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Henley is the host of Henley Royal Regatta in June/July every year, the Henley small boats events during the winter, and more recently the J14 Schools' Head Events

Website: http://www.hrr.co.uk

Map of the Course: Larger Version

 For Driving Directions enter your town and "Henley" below: 

Information:

The Royal Regatta started in 1839 as a half-day event and has grown steadily. Since 1986 it has been a five-day event starting on the last Wednesday in June or the first Wednesday in July, with finals on the Sunday. The course is 1 ¼ miles long and for all but the last ¼ mile, which is in front of the enclosures, is free and open to the public.

In recent years KCS have performed well in the Fawley Cup - an event for quads. In 1998, in a full KCS crew, and in 2000 in a composite crew with Dulwich, we reached the semi-final, being beaten by the eventual winners. In 2002 we entered an eight in the Princess Elizabeth Cup; they were eliminated on the first day but have laid a foundation for the future.

The Stewards’ Enclosure adjacent to the finish is by ticket entry. Tickets can only be purchased (in limited numbers) by members of the Stewards. However, as some of the members of KCSBC are members, if you would like to go, they may be able to apply for tickets on your behalf. Please remember there is a very strict ‘dress code’. Trousers, jackets and ties for men, and dresses/skirts below the knee for ladies. There is limited rain cover even in the enclosure, so umbrellas etc are vital if the weather looks doubtful. It is also a good idea to wear reasonably flat, or broad-heeled shoes, as most of the enclosure is grass. The walk up to the start is well worth doing, but the towpath can get muddy due to the large numbers of spectators and coaches’ bicycles.

Car Parking gets progressively harder and more expensive as the Regatta nears Sunday. The best value and most easily accessible places are along the Remenham Road (A321). These fields, the Eyot Boat Club and the Henley Sea Cadets headquarters – turned into car parks – are easily approached by either turning left at the top of Remenham Hill (A423), then right and right again to join the A321; or by going west along the A4 from the A423M until the turning to Wargrave, where you meet the A321 further along. It is possible to reserve parking places for both cars and marquees in the sports field on the Leander side of Remenham Club. This gives brilliant access to both the river and the Stewards’ Enclosure, and an excellent area to have picnics

Picnics can be carried along the course to make a base camp by the river, but most people return to their cars to save the effort. All racing stops at lunchtime so you will not miss anything! There are restaurants in the enclosures (booking vital), and several snack bars along the towpath selling anything from burgers to pancakes.

The River and Rowing Museum at Mill Meadows, in Henley opened in 1999. It includes a section on the River Thames and the historical role Henley has played in the development of rowing. Exhibits include one of the earliest steam umpires launches and other legendary boats. There is a very good hands-on section and also a ‘Hall of Fame’. The achievements of Steve Redgrave and Mathew Pinsent spurred its launch, and they are the first rowers to be so honoured.

Henley Scullers Head takes place in October and is run from the Henley Rowing Club. It is an excellent Head as there is always a very competitive entry. Free Parking is on the grass near to the finish, but can get very muddy. As there is either a path or fields the whole length of the course, following the race by (mountain) bike is very easy.