Henley-on-Thames Area Guide

Henley’s riverside location, surrounded by a Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields, lends itself to relaxation, long lunches and quirky shopping. There’s a pub where Charles I drank, a chantry house, a butcher that smokes his own meat and independent shops still offering the personal touch.

Events

But it’s not just beautiful, Henley knows how to throw a party. It has an international reputation earned over 175 years by the world’s greatest rowing regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, the town splashes out with the ‘joie de vivre’ of the summer arts festival and gets into the groove with ’80’s music festival Rewind. In fact, Henley is a town of festivals offering a series of world-class events to delight visitors and residents alike you’ll find details of all of them on this site.

History

Henley’s historic heart sits just a few strides from the River Thames. The main street has many Georgian frontages covering older buildings and among the 300 buildings within the town designated ‘of special architectural or historical interest’ are St Mary’s Church, the Town Hall, Market Place and the 18th-century stone bridge.

Food and drink

If you’re hungry or thirsty, or just wish to enjoy the ambience of the town, the paved Market Place offers a number of cafes offering outside seating while in the compact town centre there are numerous refreshment opportunities including locally run tea shops and cafés plus a host of well-known restaurants and wonderful pubs, some of whom brew their own ale. Further afield, there are award-winning restaurants and pubs in many of the surrounding villages.

Lifestyle

Fundamentally Henley-on-Thames is a town dedicated to enjoying the river. So bring a picnic, pick up a copy of The Wind in the Willows, rent a deckchair and settle for an hour or two at Mill Meadows, the pleasant park situated close to the station, just a brief walk from the town centre. Or get on the river yourself to indulge in the full beauty of the location by hiring a boat or joining one of the regular-scheduled trips.

Events

Henley Royal Regatta

Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known regatta in the world. It holds a unique place in the respect and affection of all rowers – both active and retired. Founded in 1839, it is famous both as a great sporting occasion and as a social event. People travel from all over the world to attend, either as competitors or as spectators.

Rewind Festival

Rewind Festival is the original and biggest festival of 80's music in the UK. Taking place over two days in August on the banks of the River Thames, Henley becomes awash with dayglo, smiles and tutu’s at this massive party.