What to do in Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames is one of the most beautiful market towns in England, sitting on the banks of the River Thames and surrounded by the picturesque hills, fields and woods of the Oxfordshire countryside. We’re really proud of Henley here at Restaurant Dominic Chapman and we have plenty of recommendations to make the most of your day here before or after your meal.

Henley is easily reachable in as little as an hour and fifteen minutes from London (and we’re less than 10 minutes from the station). The town is easily walkable and if you’d like to learn more about the history, from the pub that welcomed Charles I to the 18th century stone bridge, the self-guided Henley trail takes you through the town’s historic streets and buildings. A physical copy as well as more information are available from the visitor information centre in the Town Hall. Guided tours of the town can be booked, too, and are a great way to understand the historic backdrop to our building, which itself is hundreds of years old.

Henley is best known for its internationally famous rowing event, the Royal Regatta, which has been going since 1839. A highlight of the summer sporting calendar, the event attracts thousands of visitors every year, so the riverbanks are set up for spectators to enjoy a Pimm’s while watching the races.

Henley loves a festival and following shortly after Regatta week is the Henley Festival, a black tie music and arts festival. Meanwhile, boat connoisseurs won’t want to miss the Thames Traditional Boat Festival.

The town is perfect for enjoying long lunches and boutique shops as well as old pubs and riverside strolls – perfect for building up an appetite before you dine with us, and we’re hardly a hop, skip and a jump away from the river. However, if you’d like to enjoy Henley from the water, it’s possible to book canal boats and barges, self-hire cruisers, kayaks and canoes.

Unsurprisingly, one of the town’s notable attractions is its River & Rowing Museum, which hosts events and exhibitions. It has galleries dedicated to Henley itself as well as Kenneth Grahame’s famous book The Wind in the Willows, with plenty to keep both children and adults entertained.

Literary fans may already know that Grahame’s childhood growing up along the Thames inspired his work. As well as evoking the beautiful riverside scenes found in Grahame’s writing, book lovers will be thrilled to know the town has plenty of shops selling new, old, second hand and rare books. And every autumn the Henley Literary Festival attracts big names, including the likes of Jacqueline Wilson, Sebastian Faulks and Victoria Hislop in the past.

So, if you’re dining with us soon, why not make a day of it and discover what Henley has to offer?