Henley on Thames is one of the jewels of the river, a stunning reach , complete with the long near straight regatta course, the iconic Temple Island downstream of the town and stone multi-arch bridge dating back to 1786. Henley is packed full of boutiques, cafes, pubs (it is the original home of Brakspears Brewery) and high-quality restaurants. Shortly after exiting Marsh Lock at the top of the reach, parkland opens up on the Oxfordshire bank and the River and Rowing Museum comes in to view which is a drop-off and boarding point for many of our Henley cruises. Head further downstream and you reach the centre of the town, dating back to the 1100s and even today boasting a street layout that was set out in the 1300s. Modern Henley embraces its place in history and has protected the period charm. For one week in summer the sound of popping corks and clinking of Pimms glasses takes over as regatta followers watch elite rowing teams from across the globe, battle against one another in a way that has not changed dramatically for decades.
