_What to expect from Henley Royal Regatta

Henley Royal Regatta is renowned worldwide. It’s a firm fixture for the rowing community, but also for those who love the social aspect and the wonderful ambience of the event. Thousands of people from around the world head for Henley for the week of the regatta. This year, that is 28th June to 3rd July.

We spoke to Nick Warner, Knight Frank Partner and Office Head, Henley-on-Thames to gain his local insights on the Oxfordshire town at this time of year.

Nick says, “Visually, it’s an absolute spectacle on the river and around the town. The population of the town swells for the 4-week period of the festival. There is such a buzz from the event. It’s a time of celebration in the town.”

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About Henley Royal Regatta

Dating back to 1839, the regatta has been held annually ever since apart from the years affected by World War II and Covid-19. It’s the world’s most prestigious regatta. Over 300 races take place across the 6-day event.

The elite of the rowing world participate in the incredible sporting event on the River Thames. As Nick Warner describes,

“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 sport is incredible.”

Expect to see enthusiastic junior teams competing as well as the professionals. Spectators have the chance to witness past and future Olympians rowing. This all adds to the joyful, celebratory atmosphere.

Where to watch the regatta

Henley local Nick says, “My preferred spot is the start. I very often go down in the evening after work and enjoy watching the start as that’s exciting. The start by Temple Island is a great vantage point to watch the beginning of the race. You can get there from Hambledon Lock which is a very pleasant walk along that stretch of the river.”

There are hospitality suites and bars on both sides of the bank. An enormous amount of entertaining occurs during the event. With Moet & Chandon as sponsors, you can expect world-class hospitality. Temple Island offers an exclusive, luxurious location to entertain guests, and it will be truly memorable.

You can charter boats from Hobbs of Henley to go up and down the regatta course. There’s always a huge promenade of boats and fancy dress from those enjoying the occasion from a private boat. Steaming gently up and down alongside the regatta course is so much fun.

How to get to Henley Royal Regatta

Nick Warner’s tip would be to ditch the car if you can. Traffic can be busy through the Oxfordshire market town. It’s potentially a lot easier to come by train.

Henley in summer

Henley comes alive in summer and not just due to the regatta. There’s also the Henley Festival which celebrates its 40th year this July. From 6th-10th July, a host of music, comedy and entertainment acts will take to the stage. Headliners on the music stage include Sir Tom Jones, Craig David, Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins. The impressive line-up of comedy acts includes Jo Brand, Maisie Adam and Milton Jones.

Henley-on-Thames has a celebratory ‘end-of-term’ feel in the summer months. There is so much to discover and enjoy in this riverside town. If you’d like to find out more about the town and the properties it has to offer, please contact the team in our Henley office.