Henley Thames
Home to the Henley Royal Regatta & Henley Festival
Henley-on-Thames was recently named one of the most fantastic locations in the English countryside by the Times, adored by many for its charming Chiltern environment of wood hills and landscapes. Henleys’ riverside location offers visitors relaxation, long lunches and plenty of places to shop for a great weekend getaway.
With Henley’s historic church, town hall and market square close by, you will never be short of activities to do when visiting Henley-on-Thames. Henley is also a consistent winner of the RHS Britain in Bloom medal and the location of the hit TV show, Midsomer Murders – one of the UK’s longest-running detective series.
The Henley Royal Regatta is also the crown jewel of Henley-on-Thames, first established in Henley’s Town Hall. The event offers a “Joie de vivre” summer arts festival and has an international reputation as the world’s best rowing regatta.
Travel Henley Festival Henley Royal Regatta Register Your Interest
Henley Royal Regatta Hospitality
The Henley Royal Regatta is held annually every summer and is renowned as the world’s most famous rowing event. With the Henley Regatta having over 300 races of an international standard, many Olympic rowers and teams visit the event, exciting the crowds!
The Regatta attracts thousands of spectators over the six days, dazzling guests with thrilling sports accompanied by food and complimentary drinks on Henley-on-Thames.
Henley Regatta History:
The Henley Royal Regatta takes place on the Henley-on-Thames for a six-day series of rowing races in the first week of July. Founded in 1839 by the Mayor and people of Henley to initially be a public attraction with fairs and other activities, the Regatta changed the perspective of competitive amateur rowing in a single afternoon. Prince Albert was the first Royal Patron of the Regatta in 1851. The reigning Monarch has insisted on becoming Patron since the death of the Prince Consort, resulting in the Regatta being referred to as the Henley Royal Regatta.
A self-selecting body of Stewards, who were well–known and successful rowers and cullers, organised the Henley Royal Regatta. They ensured that the best interests of those competing in the race were always considered and listened to. Due to the Regatta being extended to four days in 1906, the Qualifying Races ran a week before, minimising the number of entries. This reduction allowed many entrants to compete in specialised events on the Thames; the Regatta was extended to five days in 1896. In 2022, the extra days provide more time for two new women’s events, further showcasing the Regatta’s ever-increasing popularity at Henley-on-Thames.
Local Attractions:
The River & Rowing Museum
The River & Rowing Museum in Henley has been named one of the best 50 museums globally by the Times. The award-winning museum, located in Mill Meadows near the river, features three exhibits dedicated to rowing, the River Thames and Henley itself. Guests can immerse themselves in the history of rowing at Henley, viewing many impressive displays and important rowing craft.
Henley Hawks at Henley Rugby Club
Henley Hawks is one of the top rugby clubs in Thames Valley. While Henley has spent the last four seasons being promoted or relegated, the locals provide a great deal of support, making a great day out for those who visit the club.
More Events at Henley-on-Thames:
There is plenty to do when visiting Henley-on-Thames. Guests can visit Henley’s magnificent church, town hall, and market square, packed with stallholders and shoppers, just across the river. Guests can also explore Henley’s fantastic boutiques and clothes shops. Take a look at some of the local attractions that Henley-on-Thames offers.
Henley Festival
Henley is a town known for its party atmosphere, and the Henley Festival is the perfect event to enjoy your summer in Henley-on-Thames. In 2024, the Henley Festival is celebrating its 41st anniversary with headline acts yet to be confirmed. The floating stage for the Henley Festival offers live music, entertainment and dining for an unforgettable night for guests and clients.
Henley Festival Hospitality
The Henley Festival is an exclusive black-tie event held over five days in July 2024, celebrating the best of UK and worldwide music artists. The Henley Festival strives to combine great music, comedy, cuisine, and art into exceptional experiences for guests and clients, ranging from pop to classical and jazz.
Celebrate Henley’s biggest year to date in VIP style with Eventmasters corporate hospitality packages – guaranteed to wow your guests and clients.
Visiting Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames is a spectacular riverside market town on one of the Thames’ most lovely stretches. Guests can learn about the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Please use the Google map provided for directions to Henley-on-Thames.
How to get to Henley by car:
Henley town is thirty miles from central London and only a short drive from Windsor, Reading and Oxford. Guests travelling by car can quickly get to Henley town centre from the M4, M40, A4130 and A4155.
We recommend that you use Henley Station for car parking as it’s Henley’s largest car park for the river and a short walk from the town centre and the Thames. Another option is Mill Meadows, a car park for the riverside and parks when visiting Henley-on-Thames.
How to get to Henley by bus:
If you are travelling from Oxford, we advise you to take the River Rapids X39 or X40 via Wallingford. From Reading or High Wycombe, the Arriva 800 or 850 service will take you to Henley. The Courtney Buses 239 service to Henley will be suitable if you are travelling to Maidenhead.
The local bus service is constantly operating around town for your convenience. The 151, 152 and 153 will run around the town, allowing you to visit the tourist locations and marketplace.
How to get to Henley by train:
We recommend guests use the Great Western Railway branch line services from Twyford if you are travelling from Reading and London Paddington to Henley-on-Thames.
When you exit the train station at Station Road, you’ll be able to see the river in front of you. By Henley Bridge, you can follow the river around to the left before turning left into Hart St. at the town centre crossroads. Another way to reach Henley-on-Thames’s town centre is to turn left on Station Road and walk two minutes towards the crossroads, before turning right into Reading Road. The town centre is a five-minute walk from there.
Interested in our Henley-on-Thames hospitality packages for 2024? Enquire now:
Complete this form to register your interest:
If you are interested in any of our hospitality packages, our event specialists are ready to help you make your day memorable. Complete this contact form and we will be in contact shortly.
