The complete guide to the Henley Royal Regatta

What is Henley Royal Regatta?

Henley Royal Regatta is an annual rowing event held on the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire – but this is not just any rowing event. Attracting more than 300,000 visitors including celebrities, across the course of the week, Henley Royal Regatta is the world’s best-known regatta and a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the English social season.

For one week in early July, the river becomes a waterborne ‘theatre’ and the best ‘seats’ in the house are on board one of the many boats which form a floating grandstand. Motor launches, narrowboats, and punts compete with larger craft for position along the mile and a quarter course.

Sparkling wine flows and the atmosphere is that of an English country house party. Spectators are treated to over 400 races of international standard and there’s a fabulous variety of food and drink to enjoy from the Picnic Market and the light bites and gourmet meals of Café Regatta to the first-class dining experience in the Stewards’ Enclosure.

A short history of Henley Royal Regatta

Founded in 1839, Henley Royal Regatta has been held every year, with the exception of the years affected by the world wars and the Covid-19 pandemic. The first Regatta, hosted by the mayor and people of Henley, took place on a single afternoon and focused more on the amusements, including a fair, than on the rowing.

By 1840 the Regatta had become so popular with amateur rowers that it became a two-day event and, in 1851, gained its Royal title when HRH Prince Albert became the first Royal Patron. Following Prince Albert’s example, every reigning Monarch has agreed to become Patron, enabling the Regatta to retain the ‘Royal’ in its name.

Since 1885, the Regatta has been organised by a self-electing body of Stewards, mostly well-known and successful rowers and scullers. Each year, twelve Stewards, elected to the Committee of Management, take responsibility for the planning and detailed organisation. In 1886, the Regatta was extended to three days and then, in 1906, to four days. In January 1919 it was decided that it was too soon to revive the Regatta but the Leander Club asked the Stewards to arrange a four-day ‘Peace Regatta’ with some events restricted to crews from the armed services.

By 1928, the Regatta had become so popular that the entries for some events exceeded the maximum number allowed and so qualifying races were introduced, taking place in the week before the Regatta. In 1986, it was extended to five days with an increase in maximum entry numbers for certain events.

The Stewards took the decision to buy Temple Island at the start of the course in 1987, carrying out the extensive renovation of The Temple, built in 1771, including the restoration of important wall paintings in the main room. In 1992, the Stewards acquired the small island on the Buckinghamshire bank, once occupied by the Fawley Court’s boathouse.

The course of the Regatta has always been one mile and 550 yards (2,112 metres) but it has been through four changes during its history. Initially starting just upstream of Temple Island and finishing at Henley Bridge, the finish line has moved slightly downstream and measures have been taken to reduce the advantage of those rowing in certain positions on the river given the current, the bends in the river and the shelter from the wind provided by bushes on one of the banks.

Today, rowers from all around the world enter and compete for impressive silverware – and the whole event is an impressive spectacle.

Is the Henley Royal Regatta the only Regatta held in Henley?

Those who live in and around Henley are treated to several regattas throughout the year. In mid-July, there’s the Henley Masters Regatta, a prestigious event for veteran rowers aged twenty-seven or older. Also in July, there’s the Henley Traditional Boat Festival featuring heritage vessels, local food stalls, and live performances. In August, the local community comes together for the Henley Town and Visitors’ Regatta, a community-based event with 200 races, which welcomes local clubs and visitors alike. In September, the Illuminated Boat Parade is well worth a visit with a magical display of glowing boats and riverside light shows.

Henley Women’s Regatta, which takes place in June, was founded in 1987 and has become an annual premier rowing event and one of the most significant events in the British rowing calendar attracting thousands of women rowers from around the world. The Regatta showcases high level competition with events for various levels of rowing including juniors, club teams and international crews.

Henley Royal Regatta: Fast Facts

• Henley Regatta was founded in 1839.
• Prince Albert was the first Patron, giving the regatta its ‘Royal’ name.
• The course runs from one mile and 550 yards or 2,112 yards.
• There are 27 events in 5 categories including student and junior events.
• The races start on the Berkshire side of Temple Island and finish near Henley Bridge
• Over 300,000 visitors attend the Regatta during the week.
• With 6 days of racing, there are more than 400 races.
• There’s a knockout format with each race being a head-to-head competition between two crews and the losing one is knocked out.

Tickets and Enclosures Explained

What to book

Unless you’re a member or a guest, you’ll need to purchase tickets for The Regatta Enclosure which is open to the public. Ticket prices range from £36 to £60 per day with higher prices on weekends. There are complimentary tickets for children under the age of 14 with the purchase of an adult ticket.

The Regatta Enclosure

The family friendly Regatta Enclosure is located on Henley Reach, right on the racing course. It opens half an hour before the first race and has a relaxed dress code, riverside seating, an open grandstand, a covered restaurant, an outside dining area and a bar selling a range of food and drinks.

