Thames Riverside between Bray
and Henley

"It was so very beautiful that the mole could only hold up both fore-paws and gasp,
'O my!, O my!, O my!"

Such was the description of the river penned by Kenneth Grahame one hundred years ago in his classic children?s story. Living in Cookham, Grahame was a frequent visitor to this stretch of river, and used it as the setting and inspiration for a story that would become a favourite of children and parents around the world. Still today, the willows fringe the river banks and the lovingly protected beauty of the scene moves visitors to understand Mole?s rapture. Anyone who has grown up with the tale of Ratty, Badger and Toad, whether in book or film, will find delight in strolling through the scene of their adventures.

Bray

This pretty village not only boasts two of Europe's finest restaurants, but also several other fine dining places.

Cookham and Cookham Dean

These lovely villages were home to the author Kenneth Grahame who set his classic book, Wind in the Willows, in the surrounding woods and riverbanks.?

Stanley Spencer, the renowned artist, lived most of his life in the village and the charming Spencer Gallery in the centre of Cookham has constantly changing exhibitions of the famous painter?s work.

Bourne End

Its large marina provides a lively river scene filled with traditional narrowboats, modern motor cruisers and small sailboats.

Marlow

A lovely historic town with pleasant shopping streets, a delightful suspension bridge, ancient houses and several literary associations: Jerome K. Jerome stayed here while writing part of his river classic, Three Men in a Boat. Mary Shelly completed her novel, Frankenstein, and the poet, T.S Eliot was a resident.

Henley-on-Thames

Home of the world?s most famous rowing celebration, the annual Henley Royal Regatta and the River and Rowing Museum.