access with the M4, M25 and M40 all close by.  Junction 8/9 of the M4 is less than 10 mins away and depending on traffic you can get to Knightsbridge (Harrods) in approx. 45 mins. The train network is also good with London Paddington fast trains taking around 35 mins.

London attractions speak for themselves and are too numerous to mention, however other attractions are also nearby.  Windsor castle, Windsor racecourse, Royal Ascot Races, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Henley Regatta, Wimbledon & Wembley Stadium to name but a few.

We must also boast to those who enjoy fine dining with the likes of The Hand and Flowers Marlow, Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn at Bray are all 2 and 3 star restaurants - we really are spoilt for choice. All within a 15 minute drive of Cookham Dean.

Apart from the above, Christmas and New Year in Cookham might appeal, especially for family get togethers.  Several large hotels are within easy reach of The Orchard and would provide excellent accommodation for those travelling to the local area for weddings and other such family occasions.

There is such a wealth of meal options available from the humble pizza to a gourmet meal that it would not be necessary to cook at all if required, unless you wanted to!