Maidenhead (Maiden Hythe in Saxon times) is a Town on the River Thames in Berkshire. It lies just to the North of the M4. The A4 slices it in half East-West and is near to Reading, Slough and Windsor. It is about 15 miles to the West of London.

The Thames Valley is an area alongside the M4 stretching from Slough to Newbury and encompassing Maidenhead. It is stuffed full of high tech Companies and is also prime Commuter territory for people working in London.

Despite the size of the Town, the high speed trains into and from London do not stop here, so a commute consists of either a slow train, stopping anywhere or catch the train as far as Slough, then change for a fast Intercity. The local MP is Theresa May and she has successfully campaigned for a better service, but it is still lousy. The only bright spot on the Horizon is the proposed Crossrail train System. The Western Terminus of Crossrail will be Maidenhead, so perhaps then we might get a decent service.

Maidenhead Town Centre is very drab with a number of boarded up shops. Better shopping can be found nearby at Slough, High Wycombe and Reading. However it does have a recently revamped Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's, with a new plaza being developed.

It also is not a Tourist hot spot. Read on for Attractions in the area but, apart from a couple of nice parks, you are better off going to Windsor.

Eating is a definite plus with two Michelin-starred restaurants (The Waterside in and the Fat Duck) in Bray, on the outskirts. A third is rumoured to be opening soon.

For sightseeing, the area around the bridge is particularly picturesque and a wander up the road alongside the river will bring you to Boulter's Lock, a great attraction in the summer months and Ray Mill Island, behind it is well worth a visit. Other Attractions in the area include Legoland, Thorpe Park, Heathrow (!) and Windsor Castle and Great Park. See below for links and information on how to get discounted tickets.

Maidenhead has a reasonable pedestrianised Shopping Centre with a covered Mall (Nicholson Centre) half way along.

It is an area of high property prices and rentals and as such it is difficult for some shops to turn a profit. There are a number of boarded up shops and some have been taken on by short-lease 'pound shop' type shops.

However, Maidenhead still has plenty to offer. Flagship Stores include Marks & Spencer (recently refurbished), Next, Argos and Monsoon. Woolworths has a big presence, but it is struggling and the store needs a good face lift.

Smaller shops include the usual spread of jewellers, coffee houses and charity shops as well as niche ones such as the South African shop selling the obvious.

Parking is a bone of contention. There is a reasonable amount, but it can get difficult to park near on a Saturday and the car parks are Pay & Display meaning that you have to predict how long you will be. Parking was deregulated at the start of 2008 and the newly-appointed Traffic Wardens are *ahem* friendly but efficient so don't overstay your time.

Maidenhead is probably not the place to come to for a holiday. However, it is a good place to base a holiday from as there are good road and rail links to many Attractions in the area.

Maidenhead
The Town Centre itself consists of the Shopping Centre. The local Public Leisure Centre (The Magnet) is 5 minutes walk away, as is the Library and Football Ground. There is a Ten Pin Bowling Alley next to the Leisure Centre.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre contains a history of Maidenhead.

The riverside is the most picturesque part of the Town. Head East from the Town Centre and turn left at the River bridge. Approximately 1/2 a mile along there is Boulters lock and Hotel. If driving, park at the free car park a few hundred yards on and walk back. Watch the boats in the lock or walk over the bridge and follow the road/path past the hotel to Ray Mill Island. This is a lovely peaceful spot with plenty of grass for a picnic, a weir at the end and some caged birds and animals to see for free. More information on the above link.

Further afield
Windsor is just down the road, with the Castle and Legoland as well as Runymede and Windsor Great Park. London is a 20-30 minute train ride away with a regular, if slow, service.

Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park are approximately 30 minutes away round the M25

Nearer home, there is the Old Shire Horse Centre and Craft village