Situated in lush, green South Oxfordshire (and very close to both Buckinghamshire and Berkshire), about 45 minutes from Paddington by rail, is the pretty riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, most famous for the Henley Royal Regatta, an annual rowing competition held over five days in late June/early July. During the regatta the best places to stay in Henley-on-Thames are booked solid, but outside of the this week, the town makes an easy mini-break or weekend destination, with a selection of accommodation options including a chic property right on the river.

The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the world’s best known rowing regattas, known for the sport, but also for the social scene, the fashion, and the glamorous parties. It’s busy, but don’t be put off. One of the most charming things about Henley during the Regatta, is all the classical launches out on the Thames. Many of them are available to rent, and they make a useful, and memorable, way to get around town during this busy period. For background regatta research, visit Henley-on-Thames River and Rowing Museum. The stretch of river between the regatta finish line and Henley Bridge hosts an annual festival of Music and Arts — which is now known for attracting huge crowds, and some of the best music acts around.

Henley is also a good base for anyone wanting to explore further afield either on foot or two wheels: there are loads of routes along the river and the Chiltern Hills are on the doorstep.

Don't forget that the best places to stay in Henley-on-Thames fill up very quickly during those peak dates, so either choose to come at a quieter time, or book well ahead!

The Best Places to Stay in Henley-on-Thames

For a Perfect Location

• Henley’s Hotel du Vin has been converted from an old riverside brewery. Despite the beer v. wine question, this is a good pairing, with the interior decor keeping many of the brewery’s original features, but adding the luxury of high-thread-count cotton, plush furniture, sink-into beds and huge bathrooms. There are 43 rooms and suites — our favourites have water-view terraces (the River-View Suites have bathtubs on the outdoor terraces too). The restaurant is very good, and there's a quintessentially Hotel du Vin wine list. Children and pets are welcome too.

For a chic coaching inn

• The Stag and Huntsman is situated half way between Henley and Marlow and offers a beautiful old coaching inn turned chic country pad. There are eight rooms and two separate cottages, all done in classic country style, but with a fresh contemporary feel. The restaurant regularly changes its menu and features seasonal local produce. Ideal for a quiet country getaway.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Henley-on-Thames?

• There’s a quick and easy train route between London Paddington and Henley-on-Thames, which runs via Reading, and takes around an hour. If you’re flying towards Henley-on-Thames, the closest airports are London’s, with Heathrow Airport closest as the crow flies, about half an hour in a taxi or by car, or around an hour to an hour and a half by train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Henley-on-Thames is busiest during the Henley Royal Regatta, which runs for a week, from the end of June through to early July. This is certainly a nice time to visit as far as the weather is concerned too. There are a cluster of regattas in the spring and summer, if you can’t get tickets or accommodation for the main event, but Henley-on-Thames is a popular spot for a mini-break throughout the year, with enough indoor appeal to weather a few storms.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search further, to just the best places to stay for the Henley Regatta
• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Oxfordshire
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for: Oxfordshire's best pubs-with-rooms for example or the most romantic hotels in Oxfordshire
• Consider some of Henley’s neighbours— Marlow or Maidenhead
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Henley-on-Thames