A weekend in Henley-on-Thames

A riverside town famous for its regatta and rowing

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Henley-on-Thames is an elegant Georgian riverside town in the Chilterns, best known for its royal regatta, which takes place each summer. The river is lined with pubs and boathouses, and the town has a good selection of shops and restaurants.

It makes a relaxing weekend, with riverside walks, boat trips and countryside all close by, and it is within an hour of London.

Best forHistory lovers, Couples, Food lovers, Walkers

Best time to goSpring to autumn for the river. Regatta week in early July is very busy and expensive.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£540–£970, excluding travel

Getting thereLondon: About 1 hour by train from Paddington, with a change at Twyford, or about 1 hour by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Henley-on-Thames

Plan your weekend in Henley-on-Thames

Top attractions in Henley-on-Thames

The River Thames

Walks along the towpath and boat trips on the river, with views of boats and bridges.

The River and Rowing Museum

A museum about rowing, the river and the Wind in the Willows.

Henley Royal Regatta

A famous summer rowing event, held on the river each year.

Greys Court

A National Trust house and gardens a short drive away.

The Chiltern Hills

Woodland walks and villages in the hills behind the town.

Best things to do in Henley-on-Thames

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Roman Baths in Bath

The Roman Baths are the remains of an ancient bathing and temple complex built around the hot springs at the heart of the city. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Afternoon tea in Bath

Afternoon tea is a Bath tradition, and you can enjoy it in grand Georgian settings, boutique hotels or the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Stonehenge visit

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Henley-on-Thames

The town centre

Walkable to the river, shops and restaurants.

By the river

Scenic and peaceful, with boat views.

Marlow or Goring

Nearby riverside towns.

Best hotels in Henley-on-Thames

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

Hotel du Vin Henley-on-Thames

The Red Lion Hotel

Compare places to stay in Henley-on-Thames

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Henley-on-Thames

Spring to autumn for the river. Regatta week in early July is very busy and expensive.

Seasons that suit Henley-on-Thames well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Henley-on-Thames

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£180–£320
Food and drink, per day for two	£75–£120
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£540–£970

Premium destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Henley-on-Thames

From London: About 1 hour by train from Paddington, with a change at Twyford, or about 1 hour by car.
From Oxford: About 40 minutes by car.
From Birmingham: About 2 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Henley-on-Thames

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The town centre.
Saturday: Start with The River Thames, then The River and Rowing Museum. In the afternoon, head to Henley Royal Regatta.
Sunday: Visit Greys Court or The Chiltern Hills, then head home.

Packing list for Henley-on-Thames

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Rooms are very expensive during regatta week, so book well ahead or avoid it.
Parking in the centre can be difficult.
Many riverside pubs fill up on sunny weekends.

Henley-on-Thames weekend FAQs

Is Henley worth visiting outside the regatta?

Yes. It is a lovely, relaxed town at any time of year, with riverside pubs and walks.

Can I get to Henley by train from London?

Yes. Trains run from Paddington with a change at Twyford, taking around an hour.

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Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.