Monkey Island: A Perfect Thames Escape
When I first heard about Monkey Island, I couldn't quite believe it was real. Your own private island on the Thames? It sounded too good to be true.
The island's story begins in 1197 when monks first settled here – and "Monk's Island" eventually became "Monkey Island" through centuries of linguistic evolution. But the real charm comes from the 18th century, when the Duke of Marlborough purchased the island in 1738.
The Duke had a wonderfully eccentric sense of humor. He commissioned artists to create elaborate monkey-themed decorations throughout the estate – monkey frescoes dancing across ceilings, carved monkey figures in the gardens, and whimsical monkey motifs wherever you looked. These playful touches weren't just decoration; they were the Duke's way of embracing the island's transformed name with theatrical flair.
Walking through the gardens today, you can still see traces of this monkey heritage. There's something deeply charming about staying somewhere with such a whimsical backstory – a place where medieval monks once prayed and an 18th-century duke later celebrated with carved monkeys. It perfectly captures the English sense of humor about taking history seriously while never taking yourself too seriously.
Stepping onto the island felt like entering another world. Seven acres of manicured gardens, ancient trees, and that beautiful white building from 1723 sitting right on the water's edge. The moment I arrived, I understood why this place felt so magical – the Thames creates a natural boundary between you and everything else.
I had the afternoon tea on the boat, watching other boats drift lazily past while I enjoyed perfect scones and Earl Grey. But what struck me most wasn't the food – it was the complete silence except for the gentle flow of the river. When was the last time I'd experienced that kind of peace?
That evening, I walked through the gardens as the sun set over the Thames, thinking about how this tiny village of Bray had become such a destination for extraordinary experiences. One of them was dinner at the Fat Duck, the most memorable dining experience I’ve had!
I've stayed in luxury hotels before, but this was different. It wasn't about thread counts or fancy amenities – it was about having space to breathe, to think, to just be. The island gave me something I hadn't realized I'd been missing true solitude in a beautiful place.
The next morning, I had an appointment at their floating SPA. Sometimes you don't realize how much you need to escape until you find the perfect place to do it.
Monkey Island Estate reminded me that the best getaways aren't about where you go – they're about how a place makes you feel. And this magical island made me feel like I'd found my own secret corner of the world where I can reflect, relax and have the best dinner on Earth withing a short stroll through the garden.
