About
This 13th century market town is one of the most beautiful towns in England and is surrounded by the woodlands of The Chilterns. Henley on Thames enjoys a wonderful stretch of river with delightful independent shops, brilliant pubs, numerous cafes and great restaurants, while throughout the summer it hosts internationally renowned sporting events and festivals.
The Henley Royal Regatta is the most famous in the world and a highlight of the sporting calendar. Thousands of visitors flock to the area over five days to be entertained by more than 200 races with Olympians among the participants. The regatta takes place normally early July. Henley is full of charming independent shops. Henley-on-Thames, aka Causton, In Midsomer Murders, has appeared in numerous episodes. Fans of Detective Barnaby will recognise many of the filming locations within the town including Gabriel Machin’s butcher shop, Tudor House Antiques and the Argyll Public House.
Henley hosts some of the England’s most important and exclusive cultural events and now it has its own special gin. Mr Hobbs Gin was created by the local Hobbs family because they felt that such a great town deserved its own tipple worthy of the Henley name. www.mrhobbsgin.com
Take a walk along the Thames Path at Henley and stop for an ice cream or coffee at the ice cream kiosk in Hobbs of Henley's boatyard.
Find out about Henley, Town of Festivals
Henley Town of Festivals
Henley has long been associated with festivals and regattas. Over the years new festivals have sprung up showcasing traditional links to the river, music and literature. There's plenty to choose from during the year including:
- The Henley Royal Regatta is the most famous in the world and a highlight of the sporting calendar. Thousands of visitors flock to the area over five days to be entertained by more than 200 races with Olympians among the participants.
- Thames Traditional Boat Festival: First held 37 years ago, it showcases trades and crafts of a bygone era, as well as providing a fun day out for all the family. Highlights include: Gloriana - Her Majesty's Royal Rowbarge, "Little Ships" of Dunkirk, Amphibians, Battle of Britain Memorial, Classic & Vintage cars, motorcycles and bikes, Punch & Judy, Pop-up Pub and even camping on site.
There's plenty more events to enjoy including: Henley Arts Trail (May), Henley Festival (July), Rewind Festival (August), Henley Literary Festival (September). For information on all Henley on Thames events, take a look at Visit Henley What's On.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
An easy to follow, self guided walking tour is available to download or call into the Visitor Information Centre in the Town Hall and pick up a free copy. A leaflet is also available to download on circular walks around Henley and the Chilterns.
Brakspear Pub Trails
There are a number of Brakspear pubs close to each other in Henley, choose your favourite Henley pub and choose one of the three circular walks to suit.
Things to do in Henley
- The River & Rowing Museum, according to The Times one of the 50 best museums in the world
- Get on the river; hire a boat or go on a trip with Hobbs of Henley
- Walk the Thames Path National Trail from Marsh Lock to Hambleden Lock
- Participate in one of Henley’s numerous festivals; music, fringe, literary or Rewind
- Enjoy a pint at a Brakspear pub. The first brewery was located here and today it’s home to the micro-brewery The Bull on Bell Street. Follow the Brakspear Henley Ale Trail.
- The Traditional Boat Festival takes place in July and makes for a fun-filled family day out.
- Book a Midsomer Walking Tour for groups or individuals with Blue Badge Guide Graham Horn, Tours2order.
- Enjoy a Mr Hobbs Gin in various pubs, restaurants and hotels
- Just outside of Henley on Thames is Stonor Park, the Stonor family home for over 850 years, which is hosting STONOR PARK SPRING MEETING OF CLASSICS, SPORTS AND SUPERCARS 2024 (May) and Giffords Circus 2024 - Avalon (July)
- A visit along the River Thames in Henley, home to the world-famous Royal Regatta, has to include a proper row with Henley Rowing Experiences. You don’t have to have rowed before. Beginners are welcome. If you row at the gym, that’s fine too. Experienced rowers from around the world can even enjoy the thrill of rowing the Henley Royal Regatta course with an Olympian.
- Plan your visit to include one of Henley's markets: The Farmers Market takes place in Henley Market Place the 2nd Saturday, 4th Thursday and 5th Sunday (if there be one) of the month.Every Thursday the Charter Market can be found in the Market Place.
Read the Daily Express 10 things to do in Henley-on-Thames
Read a blog post about a day in Henley
Explore the historic towns of Henley on Thames, Marlow, Cookham or Windsor and Eton in a fun-filled and challenging game – A Scavenger Challenge organised by Team Activity Group. Teams of up to six people are challenged to reach certain goals by performing various missions around the town. Find out more...
Henley on Thames restaurants and pubs
- The Angel on the Bridge - Opened in 1728 the pub has timber beams and retains many original features
- The Bull on Bell St - A pub since 1564, and was leased by Brakspear in 1774, then bought in 1881. It was a coaching inn from 1744 to 1850. It now has a micro-brewery
- The Anchor - A 400+ year old Inn that boasts numerous low oak ship beams, wood burning stove and wooden and slate floors giving a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
- The Three Horseshoes - one of the few traditional style pubs left in Henley
- The Row Barge - one of Henley's oldest coaching inns, close to the centre of town and the stunning walks along the Thames.
- The Old Bell - A traditional pub right in the centre of Henley. The building has been dated at 1325, making it the oldest building in the town.
- The Three Tuns may look like a tiny little cosy pub but step inside and you will discover; a cosy bar with a real log fire; a terrace garden and fabulous food
- The Little Angel - 100 yards from the bridge in Henley on Thames, this jewel of a pub and eating house
Hotels
Find hotels in Henley on Thames including other accommodation such as bed and breakfast and self catering facilities.
Did you know?
The first Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race first took place at Henley in 1829.
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