Henley-on-Thames: home to the Royal Regatta

Henley is one of Oxfordshire’s most picturesque towns, situated on the River Thames. It has built much of its reputation on the events which take place on the River Thames, such as the Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Festival. However, whether an event takes place or not, Henley-on-Thames is worth a visit.

What To Do And See

The town offers something for everybody: various art galleries show constantly-changing exhibitions, and the River & Rowing museum gives an insight into the history of rowing, the river and Henley itself.

Henley Bridge, a five-elliptical-arched stone road bridge built in 1786, runs over the River Thames, between Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

There are also many fashion boutiques, bakeries and tea rooms, old-fashioned butcher shops, and fine restaurants. Exercise is offered by riverside and country walks as well as good sporting facilities.

Fishing, golf and riding are all nearby, and within a radius of few miles are many well-known attractions.

Shopping

There’s a great deal of relaxing shopping to be had along the town's cobbled streets. The four main roads of Bell Street, Duke Street, Hart Street and Market Place are where you’ll find all types of shopping, from the well known high-street chains to antique shops and more quirky, one-off boutiques.

Henley offers a number of art galleries and boutiques alongside the river as well as places to enjoy a relaxing drink after a hard day's shopping!

Interesting Tidbits

Henley is the town where the first of famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races was held.

To celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, 60 oak trees were planted in the shape of a Victoria Cross near Fair Mile.

Surrounding Area

Nearby Abingdon Abbey was largely destroyed during the reformation however parts of the medieval buildings remain. Ardington House in Wantage is significant partly for the entrance which is dominated by the Imperial staircase, two flights of stairs coming back into one.

Buscot Park in Faringdon offers exquisite gardens, including the spectacular Water Garden designed by Harold Peto and the Four Seasons Walled Garden created by the present Lord Faringdon.

There are woodland walks, and in the Swinging Garden there are opprtunities to see some of the many species of birds which live on the estate.

General Information


  • How to get there

    From the M40, leave at junction 4 and take the A404 south, then take the sliproad left towards Hurley after about 2.5 km. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A4130 and follow the road into the town.

    From the M4 take the A404(M) north and again take the sliproad left towards Hurley.

  • Further Information

    Henley-on-Thames Website: http://www.henleyonthames.org

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