London


<p>Whether you’ve snaffled a Steward’s Enclosure pass (lucky duck) or you’re hustling for your spot on the river bank for a bird’s eye view of the action, <a href="https://www.hrr.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley Royal Regatta </a>sizzles across this south Oxfordshire town for six days every summer. The corks are popping for its 187th anniversary, and this year promises over 400 races, a raft of towering Olympic athletes rubbing shoulders with eager first-timers and enough lycra to get the MAMIL in your life hyperventilating. But lest you think you need a skin-tight unisuit and sporting prowess to enjoy Henley Royal Regatta let me reassure you &#8211; all you need is a floaty dress, a high pain threshold for your credit card and a healthy interest in sparkling wine, and you’re golden. Let the races begin!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-stay">Where to stay</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Flower-Pot-Hotel-Garden.jpeg" alt="Flower Pot Hotel Henley garden" class="wp-image-204253" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Flower Pot Hotel</figcaption></figure>



<p>We&#8217;ll start with the bit you&#8217;ll need to book, stat, because hotel rooms sell like hot cakes (or rather, Pimm&#8217;s) before Regatta week. It is the most famous regatta on the planet, so you don&#8217;t want to be in a &#8216;no room at the inn&#8217; sitch. </p>



<p>Fancy staying in a little haven a quick sail up the Thames from town? <a href="https://www.flowerpothotel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Flower Pot Hotel</a> in Aston is just two miles from the action and boasts its own private jetty, so you can come and go from all of the Regatta action in style, knowing that peace, a cloud-like bed and a gorgeous beer garden await. It&#8217;s a short taxi ride away if you don&#8217;t fancy taking to the water, or you can stroll into Henley <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/riverside-walks-oxfordshire-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">along the Thames Path</a> if footwear allows. Think country house hotel meets trad English pub, all tucked away in a bucolic hamlet. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Bull-on-Bell-St-Superior-Room.jpg" alt="A Superior Room at The Bull on Bell St" class="wp-image-204242" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Superior Room at The Bull on Bell St</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a prime position in town,  check into <a href="https://www.bullonbell.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bull on Bell Street</a>. Escape to the pretty, super-sized courtyard space and conservatory for a relaxed post-race meal, then hit the hay in one of the ten recently reno&#8217;d rooms. There&#8217;s even a boutique private apartment to house the whole gang. You can linger over your Eggs Royale the next day before returning to the riverbank.</p>



<p>If you don&#8217;t want the fun to end, <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-relais-henley-henley-on-thames/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Relais Henley</a>&#8216;s<a href="https://therelaishenley.com/this-season/riverside-dj-sessions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Riverside DJ Sessions </a>will keep the energy up as the sun sets. The Clipper restaurant serves locally sourced Brit classics right on the river too, so you’re sorted on all fronts, and if you book direct you score your Regatta stay for 20% off, which is welcome during a very spendy week.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Nine-Yards-Bell-Tents.jpg" alt="Nine Yards Bell tents interior" class="wp-image-204257" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nine Yards Bell Tents</figcaption></figure>



<p>Speaking of which, for a stay that&#8217;s magical, memorable and won&#8217;t cost the earth, <a href="https://nineyardsbelltents.co.uk/henley-regatta-glamping-accommodation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nine Yards Bell Tents</a> bring something fresh to the Regatta R&amp;R scene. A luxury glamping village just moments from the river, guests rest their weary heads in chic 5-metre bell tents, complete with real beds, cosy bedding, solar lighting, posh showers, proper toilets and even a pamper tent to perfect your next-day glow-up. Did we mention the cooked breakfast every morning and evening bar dishing up artisan pizzas? Tuck in at the stretch tent social area to get all the Regatta goss from your fellow glampers. We&#8217;re up for a slice of this kind of village life.</p>



<p>Lastly, if it&#8217;s good enough for the Clooneys, it&#8217;s good enough for us<a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/danesfield-house-hotel-near-marlow-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">; Danesfield House</a> near Marlow hosted George and Amal&#8217;s British nuptials and it&#8217;s a mere ten minute drive from the Regatta. The lovely kitchen team will even pack you up a luxurious picnic to take along for the day, and you have a grand four-poster to flop into when the stripy blazers and Henley Punch threaten to overwhelm your senses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-picnic-spots">Picnic spots</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/HENLEY-REGATTA.jpg" alt="HENLEY REGATTA" class="wp-image-191112" /></figure>



<p>On the topic of picnics, if you&#8217;re looking for comfort and exclusivity (always), <a href="https://henleyregatta.com/product-category/riverside-park-and-picnic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Remenham Farm</a> is the prime option for coveted picnic spots and parking, with a range of options including basic parking (and a 5 min amble to the riverbank), and all day Riverside Parking &amp; Picnicking with a clear view of the river and a private spot to scoff your fancy Scotch egg.</p>



