Discover Hurley | A Visitor's Introduction to Hurley, Berkshire

Why is Hurley Worth a Visit?

Hurley is worth visiting for its serene riverside location, rich history, and picturesque village atmosphere. The village is home to Hurley Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century, and offers beautiful walking opportunities along the Thames Path. Its charming inns and traditional pubs, such as The Olde Bell, provide a perfect spot to relax and soak in the village’s timeless charm. Hurley’s proximity to other well-known destinations like Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, and Windsor makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region while enjoying a quiet, rural setting.

Hurley Highlights: Things to See and Do in Hurley

1. Hurley Abbey
At the heart of Hurley’s history is Hurley Priory, also known as Hurley Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1086. Though much of the abbey is now in ruins, parts of it have been incorporated into private homes, and the Church of St Mary the Virgin, once the priory’s chapel, still stands and is open to visitors. The church’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful Norman architecture make it a lovely place to explore, and its churchyard offers a serene spot for reflection with views over the village and river.

2. The Thames Path
Hurley is ideally situated on the Thames Path, one of England’s most famous long-distance walking routes, which follows the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to London. The stretch of the Thames Path around Hurley is particularly scenic, with meadows, woodlands, and riverside views. One of the most popular walks is from Hurley to Marlow, a beautiful 3-mile route that passes through stunning countryside and offers views of Temple Island. This peaceful riverside walk is perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Thames Valley.

3. The Olde Bell
One of Hurley’s most famous landmarks is The Olde Bell, a historic inn that dates back to 1135, making it one of the oldest inns in England. The Olde Bell has hosted travellers for nearly 900 years and retains much of its historic charm, with exposed beams, open fires, and a cosy atmosphere. Today, it operates as a country inn, hotel, and restaurant, offering hearty meals made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great place to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast or a pint of ale while soaking in centuries of history.

4. Hurley Lock and Hurley Riverside Park
The Hurley Lock is a peaceful spot along the River Thames where visitors can watch boats pass through or relax by the water. It’s also a popular spot for riverside picnics and a starting point for canoeing or kayaking trips along the river. Close to the lock is Hurley Riverside Park, a family-run holiday park offering camping and caravan facilities right on the riverbank. The park is ideal for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and walking, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

5. Walks to Henley and Marlow
Hurley is perfectly located between two of the Thames Valley’s most beautiful towns, Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, both just a short drive or walk away. The walk from Hurley to Henley is about 6 miles along the Thames Path and takes you through peaceful meadows and past stunning riverside homes. Henley is famous for its rowing heritage and the Henley Royal Regatta, as well as its charming streets filled with independent shops and cafés. Marlow, just 3 miles to the east, is equally picturesque, with Georgian architecture, riverside pubs, and lovely walks.

6. The Rising Sun Pub
Another lovely spot for food and drink in Hurley is The Rising Sun, a traditional country pub with a welcoming atmosphere and great food. Located in the heart of the village, The Rising Sun is a popular stop for both locals and visitors, offering a range of local ales, fine wines, and delicious pub meals. Its outdoor seating area is perfect for a relaxed meal or drink on a sunny day, and the pub regularly hosts live music and community events, adding to its friendly vibe.

7. Temple Island and Boat Trips on the Thames
A short distance from Hurley is Temple Island, a small, picturesque island in the River Thames that marks the start of the famous Henley Royal Regatta course. While the island itself is private, visitors can admire it from the water, and boat trips along this stretch of the Thames are a popular way to enjoy the area’s beauty. Hobbs of Henley offers regular boat tours, or you can hire a self-drive boat to explore the river at your own pace. It’s a fantastic way to experience the tranquillity of the Thames and its surrounding scenery.

8. Frogmill Barn
For those interested in local food and artisan produce, Frogmill Barn is a hidden gem near Hurley, offering a farm shop stocked with locally sourced produce, meats, and freshly baked goods. The shop is located on a working farm and is a great place to pick up seasonal ingredients or enjoy a homemade treat. It’s particularly popular with visitors looking for a more authentic rural experience, offering everything from organic vegetables to locally made cheeses and preserves.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There:
Hurley is easily accessible by both car and public transport. If travelling by car, Hurley is located just off the A404(M), which connects to the M4 and M40, making it a convenient drive from London (about an hour) or nearby towns like Marlow and Henley-on-Thames (10-15 minutes). For those travelling by train, the nearest stations are in Marlow or Henley-on-Thames, both of which have regular services from London Paddington via Maidenhead. Taxis or local bus services can take you the short distance from these stations to Hurley.

Parking:
There is limited parking in Hurley village itself, though Hurley Riverside Park offers parking facilities for those staying at the park or visiting the river. If you’re planning to walk the Thames Path, there are parking options near Hurley Lock and along the riverside, but spaces can fill up quickly on weekends and during the summer. It’s advisable to arrive early if you plan to visit popular walking spots.

Dining:
Hurley’s traditional pubs are the best places to enjoy local food, with The Olde Bell offering seasonal, British fare made with locally sourced ingredients. The Rising Sun is another popular choice for classic pub meals and local ales in a relaxed setting. For a riverside dining experience, head to The Compleat Angler in nearby Marlow, where you can enjoy fine dining with stunning views of the Thames. Henley also offers a wide range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to casual riverside eateries.

Shopping:
Hurley itself is a small village, so shopping is limited to local stores and farm shops. Frogmill Barn, located just outside Hurley, is a great spot for picking up local produce, meats, and handmade goods. For more extensive shopping, nearby towns like Marlow and Henley-on-Thames offer a range of independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisanal stores, perfect for finding unique gifts or local specialities.

When to Visit:
Hurley is a lovely destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to September), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. The Thames Path is particularly beautiful during this time, with wildflowers in bloom and pleasant temperatures for walking or picnicking by the river. In July, the nearby Henley Royal Regatta draws visitors from around the world, adding a lively atmosphere to the area. Autumn offers stunning foliage along the Thames, while winter is a quieter time to enjoy cosy pub meals by the fire.

Local Events:
Hurley and the surrounding towns host a variety of events throughout the year. The Henley Royal Regatta, held every July, is one of the most prestigious rowing events in the world and attracts visitors from all over the globe. In Marlow, the annual Marlow Regatta and Marlow Town Regatta and Festival offer a mix of rowing competitions and family-friendly entertainment. During the Christmas season, Henley and Marlow both host festive markets and lights, adding to the charm of the region in winter.

Exploring Beyond Hurley:
Hurley’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Thames Valley region. Just a short drive away, Henley-on-Thames offers a vibrant market town atmosphere, with historic buildings, independent shops, and riverside walks. Marlow, with its Georgian architecture and stunning suspension bridge, is another nearby gem, offering great shopping, dining, and walking routes. For a royal experience, Windsor is less than a half-hour drive from Hurley, where you can visit Windsor Castle or take a boat trip along the Thames.