51乱伦

Often described as one of Britain鈥檚 most beautiful towns, Henley on Thames is a lively market town in Oxfordshire surrounded by the magnificent Chiltern Hills. It dates to the 13th century with many beautiful buildings of special architectural or historical interest. As its name suggests, the River Thames runs through the town and contributes greatly to Henley鈥檚 character.

The mighty River Thames

Every year, the world famous swells the town鈥檚 population and all eyes are on this attractive stretch of the River Thames. It鈥檚 the best-known regatta in the world. Whilst well-dressed spectators clink glasses of English sparkling wine on the riverbank, athletic rowers display their prowess on the river.

鈥淰isually, it鈥檚 an absolute spectacle on the river and around the town. There鈥檚 such a buzz from the event. It鈥檚 a time of celebration,鈥� explains local Nick Warner, 51乱伦 Partner and Office Head. He adds, 鈥淭here鈥檚 all the excitement of a national and international sporting event. Competitors range from Olympic class athletes to fantastic school and university college rowers. The quality of rowing鈥檚 incredible.鈥�

The river isn鈥檛 just in use for the duration of the Henley Royal Regatta. It鈥檚 the central lifeblood of this pretty town year round. You鈥檒l find active people rowing, paddleboarding, swimming or kayaking along the river. You can swim the regatta course with , or the longer Thames Marathon route to Marlow. offers daily cruises along here too.

Dotted along this delightful stretch of the river, you鈥檒l find traditional pubs, great restaurants and inviting cafes. It鈥檚 the perfect place to press pause. Stop to drink in the wonderful waterfront view along with the local brew.

Riverside properties

If life by the water appeals, this five bedroom riverside home with Thames Frontage could be a dream property. It鈥檚 the kind of magical riverside home that rarely comes to the market, but it has now.

This elegant Edwardian home makes the most of its exceptional riverside position, with twenty-five metres of riverbank frontage, a mooring, and a landing stage for boating. South-facing and set at the end of Ferry Lane, it enjoys uninterrupted views up and down the river, while a terrace off the river room creates a perfect spot to sit and take in the setting. Sweeping lawns, mature hedging, and colourful borders frame the water beautifully, offering a peaceful and private environment that fully embraces its riverside character. This truly special property is on the market with a guide price of £2,250,000. 

Historic Henley has many period properties from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, along with more modern 20th century properties. You鈥檒l find brick and flint houses that are characteristic of the Chilterns area. Prestigious riverside properties on the banks of the Thames are usually detached villas. Warner advises, 鈥淒emand for property around Henley is high, with waterfront homes being exceptionally desirable. The Shiplake and Wargrave reaches are prime riverside locations.鈥� Discover Henley properties available now. 

Family attractions

Families are attracted to Henley for many reasons, proximity to some of the UK鈥檚 most well-respected schools being an important one. Locally, is a popular co-ed prep school in the heart of town. But across Oxfordshire, academic options include , and . , and are all accessible too.

Many families enjoy getting involved in the various local sports clubs. is great for kids, and it鈥檚 right in town too. is an inclusive and fun family sports club. With a lovely location on the Berkshire banks of the river, welcomes juniors and adults and is a great place to while away a summer鈥檚 afternoon. There are numerous expanses of open green spaces nearby for families to enjoy, explore and discover nature.

Cultural hub

The Royal Regatta may get the most acclaim, but Henley hosts an array of events all year round. is a celebration of books with fascinating talks, workshops and performances. 

In summer, the five day brings a vibrant mix of music, food and entertainment to its riverside location. Huge music stars rub shoulders with emerging talent. There are comedians, DJs, circus acts and children鈥檚 entertainers. Being Henley, there鈥檚 a veritable gourmet feast along with fizz by the riverside. And did we mention that it鈥檚 a black tie event?

There鈥檚 a theatre and a cinema in town, neither of which are your average offering. The charming is a Grade II listed building and the fourth oldest working theatre in the UK. They run great kids theatre groups to get little ones involved. The nearby shows a programme of mainstream films and specialist performances too. shares stories from the river and the local area. They host a fascinating mix of events and interactive workshops.

Then there鈥檚 , a private members club in a wonderful riverside manor with 18 acres of land. It鈥檚 the perfect place to meet like-minded local people. You could workout in the fitness centre, enjoy the expansive grounds or try a new activity (there are 30 interest groups). It鈥檚 a beautiful environment in which to escape for a while, meet friends for a coffee or get active indoors, outdoors or on the water.

Foodie scene

Food is high on the menu here. With Mary Berry as an active member of the local community, you鈥檇 expect nothing less. The best way to spend a Saturday is a lengthy lunch with friends overlooking the Thames with glass in hand. The terrace at is ideal for this. The iconic and traditionally English pub, dates back to 1728 and oozes charm and warmth. It has an equally appealing waterside terrace. Or head to the  for tea with a view.

The Relais Hotel is a great venue by the river, and houses the . Choose from delectable cakes and sumptuous savouries as well as local juices and smoothies. A new addition to Henley, brings an authentic touch of Tuscany to Market Place. Hotel du Vin, a perennial favourite, serves up everything from country breakfasts to bistro style dinners and it鈥檚 also right by the river.

Boutique shopping

Henley鈥檚 a wonderful place to potter. Wandering along the attractive cobbled streets and popping into independent boutiques is a perfect pastime. Of course, you鈥檒l find well-known brands too. For fashion, and are well worth a visit. You鈥檒l find beautiful homewares in and , and is the place for sustainable, stylish lifestyle pieces. The centuries-old feels like an old friend and you must visit.

Sublime surroundings

London鈥檚 just over an hour away by car, and Oxford a little under an hour. Reading is a 20 minute drive. So, whilst there鈥檚 much to keep you in Henley, it鈥檚 easy to access bigger towns and cities when you need to. Similarly, the surrounding Chiltern Hills and Oxfordshire countryside are ideal for exploring by foot, bike or horse. But it鈥檚 hard to disconnect yourself from the lure of the River Thames once you鈥檝e discovered it. So the Thames Path is a wonderful way to see picturesque countryside and local villages along the beautiful river. The 14km riverside route to the glorious town of Marlow is very much recommended. 

Waterfront living

Just 10 miles east of Henley, and also set on the winding River Thames, is Maidenhead, Berkshire. This stunning riverside residence, , is an exceptional home with private waterside gardens and it鈥檚 currently on the market with a guide price of £4,750,000.

The name Little Fishery House does not refer to its size. This meticulous, Edwardian style 10 bedroom home is extensive. With a sense of privacy, security and seclusion, the home has huge charm, period features and great entertaining spaces. But it鈥檚 the sweeping views of the river, the gardens that flow to a private mooring, and the access to the water that offer immense appeal.