Henley-on-Thames

The River Thames sets the stage for a series of high-profile events that make Henley-on-Thames a popular visitor destination. Henley Royal Regatta kicks off the calendar with five days of top-notch rowing and hospitality in late June and early July.

This is closely followed in July by the Henley Festival of Music and Arts, which attracts some of the world’s most famous entertainers to perform on a floating stage, with food, fireworks, art and sculpture all part of the festivities. Also in July, the Henley Fringe Festival celebrates all things theatre, drama and comedy. In August, Henley hosts the Rewind Festival, bursting with 80s music. Then, in September, Henley’s Literary Festival makes the most of the Thames with on-the-move River Readings of poetry and prose.

Henley’s historic centre, with its church, town hall and market square, is just a few strides away from the river frontage. Walk from George Harrison’s former residence to Dusty Springfield’s grave in St Mary’s Churchyard. Rowing is woven into the very fabric of Henley-on-Thames, so follow the trail along the River Thames. Bed and breakfast at the prestigious, members-only Leander Rowing Club, the training ground of Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent and other Olympic heroes. Or sample Lovibonds craft beers at the famous Henley Rowing Club, with the bar open to both the general public and members from May 2022.

Follow the story of rowing and the River Thames at the River & Rowing Museum. Special exhibitions include a focus on Kenneth Grahame’s book, The Wind in the Willows – a family favourite – and the Piper Gallery, displaying works by one of Britain’s most prolific artists, John Piper.

There are lots of ways to discover Henley’s unique relationship with the river, but one of the best is to take to the water itself. Hobbs of Henley offer boat hire and public cruises, among other services. Travel the 1 mile 550 yards of the Regatta Course, continuing downstream to the pretty Hambleden Lock.

Looking for refreshments? Henley-based brewer and pub operator, Brakspear, has produced the Henley Ale Trail, which takes you through historic side streets to seek out ancient inns. Or, after a hard day’s boating, pop into the Chocolate Café Henley just down the road from the boat hire.