I feel so lucky that once Henley was just 15 mins down the road from where I lived and very easy for me to pop along to; which I have done so many times. It’s one of those places that isn’t so big once you get your bearings with it. And it makes for a really nice place to hang out for a few hours or for a day trip.
Sitting on the River Thames, and now home to the world famous Henley Regatta, this pretty Berkshire market town has a big pull to the riverside. Depending on which way you come into the town, if you come in over the Henley Bridge (built in 1786) and if you take a boat trip down the Thames, have a look at the sculptures carved into the stone arches on your way under the bridge.
A fact about Henley that I recently learned, was that during the Black Plague, the town lost approx 60% of it’s inhabitants to the disease! With relatively little change made to the town since the Victorian era, it’s described as Quintessentially English.
With a train station that goes to Twyford and back, you can get to Henley by train by changing there, coming in from London or from the opposite direction on the Reading line. Parking can get a bit hairy, do expect queues if you drive but there’s parking at the train station and Grey’s Road; my most used options, where normally something will come up.
Walkers
This is a great place for walkers, especially those who prefer a scenic river walk! There are some short river walks, which you can go in from either direction. Ones I have taken before have been from the Regatta side (with the Regatta on, it can take a fair bit longer to walk, with marquees and people) down to the Temple on Temple Island; this is a gorgeous summer house (reminder to go back and grab a photo of this soon), but it’s also a venue that you can hire. Have a look here to see how amazing it looks inside. It was originally a fishing lodge for the nearby Fawley Estate and also marks the beginning of the Regatta course, due to it’s straight stretch of the river. So walking to this and back is a nice route. You can also walk the opposite direction, by crossing over the bridge into the town and taking a left by the Angel on the Bridge pub. Following that down, you go past Mill Meadow (with a great play area for kids), along Marsh Weir and Lock and then you are on the Thames Path, so that really can go on for as long as you want to walk for. Both are lovely routes, but the first is a quieter option.
There’s also a Midsomer Murders walking trail that I’d love to try; with Henley as a location for some of the episodes, it’s a fun and easy way to check out the filming spots.
Shoppers
There are several streets lined with shops, independents are dotted through out and there’s a nice mix of these with retailers that you’ll know. If you are a keen charity shopper, then head to Duke Street, where there are many; in this wealthy town you are sure to grab a great bargain! Once on the corner of Bell Street and New Street, you’ll now find the loveliest teddy bear shop, Asquith’s in a beautiful Grade II listed building in Hart Street. I also love popping into Vintage Chic, Stocks, Amy Lou for gifts and homeware items and of course as a book lover, The Bell Bookshop. If you’re an antique lover, then try Tudor House.
Drinkers
I’ve had a good experience in any pub I’ve visited in Henley, which is a nice position to be in. So I can recommend The Little Angel, which is very warm and inviting (I’m yet to eat here, so that will go on the list!), The Angel on the Bridge, which in the summer gets exceptionally busy, even for a drink as people flock to the outside space by the river for some sun.
Places I’m yet to try that I want to:
The oldest pub in Henley, The Old Bell
Magoo’s cocktail bar
Jacobini Wine Gallery
The Terrace at the Red Lion Lawn (a cool summer pop up)
The Anchor
I’d also love to check out the Fairmile Vineyard, a 5 min drive out of Henley with award-winning sparkling wine as well as stunning views over the Chilterns, it’s got to be on the list!
Cafe’s/Restaurants
I’ve been lucky enough to try a few places for food in Henley and the one’s I recommend for daytime are The Chocolate Cafe – their afternoon is decadent! I usually get breakfast or brunch at The Spoon Cafe, they do great coffee and healthy options.
For lunch / dinner, I can recommend The Bull on Bell Street, Cafe Rouge (try and secure a table outside to people watch) and the Giggling Squid; the setting is gorgeous, opposite St Mary’s Church.
I’d like to try:
Pachangas
The Relais (would also love to stay)
Hart Street Tavern
The Square
Hotels
When it was the Red Lion, it is in my view, a stand out, prominent building on the river and having been fortunate to have had a massage there as well as attend a wedding, I would love to come back and stay. In the past this hotel has offered special evenings, such as wine tasting and comedy nights. Now it’s called the Relais Retreat and it’s great to see that the new management are keeping a strong calendar of events going. With great reviews too, it’s one for my list!
If you don’t mind a 10 min drive and you feel like splurging, check out Danesfield House; absolutely stunning hotel (we popped in for a drink and had this on the terrace; the far-reaching views were worth the price of the drink!).
Sightseeing
Aside from walking on foot around and checking out the various river walks, I think it’s worth checking out The Regal Picturehouse; it’s a really nice independent cinema and if drinks after dinner isn’t your thing or you are a movie buff, this could be a good different option for your evening or a rainy day.
You can’t really come to this town on a nice day and NOT take a boat trip, whether that’s a classic cruise down the river with Hobbs or take a self drive boat out with Henley Boating; there are a few different companies that offer this, but these are the ones I have personally used and can rate.
For any Beatles fan’s, Friar House (former home of George Harrison), is worth a walk up the hill to look at. You can’t see further in than the gates and gatehouse, but it’s stunning and I have added a picture of this courtesy of Wikipedia. What a dream!
And for some culture, once in your life you have to attend the Royal Regatta! An annual event where you can go either with your own picnic or upgrade to an enclosure. Either way a fun day out and at night all along the river they add pretty fairy lights to line the (uneven, so watch out in heels!) route. Also, top tip, if you’re taking the train, add at least 45 mins to your time to get through the crowds along the river and bridge from the Regatta as, even with the strongest will in the world not to be tempted by a food or drinks stand, just general foot traffic will delay you.
Places I want to check out:
The River and Rowing museum
I’ve walked past it several times but never been into St Mary’s Church
Would I go again?
Having now moved away and not having easy access to Henley, I think I probably would visit again but only with something specific in mind or to finish off my list of places to visit with a weekend trip. I only say that because I have visited so many times now, I know it like the back of my hand and I can look at my memories fondly. If you live nearby it’s just perfect to go and view a sunset from the river (we took some fizz and quite a few others had had the same idea – top tip, you can park for free right by this area in Remenham Lane, just a few spaces but off the beaten track!) or pop there for a walk on a sunny day.
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