Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

Information About Henley, The Thames

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Things to do in Henley

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Why do we recommend stopping here?

Henley on Thames is a very picturesque, mainly Georgian town. It has many many listed buildings and retains a medieval street layout. The Market Place and its continuation, Hart Street, are dominated by St Mary's Church at one end and the late Victorian Town Hall at the other. The town is of course famous for the Henley Royal Regatta and is a regular finalist in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition. The market square hosts regular weekly markets, and there many attractive pubs in the town. Henley has good transport links with surrounding towns and cities - London, Reading, Slough, Maidenhead and Oxford are all easily accessible from Henley station

What can I visit?

Henley-On-Thames Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames has exhibitions celebrating the town's association with rowing. The museum also houses the exhibition of Kenneth Grahame’s famous book 'The Wind in the Willows' brought to life in an fantastic recreation giving you the opportunity to walk along the River Bank, through the Wild Wood, into Badger’s house and through all twelve chapters of this classic adventure story.
Greys Court historic house (National Trust), Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames (approx 3 miles away) The original house dates from the 14th Century, although only one tower still remains. What you can see today is from Tudor times and has been perfectly preserved since then. Browse through the art and antiques inside and enjoy the manicured gardens outside.

Is this place famous for anything?

The Thames Tradtiional Boat Rally July 19th and 20th 2008 - a huge display of traditionally built craft, of any age, both powered and unpowered. A total of over 200 qualifying craft, ranging from slipper stern launches, gentlemen's day launches, vintage speedboats, unpowered and electric canoes. Many of the famous Dunkirk Little Ships attend each year. There wil also be many stalls on the bank, a jazz band and childrens entertainment.

Do any famous people live here?

The village of Lower Shiplake, between Sonning and Henley, was the childhood home of the author George Orwell, famous for the book 1984 and many others.

Insider Information

Brakspears Brewery was established in Henley in 1779 and can be easily seen from the river. Its products can be sampled in several pubs in the town! The Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery also produces real ale, and wine from it's own vineyards, at Hambleden, near Henley, and has a shop open daily where you can buy the produce. Opposite Marsh Lock you can see one of the original Dunkirk evacuation rescue boats, now renamed and owned by TV presenter Raymond Baxter.

Is there a market day?

Charter Markets are held in the Market Place every Thursday. Farmers markets are held in the Market Place on the third Thursday of every month.

Is there a public swimming pool?

Henley Leisure Centre, Gillotts Lane, Henley-on-Thames. Tel: +44 (0) 1491 577909. Heated 25 metre indoor swimming pool
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 06.45 - 22.00, Saturday 8.00 - 20.15, Sunday 9.00 - 20.30
Alternative: No

Is there a tourist office?

Henley-On-Thames Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 2AQ Tel: +44 (0)1491 578034

Is there a golf course here or nearby?

Badgemore Park Golf Club, Henley-on-Thames Tel: 01491 574175

Are there any other recommended activities?

The Nettlebed Folk Club, The Village Club, High Street, Nettlebed (nr Henley) has concerts every Monday night from 8pm. With top acts, this famous folk club is one of the most popular clubs in the country

Is there anything else worth mentioning?

There will be continental markets, held at Market Place, Henley on Friday 18th -Sunday 20th April (Italian market), Friday 30th May - Sunday 1st June (Normandy market), Friday 10th - Sunday 12th October (continental market)


Eating and Drinking in Henley

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Budget restaurant

The Angel On The Bridge pub, which is….right by the bridge!
Atmosphere: Waterside pub serving local Brakspears beers
Cuisine: Pub food
Contact Details: Tel: 01491 410678


Shopping in Henley

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Supermarket

Waitrose
33 Bell St, Henley-on-Thames
Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 08.30 - 19.00, Weds & Thurdsday 08.30 - 20.00, Friday 08.30 - 21.00, Saturday 08.30 - 19.00, Sunday 10.00 -16.00

Supermarket

Tesco
359 Reading Rd, Henley-on-Thames

Supermarket 3

One Stop - convenience store, 130 Greys Rd, Henley-on-Thames

What other shops are there??

All shops and services.


Practicalities at Henley

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Mooring

There are overnight moorings at Red Eyot, as you approach Henley; moorings just before and after Henley Bridge, on the left hand side and the far side of the bridge on the right hand bank. Also, a little way further on, at Remenham Wood.

Can I get water here?

There is water available at Hurley Lock

Are there any 220v points to plug the boat into?

No

Can I get fuel here?

No

Are there any waste pump facilities here?

No. The next nearest pump out is at Hurley Lock, two locks further along the river, before Marlow.

Are there any public waste bins here?

There are bins at Hambeldon Lock, just after Henley.

Are there toilet/shower facilities here?

No

Is there a bank?

HSBC, 6-8 Market Pl, Henley-on-Thames, Lloyds TSB, 1 Reading Rd, Henley-on-Thames, Halifax Bank 48 Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames

Is there an ATM?

Yes

Is there a post office?

22 Reading Rd, Henley-on-Thames

Is there a doctor?

Marlow Medical Group, 57A, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames Tel: 01491 571305

Is there a dentist?

Bell Street Dentist Practice, 46 Bell St, Henley-on-Thames, Henley Dental Centre, 33 Duke St, Henley-on-Thames. Blandy House Dental Practice, 29 Hart St, Henley-on-Thames Tel: 01491 573112

Is there a pharmacy?

Alliance Pharmacy, 2 West Lane, Henley-on-Thames (off West Street) Tel: 01491 573211 and also at 25 Bell St, Henley-on-Thames, Tel: 01491 574142

Is there a taxi company here?

Henley Taxis Ltd, 41 Market Place, Henley on Thames. Tel: 01491 574 222

Can I get internet access here?

Tanscom internet café, Friday St, Henley-on-Thames. Open from 10am - 10pm (may close for lunch at quieter times)

* We've only just started, so it's not the finished article yet, but we hope in time to make this the definitive online cruising guide for the waterways we cruise. The information contained within the cruising companion is as up to date as possible, but if you see anything incorrect or missing we’d love to hear from you. Use the online form to send us your information or ideas.