Posh Pints & Cold Plunges: Wrapping Up in Marlow

K-Girl + Benzino
May 29
2 min read

Marlow: Where Pimm's Meets Paddle Power

Our last stop before heading home: the charming riverside town of Marlow. Known for its Georgian architecture, fancy boutiques, and Michelin-star dining, it’s the kind of place where Londoners escape for the weekend – think designer wellies, fake lips, and Pimm’s by the river.

But we weren’t here to lounge. Benzino had set his sights on becoming a marathon swimmer, and where better to do it than in the birthplace of open water swimming culture: the UK.

🏊‍♂️ The full swim story

The Olde Bell Inn – Hurley

Our base was the Olde Bell Inn in Hurley, a village so quaint it looks like it was made for postcards. The Inn claims to be England’s oldest pub, dating back to 1135 – though we’re pretty sure half the country makes that claim. Still, it had the creaky floors, fireplace corners, and ancient wood beams to sell the story.

Pepe inspected the docks while Benzino tested the Thames water (verdict: cold). For dinner, we skipped the hotel restaurant and ventured to The Rising Sun, the only other pub nearby. It looked promising – classic beergarden vibes – but turned out to be a fryer-heavy, deep-fried letdown. At least the eavesdropping was top-tier: nothing like overhearing local gossip over a pint.

The Main Event: Henley Thames Marathon

The grand finale of this trip: the Henley Swim Marathon, also known as the Bridge to Bridge Swim. This annual August event is a highlight in the open water community – a 13 km downstream journey along the Thames from Henley-on-Thames to Marlow.

Race morning started with nerves, caffeine, and a quick bakery pit stop for Katharina's flat white (and Benzino’s emergency pre-swim bathroom mission). After a dramatic wetsuit tear, he zipped up, waded in, and began the long, chilly swim.

Spectators could track swimmers from the riverbanks, bridges, and towpaths – a rare feature in such a long event.

The finish line rewards? A medal, a celebratory pint, and arms so sore you can barely lift them high enough to sip said pint. Worth it? 100%.

(Little did we know that this would be the last time they hold this traditional event - info here)

Final Thoughts

We wrapped up our adventure with wet gear, sunburned noses, and a new appreciation for the UK’s open water obsession. From mountain trails in Snowdonia to river marathons in Marlow, this trip gave us everything: mud, mountains, medals… and a bit too much vinegar on the chips.

Next up? 🤔