Henley is best known for its Royal Regatta held every July since 1839 and is regarded as the World's home of Rowing. Known and lauded the world over for the Regatta, it is inundated for five days each summer by international oarsmen and visitors, eager to be a part of one of the great sporting and social events. The Regatta is typical of Britain at its pompous and eccentric best. Many spectators are as much interested if not more so, in the strawberries & cream, boaters & blazers and Pimms & champagne as they are in the sporting events happening in front of them. However the sport is deadly serious, over 500 crews from all over the world take part in this unique event. There are more than 270 regattas held around the country with around 80 of those being held on the Thames, but Henley Royal Regatta is certainly the premier event.

For about a mile at Henley the river is straight providing an ideal course for what has become a major international event. It became 'Royal' in 1851 when Prince Albert became Patron of the Regatta. As well as a sporting event it is a major social event retaining much of the 'garden party' feel of Edwardian times.

The principal events are the solo Diamond Challenge Sculls and the Grand Challenge Cup, the leading event for eight-oared shells. As from 1998, professional rowers were allowed to compete at Henley after the Regatta's stewards had dropped the amateur definition from their rules.

The town gears itself up for the regatta weeks beforehand, as facilities for all the rowers need putting into place. Marquees are lined with boat racks ready for the competition.

Henley Royal Regatta Website

Surrounded by lush woodland, it is the quintessential English small town, peaceful and self-contained, yet it is only a few miles from the hustle and bustle of motorway traffic, en route to the capital. While fashions may change and people look to exotic destinations for their pleasure, this little jewel continues to attract visitors from all over the world to sample its delights.

The town became established in the 12th century as a river crossing and port for the supply of timber and grain along the river to London. The present five-arched bridge over the river was built in 1786, the keystones having carvings representing Father Thames and the Goddess Isis. The church of St. Mary is close by and has a 16th century tower topped at each corner by an octagonal turret. It is built with decorative flint and stone chequerwork. Although restored in the 19th century, the 13th century and nave arcades can still be seen.

More than 300 buildings in Henley are designated 'of special architectural or historical interest' including a 14th century chantry house, connected to the church and the Speakers house, the home of William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons (1629-1640) who was a signatory to the warrant for the execution of Charles I. The main street has many Georgian frontages built on to older buildings. There are many coaching inns including the Red Lion, which, so legend has it, has accommodated Charles I, Boswell and George III.

The current town hall was built in 1901 replacing the old town hall that was taken down in 1898 and re-erected on nearby Crazies Hill as a private home.

There are many good eating & drinking establishments in Henley, ranging from small cosy pubs to luxurious hotels. There are the usual awful fast food burger bars but there are also some high quality restaurants. The Angel on the Bridge serves good food and has a wonderful location, the timber terrace actually extends out over the river. The Red Lion also looks out over the river and is a top quality establishment and the Little White Hart Hotel sits in a prominent position opposite the end of the Regatta course. For good ales there is the Bird in Hand and the Catherine Wheel - A Weatherspoons pub.
Henley Brewery Tour, Brakspear's - A taste of England's brewing heritage, the offices date from the 18th Century. Open all year round - weekday & evening tours. There is a brewery shop selling merchandise and beverages. Pre-booked guided tours for groups minimum six people. Tel: 01491 570200

Places to Visit

THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM
The new River and Rowing Museum in its award-winning building is proving to be a magnet for those who want to learn about the history of rowing, the mighty Thames and, of course, the town. Throughout the year, those out for a stroll along the towpath can enjoy watching crews in training from both local clubs and the world famous Leander Club which has its headquarters just downstream of the bridge. The River & Rowing Museum celebrates the traditions and environment of the River Thames, the excitement and thrills of the sport of Rowing and the historic riverside community of Henley.

Spacious and state-of-the-art, the specially commissioned building was designed by the award winning British architect, David Chipperfield. The museum is already an architectural landmark and complements the picturesque water meadow on which it stands and the vista of the river it surveys.

River & Rowing Museum Website

The town's sporting interest doesn't end with rowing however, rugby, football and cricket also thrive. The Henley Hawks is one of the top 28 rugby clubs in the country.

TEMPLE ISLAND There are boat trips on the river or walking on the towpath, towards Hambleden Lock where there is one of the finest, serene views in England.

For ramblers, the surrounding hills and woodland are criss-crossed with footpaths. With Henley as the hub, a circular walk is an attractive pastime, and one to end with a welcome cup of tea or coffee in one of the town’s many teashops or cafes.

The town has its own symphony orchestra and a choral society. Numerous art galleries show constantly-changing exhibitions. The Henley Festival of Music and Arts in July is an important date in the town's calendar.

GABRIEL MACHIN'S SHOP As for the shops, there is something for everybody and to suit all pockets - fashion boutiques, some selling clothes by top designers, two premier supermarkets, old-fashioned butcher shops, privately-run bakeries and tea rooms with delicious home-made cakes. One traditional butcher, Gabriel Machin, even smokes salmon in his own smokehouse. There is also a Loch Fyne Oyster Bar for the adventurous.

The Kenton Theatre, New Street - one of the earliest playhouses, built in 1805, now run by volunteers.

Bohun Gallery, 15 Reading Road - small gallery with regular exhibitions of contemporary British figurative art.

Chantry House, A late-medieval, timber-framed, Grade I Listed church hall, formerly a school, which dates back to early 14th century.

Cliveden, Built in 1851 on cliffs 200ft over the Thames. Cliveden, once the home of Lady Astor, is now a hotel. 375 acres of garden & woodland include miles of woodland walks with views of the Thames. A National Trust property.

Fawley Court Historic House and Museum, Historic and cultural Polish collections housed in a 12th century Manor House rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684. Set in a park designed by `Capability' Brown. Tel: 01491 574917

Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, named after Lord de Grey, who fought at Crecy and was one of the original Knights of the Garter. Rebuilt in the 16th century and added to in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the house is set amid the remains of the courtyard walls and towers of a 14th century fortified house. A Tudor donkey wheel well-house and an icehouse are still intact, and the garden contains Archbishop's maze; inspired by Archbishop Runcie's enthronement speech in 1980. Tel: 01491 628529

Maharajahs Well, Stoke Row. A 25ft-high iron and gilt, Indian temple-style well with winding gear, built in 1863

Nuffield Place, Nettlebed. The home of Lord Nuffield the founder of Morris Motors. Tel: 01491 641224

Stonor House and Park, Stonor. Family home of Lord and Lady Camoys, the Lord Chamberlain to Her Majesty the Queen and the Stonor family for over 800 years.Tel: 01491 638587

The Warburg Reserve, Bix Bottom. A beautiful Chiltern valley in woodland with abundant wildlife and a small visitor centre and nature trail. Tel: 01491 642001