Nature & Wildlife Breaks Near London at The Fox at Hurley

You work hard all week in central London; you deserve a break where the air is fresh, the river glistens and every detail is taken care of. The Fox at Hurley — with the Hurley Village Cafe next door — is your sanctuary: a lovingly restored boutique bed and breakfast in the quiet Thames-side village of Hurley. Hop on the Elizabeth Line at Paddington and arrive at Maidenhead in as little as 18 minutes (typical journeys around 38 minutes). From the station it’s just a 7 km taxi ride to our door. Prefer to drive? We offer free on-site parking and EV charging points. In under an hour you can swap traffic and concrete for rolling fields, waterside strolls and the deep comfort of our king-sized beds.

 

 

Nature on the doorstep

 

Delight in Hurley’s natural beauty. The Thames towpath is only a few minutes’ walk away and offers gentle riverside routes rich in wildlife, with meadows and hedgerows alive with birdsong.

 

 

What you might spot

 

On the river: elegant mute swans, flocks of Canada and greylag geese, sociable mallards with their green-headed drakes, tufted ducks, gadwall, coot and moorhens. In winter, colourful visitors such as teal and wigeon arrive. Watch for great crested grebes performing their famous weed-passing courtship dance, cormorants drying their wings and grey herons patiently stalking fish. You may also glimpse striking Mandarin ducks or Egyptian geese along this stretch.

 

Banks & meadows: busy pied wagtails and soaring skylarks.

 

Woodlands & skies: listen for great spotted woodpeckers drumming and look for the moss-green back and red crown of the green woodpecker. A flash of azure might betray a kingfisher at the water’s edge, while red kites wheel overhead. Around the village, sociable jackdaws with silvery heads are a common sight.

 

 

Strolls for every pace

 

From short loops to longer Thames Path rambles, there’s fresh country air and easy wayfinding right from our door — perfect for unhurried exploring before a relaxed evening back at The Fox.

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Thoughtful comforts that feel like home

 

Our Georgian-style property blends period character with modern luxury — think crisp Egyptian cotton linens, scrumptious breakfasts with fresh artisan bread and pastries, barista-quality coffee and a relaxed cafe lounge where you can plan the day’s walk or unwind after it.

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Practical details at a glance

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• Fast access from London: Elizabeth Line to Maidenhead, then ~7 km by taxi

• Parking: Free on-site parking

• EVs: On-site EV charging points

• Walks: Thames towpath a few minutes’ walk; meadows and hedgerows nearby

• Ambience: Quiet, small-scale stay ideal for nature lovers

 

 

FAQs

 

How close is the Thames Path to The Fox at Hurley?

Just a few minutes’ walk from our door.

 

When is the best time to see wildlife?

Year-round. Winter often brings teal and wigeon; spring is great for grebe courtship displays; dawn and dusk are typically lively.

 

Are the routes suitable for gentle walks?

Yes — the towpath is mostly level and well defined, with options for short loops or longer rambles.

 

How do I get there from London?

Take the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Maidenhead (as little as 18 minutes; typical ~38 minutes), then a ~7 km taxi ride to our door. If you’re driving, there’s free parking and EV charging.