This blog is a personal view of the Henley Royal Regatta, where to watch the rowing, where to park, how to avoid the traffic and what to do in Henley when the Regatta is on. We have lived and worked in Henley for over 25 years so have attended quite a few Regattas over that time. The 2011 Henley Royal Regatta is staged from Wednesday 29th June until Sunday 3rd July.

First things first. Traffic can be really bad if you approach Henley down Remenham Hill. The best approach is either crossing the Thames at Sonning and coming along the Reading Road, or crossing the Thames at Marlow and heading towards Henley along the Marlow Road. Parking can be expensive; it really depends on how far you are prepared to walk. Free parking can often be found around the side roads of Henley. However local residents would prefer if you parked nearer to the Regatta course. A good location to park is Henley Cricket Club at the bottom of Remenham Hill. Here I must declare an interest as I’m a member of the cricket club. www.henleycricketclub.co.uk

Many visitors want to visit the main Stewards Enclosure. However this is restricted to members of the Stewards’ Enclosure and their guests. An alternative is the Regatta Enclosure where tickets can be purchased from £15 with parking from £30. See www.hrr.co.uk/badgeshop  One of our favourite places to eat, drink and watch the races is the Barn Bar, Remenham Lane. It is positioned roughly half way along the rowing course and has a good view of the river. They have a large beer garden with live music. Get a pint of Brakspear’s and a bite to eat. If you are interested Copas also offer corporate hospitality and it’s not a bad place to park.

http://www.copas.co.uk/henleyregatta.com/barn-bar.asp

Another great way of soaking up the whole atmosphere of the Regatta is to hire a boat from Hobbs of Henley or book one of their Regatta Cruises. A great relaxing way to see the rowing and wave at other boats. Hobbs are also running two special cruises on Finals Day at the Regatta. Andulas – The UK's leading Rumba Flamenco guitar Latin band, specialising in the authentic sound of the Gypsy Kings will be on board the newly furnished ‘Waterman’ on finals day of The Henley Royal Regatta – Sunday 3rd July. There will be two cruises running throughout the day one at 12-1.30pm and the other at 2-3.30pm. The price for a ticket is £20 for adults, £15 for children and a family ticket (2xadults and 2xchildren) for just £60. There will be a cash bar on board. 

The trip will run the full Regatta course, what better way to watch Henley Royal Regatta Finals Day than to dance to Volare, Bambaleo, Djobi Djoba, Baila Me and many more hits from the Gypsy Kings! This really is the perfect way to see out the Henley Royal Regatta in style! Hobbs of Henley

One of our favourite happenings at the Regatta is the fireworks on Saturday night. They can be seen from far and wide but the best views are from the Regatta meadows or on a boat. Also a good place to view is from the Rugby fields opposite the enclosures. The fireworks normally start around 9.30pm depending how quickly is gets dark.