Henley-on-Thames

An affluent riverside town on the Thames famous for its prestigious Royal Regatta held each July, featuring elegant Georgian buildings and beautiful riverside walks. The town serves as a gateway to the scenic Chilterns and offers excellent restaurants, riverside pubs, and boat hire.

Things to do

• Henley Royal Regatta — Attend the world-famous rowing regatta held in July, featuring international crews, traditional enclosures, and riverside pageantry.
• Thames riverside walk to Remenham — Stroll along the scenic Thames Path from Henley's town centre towards Remenham, passing meadows and riverside pubs with stunning water views.
• Henley Town Museum — Explore local history spanning from Roman times through the Victorian era in this volunteer-run museum housed in a historic building.
• Boat hire and river cruising — Rent a rowing boat, kayak, or electric launch to explore the Thames from the water and access riverside pubs accessible only by boat.
• Chilterns woodland walks — Hike into the nearby Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for beech woods, chalk downland, and panoramic views over the Thames Valley.
• St Mary's Church — Visit this 12th-century parish church featuring a distinctive bell tower and fine interior decorations in the heart of the town.

Food to try

• Thames-caught fresh fish — Sample locally-sourced river fish such as pike or perch prepared fresh at riverside restaurants and pubs with water-view terraces.
• Brakspear's real ale — Drink the local brewery's award-winning ales and bitter, available at traditional pubs throughout town and at the brewery's tap.
• Riverside cream tea — Enjoy afternoon tea with homemade scones, clotted cream, and jam at one of Henley's garden cafés overlooking the Thames.
• Game from the Chilterns — Order venison, pheasant, or wild boar dishes at upscale restaurants, sourced from local estates in the surrounding Chiltern hills.
• Asparagus (seasonal) — During spring, seek out locally-grown Chiltern asparagus featured on restaurant menus and farmers' market stalls throughout the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Regatta dress code tradition — During Henley Royal Regatta in July, dress formally with blazers and hats for enclosure access; smart-casual riverside attire is standard other times.
• Affluent community atmosphere — Henley is a prosperous town with upscale tastes; expect higher prices for dining and shopping compared to surrounding areas, and a refined social scene.
• Thames boating etiquette — If hiring boats, familiarize yourself with river navigation rules, lock procedures, and respect quiet zones where rowers train during mornings and weekday afternoons.
• Georgian architecture appreciation — The town centre preserves fine 18th-century buildings along Hart Street and Thames Street; take time to admire facades, sash windows, and historic shop fronts.