Boveney was once a hamlet within the parish of Burnham, though it has long since been considered a separate village, particularly since the urban growth of nearby Slough.

On 1 April 1934 the parish of Boveney was abolished, under a County Review Order, with the more urbanised part being added to Elton in Eton Urban District, and a larger, less populous part being added to the parish of Dorney.

[3] The Church of St Mary Magdalene is in a remote part of the village by the River Thames.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene was used as a location for many Hammer Horror movies which were made at nearby Bray Studios.

The Inspector Morse episode Silent World of Nicholas Quinn and the Kevin Costner movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves were partly filmed here.