Henley On Thames: Regatta, the Thames and local history

Henley On Thames can be explored through several highlights: the Thames and its paths, boat trips, the Henley Royal Regatta, and historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Henley On Thames, you can start by deciding what you would like to shape your stay. For a trip to the regatta, the event dates are important; for walks, cycling tours or a trip on the river, other options take centre stage.

Riverside landscape and paths

Mill and Marsh Meadows form Henley’s main recreational park and have Green Flag status. The riverside path beside the park is part of the 184-mile Thames Path National Trail. Marsh Meadows includes a nature reserve with reed beds, shallow ponds and a damp, flower-rich meadow. This part of Henley therefore features both a waterside path and a variety of landscape features within the protected area.

The Henley Short Loop starts at Henley railway station and passes through Mill Meadows and along the Thames Path National Trail. There are also self-guided walking routes in Henley-on-Thames. Another circular walk visits real filming locations from the TV series Midsomer Murders. The options have different focuses: the Short Loop has a named starting point and route, while the others offer self-guided walks or visits to filming locations.

Regatta and boat trips

The Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and has taken place every year since, except in the years affected by the two world wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. The regatta features more than 400 races over six days.

Boat trips offer another way to experience the Thames: Hobbs of Henley runs regular sightseeing cruises as well as themed and seasonal boat events. Alongside the regatta programme, trips on the river provide another element to include in your itinerary. As events may be seasonal, it is advisable to check dates and availability before planning a trip.

Buildings and local history

The Old Bell on Bell Street was built in 1325 and is considered the oldest building in the town. St. Mary's Church has stood since the 13th century. Henley Bridge is a Georgian bridge, originally built in 1786. The dates point to different historical periods: from the oldest building to the church dating back to the Middle Ages and the later bridge. Kenton Theatre is also one of the sights in Henley-on-Thames.

If you would like to consider the town’s history alongside the river and the regatta during your trip, these buildings offer specific points of interest. You can choose to visit them as a separate part of your stay, without following a prescribed route.

Getting here and cycling routes

Henley railway station is a five-minute walk from the Thames and the town centre. There are also regular bus services to and from Maidenhead, High Wycombe, Reading and Wallingford. When planning your journey, both the station’s proximity to the river and town centre and the listed bus services are relevant.

For cyclists, a short cycling route starts in Henley-on-Thames and returns to the riverside town. From the centre, you can also follow the Chilterns Cycleway signs to Frieth. The two routes differ in their destinations: one returns to Henley, while the other is signposted as far as Frieth. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a short ride that returns to town and the marked route to Frieth.

Discover more destinations: Eynsham, Shipton-On-Cherwell, Chesterton, Bicester, Ambrosden, Hethe, Bletchingdon, Charney Bassett.

For the broader travel overview: Oxfordshire.