Oh, so English
Henley-on-Thames is undoubtedly the place to go for that little fix of riverside fun, and couldn’t be more quintessentially English if it tries.
Just on the border of Oxfordshire and Berkshire this historic, picturesque market town, can trace its roots back to 12th century.
How to get there
You can catch a train from London Paddington to Henley-on-Thames Station which takes around 1 hour. You'll need to change at Twyford onto the branch line.
A little crafty
There’s even a market held every Thursday that was granted charter in the 13th century. On the Sunday that we were there, was the artisan ‘Duck Pond’ craft market, new for 2018 and held on the 4th Sunday each month in Market Place.
Great for picking up those quirky gifts.
Tip
Park at the Waitrose car park in town, it is free on a Sunday. It's signposted as the Short Term Stay Car Park.
Legend
Strolling down Hart St., you’ll be facing the church of St Mary the Virgin, which has a 16th-century tower.
Have a little peek in the churchyard, and you’ll see a gravesite marker for the legendary singer Dusty Springfield, who lived in the town prior to her death in 1999.
Take a look
What will certainly catch your eye around the back of the church is Chantry House, a beautiful medieval timbered framed building that’s Grade I listed and built around 1400.
Just nearby is an intriguing little row of Almshouses initially built in 1664, but then rebuilt in 1846
Discover more
... of historic Britain and tour its picturesque countryside, head further into the Chilterns or even beyond to the Cotswolds. You can do it all on a road trip, SIXT car hire cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.
Water is calling
We head down to the River Thames, and it is such a wonderful backdrop, this part of the Thames has been made famous by the annual Henley Royal Regatta.
Every July rowers compete for five days along the 1 mile, 550 yards (2,112 metres) course. The first Henley Regatta was held in 1839 and then gained “Royal” status in 1851 when Prince Albert became the patron.
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Big Event
I think we had a glimpse of what was to come for the Regatta weekend.
Across the counties
You can’t help being drawn to Henley Bridge which straddles the Thames from Oxfordshire to Berkshire, built in 1786 and also Grade I listed. It’s from the Berkshire side that you can enjoy looking back across at Henley.
Although not quite in Henley-on-Thames, on the Berkshire side of the river overlooking Henley, is the Leander Rowing Club. Founded in 1818 and one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.
Point to Note
Henley-on-Thames can become very busy; it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Relaxing pace
However, you don’t need to be of Olympic standard to take to the waters; you can enjoy the pleasure of boating along the Regatta course yourself.
Or if you don’t want to take to the helm then let someone else take the strain in a larger boat and head upriver.
If you haven’t brought your sea legs then take a lovely stroll along the river, there are some beautiful boats to admire.
Did you know?
That Henley Royal Regatta is held over five days, finishing on the first Sunday in July?
Pit stop
Now if you need a bit of refreshment pop into The Old Bell pub, dating from 1325 and believed to be the oldest building in Henley-on-Thames.
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Comments
quintessentially English!:)
It’s certainly a lovely summer’s day out, even when the Royal Regatta isn’t on.