Maidenhead 2012 - local for London, Dorney and the Thames Valley

History

Maidenhead's name, strictly speaking refers to the busy riverside area where the 'New wharf' or 'Maiden Hythe' was built, perhaps as early as Saxon times. It has been suggested that the nearby Great Hill of Taplow was called the 'Mai Dun' by the Iron Age Brythons. The area of the town centre was originally known as 'South Ellington' and is recorded in the Domesday Book as Ellington in the hundred of Beynhurst.

In 1280, a bridge was erected across the river to replace the ferry and the Great Western Road was diverted to make use of it. This led to the growth of Maidenhead: a stopping point for coaches on the journeys between London and Bath and the High Street became populated with inns. The current Maidenhead Bridge, a local landmark, dates from 1777 and was built at a cost of £19,000.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Attractions

Maidenhead itself does not have any major attractions. However, it is within easy travel of a number of places. London is 30 minutes away by train Windsor and Eton can be reached by car within 20 minutes. There are several theme Parks a short drive away - Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington all 30 minutes or so away.

News

Dorney Rowing Lake just outside Maidenhead, will be hosting the rowing and canoeing events for the London 2012 Summer Olympics. It will be the largest venue outside London and is expected to attract 250,000 visitors - rowers, officials, press and spectators. Maidenhead is expected to benefit greatly from the increased visitor numbers, although traffic may well be a different matter.