The Stewards’ Enclosure: 

Located on the Berkshire side of the River Thames with a view of the finish line, the Stewards’ Enclosure is restricted to members and their guests. The two grandstands provide sweeping views of the course, Henley town and St Mary’s Church tower and there’s also a selection of bars, exclusive eateries, an art gallery, and prize tent. 

Booking tickets for the Enclosures

Tickets, which go on sale in mid-April, may be booked on the official Henley Royal Regatta website at www.hrr.co.uk/book-tickets, from the Regatta Headquarters or by calling the Badge Office on 01491-572153.

Tickets in the UK will be delivered by courier or tracked mail at a standard charge of £7 or are available for collection from the Badge Office at Regatta Headquarters on certain days. You will need to check this on the official website. 

During the event, Stewards’ Enclosure badges may be collected from the Collections Point at the entrance to the Stewards’ Enclosure. Regatta Enclosure badges may be collected from the Sales Kiosk at the entrance to the Regatta Enclosure but, when collecting badges, bring your order confirmation and proof of identity.

What does a ticket at the Regatta Enclosure provide?

Booking tickets for the Regatta Enclosure means you’ll have riverside seating and will be able to watch the racing from the open grandstand. You’ll also have access to formal and informal dining with a café and bistro on hand. t’s important to note that you can only bring small bottles of water into the Regatta enclosure. Picnics are not allowed. You’ll also be able to take a child up to the age of 14 for free if you buy an adult ticket.

Hospitality, picnics, camping and viewpoints which don’t need a ticket.

It’s possible to watch Henley Royal Regatta without booking a ticket.  Large parts of the course along the River Thames are free to access and you’ll be able to watch the races from various grassy areas along the towpath.

If you want an exclusive picnic spot and parking, head to Remenham Farm, which offers basic parking and a five-minute walk to the riverbank or all-day riverside parking and a private place to eat your picnic. Theres’ also camping available at Remenham Farm.  On the website www.henleyregatta.com you can sign up for information on the packages available. 

Fawley Meadows, a 10 to 15-minute walk from Henley’s railway station, just downstream of Henley Bridge and opposite the Steward’s Enclosure, Fawley Meadows is another great place to view the racing. If you’re looking for hospitality or VIP spaces, it’s a great place to make the most of the Regatta. On Sunday, it has a more relaxed family feel.  www.hrr.co.uk/official-hospitality/fawley-meadows-2/#discover

How to plan ahead

If you decide you’d like to book tickets for Henley Royal Regatta, it’s wise to plan ahead.

• Decide when you’d like to go and what events you’re interested in. The official website provides the week’s schedule, and prices depend on the day and the events.
• Plan your travel arrangements. The best way to travel is by public transport with frequent trains from London Paddington to Henley-on-Thames.  Book your train tickets.  If you’re travelling by taxi, book your cab and ask the driver to drop you off in the centre of Henley and walk down to the riverside to avoid the gridlocked traffic on the river front.  If you’re driving, set off early and leave plenty of time. Parking opens at 7.30 am and the car park fills up swiftly.
• Decide on your outfit. We’ve provided ideas for clothing styles and brands.  Think smart summer garden party and check the dress codes for the appropriate enclosure or hospitality area.
• Arrive early to secure a prime spot by the river. Arriving early means you’ll be able to explore the area and your catering options and settle down before the racing begins.
• Bring some water and use the water stations throughout the venue. If you’re in one of the enclosures though, a bottle of water is all you’re allowed to bring. Leave your picnic or bottles of sparking wine at home.

What to Wear at Henley Royal Regatta

The Regatta Enclosure

There is no dress code in the Regatta Enclosure and the atmosphere is informal and relaxed with many attendees wearing club blazers and other rowing-related clothing. You can choose whether to dress up or opt for a more casual look.

The Stewards’ Enclosure

If you are lucky enough to be a member or the guest of a member and will be watching Henley Royal Regatta from the Stewards’ Enclosure, you’ll need to adhere to the strict dress code. For women, this includes below-the-knee dresses or skirts, trouser suits or jackets or blazes with smart trousers. Hats or fascinators are usually worn. Men are required to wear lounge suits or jackets or blazers with trousers along with a tie or cravat. Children are expected to dress appropriately and no jeans, shorts, leggings or tracksuits are allowed.

Style inspiration

If you’re attending the Regatta, women need to consider their footwear.  We recommend wearing wedge or block-heeled shoes to prevent you from sinking into the grass.  Women’s clothing brands often seen at Henley Royal Regatta include Reiss, Hobbs, Whistles, ME + EM, LK Bennett and Rixo along with a host of luxury brands such as Zimmerman, The Fold and Self-Portrait.  For men, loafers and brogues are usually worn as are brands such as Hackett, Ralph Lauren, Reiss, Charles Tyrwhitt, Gant, Paul Smith, Hugo Boss and Turnbull & Asser.

