Day Trip to Henley-on-Thames

Pint-sized Henley-on-Thames is the quintessential English riverside market town sitting pretty on the idyllic River Thames.

This summer my good friend and ex-colleague invited us for lunch at her home in Henley-on-Thames. Having never been to Henley, we graciously accepted her kind offer and made our way to South Oxfordshire via the train. Being in the English countryside, my friend thought it was only appropriate to have a traditional roast lunch. That said,  she made a roast chicken with all the traditional sides – root vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and some summer salads. It is a small world! It turns out that her husband and my Zurich-based friend work for the same investment management firm. 

Summer Festivals in Henley

Sitting pretty on the River Thames, much like neighbouring Marlow, Henley-on-Thames is a beautiful market town full of historic buildings, independent boutique shops, and rowing clubs. Summer in Henley-on-Thames is brimming with festivals, drawing crowds of people to this pint-sized village with some 12,000 residents. Famous for the Henley Royal Regatta which takes place the first week in July, the Regatta attracts the world’s best rowers for this multi-day competition. Fast forward a few weeks later, there is the annual Henley Festival, a formal black tie event, to celebrate music, arts and culture. And if that’s not enough, in August, Henley plays host to the Rewind Music Festival, an all 80s throwback music extravaganza. This year’s headliners include: Billy Ocean; Earth, Wind, and Fire; and The Jacksons. 

In addition to the marquee summer events, there are plenty of things to do in and around Henley.

Riverside Thames Walks

My friend is a big fan of nature walks. If she can’t get out to Chilterns, then her default is a walk along the Thames. The stretch of the Thames between Reading and Windsor is perhaps the most stately with historic manor houses and villas surrounded by areas of natural beauty. In fact, the Clooneys have a palatial home in Sonning, just outside of Reading. My friend takes us on a short walk towards the Wishing Tree towards Lower Shiplake, passing through the lock via a wooden footbridge. The Thames Pathway was heaving with joggers, families, and dog walkers all enjoying the beautiful day and peaceful atmosphere. 

Boating & Rowing 

A boat trip is a must if you visit Henley! Hobbs of Henley is the main boat operator in Henley. With a huge fleet, you can either hire a boat by the hour or take a river sightseeing tour.  My friend kindly reserved us on a six-seater electric boat for us to cruise to Hambleden Lock, passing by Henley Bridge, Fawley Court and Henley Business School. It was gorgeous with beautiful views of the Chiltern Hills as we gently cruised down the Thames passing all the revellers from the Rewind Festival. 

Rowing is a popular sport along the Thames with several prestigious rowing clubs based in Henley.  Apparently the Leander Rowing Club sent 23 athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics. A Heroes Parade awaits Olympic medallists and athletes in Henley in September to celebrate their remarkable achievements. The River & Rowing Museum pays homage to its proud history in British rowing. 

Mill Meadow Adventure Playground

Who doesn’t like a playground with a view of the River Thames? This playground is new and super cute. The playful colours will no doubt catch your child’s eye. Between climbing frames and wavy slides and sunken trampolines, this playground offers oodles of fun for the kiddos. Nearby the Mill Meadow and Marsh Meadow offers plenty of green space for picnics and garden games.

Hart Street & St. Mary’s Church

Hart Street in the main town centre is charming with classic bunting zigzagging across the high street. Just off the River Thames is the 13^th century St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful building which is the final resting place of singer Dusty Springfield. There is no shortage of charming pubs in Henley such as The Angel on the River, The Anchor Inn, and The Bull on Bell Street. Likewise, Hart Street is brimming with antiques, boutiques and a mix of charity shops. Be sure to stop by The Scoop Room for the best gelato in town. 

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It was lovely catching up with an old friend and visiting Henley-on-Thames. It is one of the most charming riverside villages along the idyllic stretch of the Thames. We hope to return in the autumn for a hike in the Chilterns to see the autumn foliage.