Local Information

Henley is inextricably linked with the Royal River Thames.

The town is overlooked by beautiful Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the very heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days. They also enjoy browsing the town's many boutiques.

Founded in the 12th century, and best known for the annual Royal Regatta, Henley attracts some of the world´s finest rowers. Statues of those great Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent greet visitors to the town´s award winning River and Rowing Museum.

Henley also attracts golfers to local courses, is home to the nationally known Henley Hawks rugby club and successful cricket and football clubs as well as a privately-owned polo ground.

The stretch of river between the regatta finish and Henley Bridge is the location for the annual Henley Festival of Music and Arts. Now a popular hospitality venue it attracts some of the world´s top entertainers to perform on a floating stage in front of a dinner-jacketed audience and the site includes exhibitions of art and sculpture. The thriving Kenton Theatre is one of the oldest performing theatres in the country

Visitors can enjoy a boat trip down the regatta course, either in one of the commercial boats that operate along this stretch or, rather more energetically, in a rowing boat. Afterwards they can relax in the well-maintained Mill Meadows public park

Another form of enjoyment is the opportunity to enjoy a meal in one of Henley´s many and varied restaurants and in April 2006 the Market Place and Town Hall hosted the first two-day Henley Food Festival.