How to do Henley Royal Regatta ‘properly’

It’s not important to understand the difference between ‘eights’ and ‘coxless fours’ to enjoy Henley Royal Regatta, although it is more enjoyable if you read up in advance.  The Regatta experience is rather like an elegant riverside garden party with sparkling wine, jazz bands and stylish outfits.  If you’re attending for the first time, we have put together a few tips for first-time attendees and a few guidelines on etiquette.

Tips for first time attendees at Henley Royal Regatta

• Make sure you check the dress code and wear the appropriate clothing depending on whether you are in the Stewards’ Enclosure, the Regatta Enclosure or one of the VIP, hospitality or other areas.
• Leave your picnic at home if you’re in one of the enclosures.
• Check the official schedule to plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss any events.
• Arrive early to settle into your riverside spot, get a welcome drink and relax.
• Do wear comfortable shoes – wedge or block heels for women are advisable to make it easier to walk on the grass and, if you’re being dropped off within walking distance of the river, you’ll be glad of comfortable footwear.

Etiquette at Henley Royal Regatta

• Photography is not allowed in the Stewards’ Enclosure and there are restrictions on smoking in the Stewards’ Enclosure.
• Spectators are expected to applaud politely.
• Spectators have to respect the walkways used by crews and officials.
• Attendees are expected to dress for the occasion.
• Drinking is allowed in designated areas such as the Stewards’ Enclosure and Regatta Enclosure but there are specific rules regarding the consumption of alcohol in these spaces.
• Large bags are not permitted in the Stewards’ Enclosure and should be left in the Left Luggage outside the main entrance and there are cloakroom facilities for coats and jackets adjacent to the Fawley toilets.
• For those in the Regatta Enclosure, there are no left luggage facilities and only small bags, and baby-changing bags, may be brought into the enclosure and will be subject to a security search.
• In the Stewards’ Enclosure, it’s acceptable to use mobile phones for emails and messages and obtaining the race results but if you wish to talk on your mobile, you’ll have to leave the enclosure to do so.

What to do in Henley during Regatta Week

Henley-on-Thames isn’t just a Regatta town; it’s one of the most beautiful towns in England with an excellent range of shops and services in Henley and lots of places to eat and drink from tea shops and cafes to well-known restaurants and wonderful pubs.  Stroll along the scenic tow path or visit the historic St Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 13^th century.  The historic streets are filled with independent boutiques, antique shops and art galleries and there’s an enticing range of restaurants in the town centre including the historic pub - Orwells - which offers fine dining, the Coppa Club, known for its food and friendly service. The Shellfish Cow is renowned for its fantastic seafood, and The Three Horseshoes is the favourite of lovers of a traditional Sunday lunch.

Getting to Henley Royal Regatta

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.

• By Train: Take the train from London Paddington to Henley, changing at Twyford with a journey time of approximately an hour.
• By Car: Henley is just 13 miles from junction 8/9 on the M4 or 15 miles from junction 2 on the M40.  You’ll need to leave plenty of time because there’s a one-way system in Henley that causes long delays. It’s wise to use the A4130 as a drop off and then walk to the riverside.  If you’re travelling by taxi, ask the driver to head to central Henley rather than creeping through the gridlocked traffic along the riverside. 
• By Chauffeur-driven car: For those who want to travel in style and be dropped off at the closest points, Wheely is the official service for the Regatta. Between London and Henley, the cost is about £170 and between Heathrow and Henley, £125 which includes 60 minutes’ waiting time. (at the time of publishing this article). See www.hrr.co.uk/travel-parking/
• By Bus: The closest bus station is in Henley-on-Thames town centre, a ten-minute walk from the enclosures.  Information will be available on the Reading Buses website prior to the event. The Aqua-Reading bus services 29 and 28a travel between Reading and Henley, the Oxford Bus Company runs a service between Oxford and Henley.  On Friday and Saturday nights, Reading Buses usually runs a late-night service from Station Road to Reading.
• Parking: Do check the regulations on the official website. All day parking is available at the Remenham Farm site, just a short walk from key Regatta locations.  You can buy a daily space on arrival at the gate, subject to availability, so you’ll have to arrive early. The official car parks open from 7.30 am and are locked at 9 pm and no overnight parking is permitted.

Celebrating a Local Pride Moment

As the developers of Manor Gardens in Shiplake, the Beechcroft team was keen to congratulate Shiplake College on their historic victory at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2025 when the Boys’ Eight won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. Shiplake College Girls’ Rowing Team were successful in reaching the final of the Prince Phillip Challenge Trophy, also a significant achievement for students at the college renowned for its sporting prowess.

Manor Gardens, Shiplake

A new home at Beechcroft’s Manor Gardens in Shiplake will put residents of all ages within each reach of Henley Royal Regatta and everything that Henley-on-Thames has to offer including independent boutiques, High Street shops, cafes and restaurants, great places to walk and, of course, watersports.  The collection of twenty-four new, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes come complete with garaging, parking and electric car charging and the development enjoys a beautifully landscaped setting.