<p>It’s also worth checking out <a href="https://www.hrr.co.uk/official-hospitality/fawley-meadows-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fawley Meadows </a>on Sunday (Family Day),&nbsp;a 10 to 15 min walk from the centre of Henley and the train station. On the Berkshire bank of the River Thames, just downstream of Henley Bridge, it’s opposite the famous Stewards’ Enclosure. It’s full of key hospitality and VIP spaces during the Regatta, but on Sunday there&#8217;s an altogether more relaxed vibe and more affordable pricing. </p>



<p>The other good way to enjoy your bulging food hamper at the Regatta is simply to walk down the tow path and find your spot. The races actually start two miles from the Henley Royal Regatta enclosures and so you can take a position on the bank and see the rowers whizzing past.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hire-a-boat">Hire a boat </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Hobbs-on-Henley.jpg" alt="Hobbs-on-Henley boat trips thames oxfordshire" class="wp-image-189266" /></figure>



<p>A brilliant way to watch the Regatta, if you can keep your eyes on the water (hot tip: do not ram a racing boat). You can hire a six seater motor sloop from <a href="http://www.hobbsofhenley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hobbs of Henley</a> with rain cover in the likely case that summer decides to stop on the day you board. On-board Bluetooth speakers mean you can play your own tunes.&nbsp;Chauffeured trips and hampers are also available to elevate things. <a href="https://www.boathireco.com/henleyregatta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boat Hire Company </a>offers vintage boat hire with a skipper for up to 12, either starting from Henley or gorgeous Hurley up the road (probably a bit less hassle). Finally, <a href="https://salterssteamers.co.uk/henley-royal-regatta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salter’s Steamers</a> is also doing its thing during Regatta with an exclusive cruise and added Elvis tribute act, Alvin. Not sure life gets much better than that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-eat-and-drink">Where to eat and drink</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/05/The-HIdden-Garden-eating.jpeg" alt="table of food" class="wp-image-89830" /></figure>



<p>You won&#8217;t go hungry; Henley is awash with fabulous pubs and inns. Our top tips include: <a href="https://www.theangelhenley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Angel on the Bridge</a>, an iconic pub in town dating back to 1728. Its terrace with decking extending to the river is a prime position for rosé sipping and rower-watching. The pub has a child and dog-friendly vibe that will suit families.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/The-plough-at-shiplake-garden.jpg" alt="Garden at The Plough Shiplake" class="wp-image-191104" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The award-winning garden at The Plough at Shiplake</figcaption></figure>



<p>Also consider beautiful <a href="https://www.theploughshiplake.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plough at Shiplake</a> a strategic foodie base. Shiplake has its own train station (one stop from Henley), to dip in and out of the action with ease. It’s also a 10 min drive or a 40-minute amble along the Thames Path. The Plough feels more restauranty than pubby, though its outdoor garden tables offer very chilled-out dining.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thethreetunshenley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Tuns</a> in the centre of town is fresh from a revamp last year as a new chop house. Another spot with a sun-drenched courtyard (they&#8217;re tucked away all over town), it&#8217;s ideal for an afternoon apero or a leisurely lunch between races. Possibly the best dining spot on this Henley stretch of river belongs to Sean Dickens’ <a href="https://www.bistroattheboathouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bistro at The Boathouse</a> – fabulous views if you can grab an outdoor table.&nbsp;Elbows out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-wear">What to wear</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Henley-Regatta-what-to-wear.jpg" alt="Henley Regatta style" class="wp-image-191105" /></figure>



<p>Rules, rules and more rules &#8211; yawn &#8211; but hey, at least 2022 saw women finally allowed to wear trouser suits in the Stewards’ Enclosure. Dresses or skirts should have below-the-knee hems, and while it&#8217;s not <em>de rigueur</em>, it&#8217;s &#8216;the done thing&#8217; for women to wear hats. It’s a bit more relaxed in the Regatta Enclosure so shimmy into whatever &#8216;fit you feel like and go have some fun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-get-to-henley-royal-regatta">How to get to Henley Royal Regatta</h2>



<p>The Stewards’ and Regatta enclosures are set along the Berkshire bank, and easily reached on foot (but not heels) from the train station or town centre in around 10-15 mins. Remember public transport is your friend, especially after those bottomless glasses of Nyetimber. </p>



<ul>
<li>By Train<em>:</em> From London Paddington to Henley (change at Twyford) and allow an hour.</li>



<li>By Car: Henley is 13 miles from J8/9 on the M4 or 16 miles from J4 on the M40. Just note: the Regatta week one-way system is very much a thing. Best drop-off is via the A4130, then a short walk riverside.</li>



<li>Uber and taxis should aim for central Henley, rather than edging into the riverside gridlock. </li>
</ul>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/may-half-term-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">35+ things to do in London for May half term</a></li>



<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/wild-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 of the wildest things to do in London</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/best-new-theatre-shows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">From Olivier winners to opening nights – the best theatre to see now</a></li>
</ul>


Off to Henley Royal Regatta? The survival guide you actually need

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