Our guide to the riverside beauty, Henley on Thames

Often described as one of Britain’s most beautiful towns, Henley on Thames is a lively market town in Oxfordshire surrounded by the magnificent Chiltern Hills. It dates to the 13th century with many beautiful buildings of special architectural or historical interest. As its name suggests, the River Thames runs through the town and contributes greatly to Henley’s character.

The mighty River Thames

Every year, the world famous Henley Royal Regatta swells the town’s population and all eyes are on this attractive stretch of the River Thames. It’s the best-known regatta in the world. Whilst well-dressed spectators clink glasses of English sparkling wine on the riverbank, athletic rowers display their prowess on the river.

“Visually, it’s an absolute spectacle on the river and around the town. There’s such a buzz from the event. It’s a time of celebration,” explains local Nick Warner, Knight Frank Partner and Office Head. He adds, “There’s all the excitement of a national and international sporting event. Competitors range from Olympic class athletes to fantastic school and university college rowers. The quality of rowing’s incredible.”

The river isn’t just in use for the duration of the Henley Royal Regatta. It’s the central lifeblood of this pretty town year round. You’ll find active people rowing, paddleboarding, swimming or kayaking along the river. You can swim the regatta course with Henley Swim, or the longer Thames Marathon route to Marlow. Hobbs of Henley offers daily cruises along here too.

Dotted along this delightful stretch of the river, you’ll find traditional pubs, great restaurants and inviting cafes. It’s the perfect place to press pause. Stop to drink in the wonderful waterfront view along with the local brew.

Family attractions

Families are attracted to Henley for many reasons, proximity to some of the UK’s most well-respected schools being an important one. Locally, Rupert House School is a popular co-ed prep school in the heart of town. But across Oxfordshire, academic options include Shiplake College, Abingdon School and Cranford School. Eton College, Radley College and Wellington College are all accessible too.

Many families enjoy getting involved in the various local sports clubs. Henley Rugby Club is great for kids, and it’s right in town too. Henley Hockey Club is an inclusive and fun family sports club. With a lovely location on the Berkshire banks of the river, Henley Cricket Club welcomes juniors and adults and is a great place to while away a summer’s afternoon. There are numerous expanses of open green spaces nearby for families to enjoy, explore and discover nature.

Cultural hub

The Royal Regatta may get the most acclaim, but Henley hosts an array of events all year round. Henley Literary Festival is a celebration of books with fascinating talks, workshops and performances. 

In summer, the five day Henley Festival brings a vibrant mix of music, food and entertainment to its riverside location. Huge music stars rub shoulders with emerging talent. There are comedians, DJs, circus acts and children’s entertainers. Being Henley, there’s a veritable gourmet feast along with fizz by the riverside. And did we mention that it’s a black tie event?

There’s a theatre and a cinema in town, neither of which are your average offering. The charming Kenton Theatre is a Grade II listed building and the fourth oldest working theatre in the UK. They run great kids theatre groups to get little ones involved. The nearby Regal Arthouse Cinema shows a programme of mainstream films and specialist performances too. The River and Rowing Museum shares stories from the river and the local area. They host a fascinating mix of events and interactive workshops.

Then there’s Phyllis Court, a private members club in a wonderful riverside manor with 18 acres of land. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded local people. You could workout in the fitness centre, enjoy the expansive grounds or try a new activity (there are 30 interest groups). It’s a beautiful environment in which to escape for a while, meet friends for a coffee or get active indoors, outdoors or on the water.

Foodie scene

Food is high on the menu here. With Mary Berry as an active member of the local community, you’d expect nothing less. The best way to spend a Saturday is a lengthy lunch with friends overlooking the Thames with glass in hand. The terrace at Bistro at the Boathouse is ideal for this. The iconic and traditionally English pub, The Angel on the Bridge dates back to 1728 and oozes charm and warmth. It has an equally appealing waterside terrace. Or head to the Chocolate Theatre Cafe for tea with a view.

The Relais Hotel is a great venue by the river, and houses the Henley Delicatessen. Choose from delectable cakes and sumptuous savouries as well as local juices and smoothies. 

Boutique shopping

Henley’s a wonderful place to potter. Wandering along the attractive cobbled streets and popping into independent boutiques is a perfect pastime. Of course, you’ll find well-known brands too. For fashion, Fluidity and Nina are well worth a visit. You’ll find beautiful homewares in Calvert Jones and Brook House Interiors, and Wild & Rust is the place for sustainable, stylish lifestyle pieces. The centuries-old The Bell Bookshop feels like an old friend and you must visit.

Sublime surroundings

London’s just over an hour away by car, and Oxford a little under an hour. Reading is a 20 minute drive. So, whilst there’s much to keep you in Henley, it’s easy to access bigger towns and cities when you need to. Similarly, the surrounding Chiltern Hills and Oxfordshire countryside are ideal for exploring by foot, bike or horse. But it’s hard to disconnect yourself from the lure of the River Thames once you’ve discovered it. So the Thames Path is a wonderful way to see picturesque countryside and local villages along the beautiful river. The 14km riverside route to the glorious town of Marlow is very much recommended.