You've got your Henley playing cards but now you need the right music to accompany your games. Well fear not, here's the perfect playlist that's all card-themed. Get in touch if you think there's a song that needs adding too!
So you’ve got your deck of Henley playing cards and you’re in Henley, so what next? Well here’s some suggestions of ways to spend your time and enjoy all the pack has to offer!
A morning of retail therapy
Browse the shops on Duke Street and take in four of the cards: Wild & Rust, Laurence Menswear, Tigers 'n' Tiaras and David Rodger Sharp. There’s also plenty of shops on Friday Street, Hart Street, Market Place, and Bell Street too.
An afternoon by the river
Enjoy a round on the Adventure Golf Course before swinging by Pirate Pizza who usually moors up just upstream from the bandstand. There’s benches to enjoy your pizza or bring a blanket to enjoy on the grass. Keep your eye out for Big Duck Lilly who makes an appearance from time to time. Any money donated goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Round the afternoon off with a drink in the Anchor on Friday Street either alfresco or inside one of Henley’s oldest taverns.
Meander around Market Place
The centre of Henley and also known as Falaise Square. Check out when market days are running as they’re always worth a visit and you’ll find Honeys of Henley and Johnny HoT stuff there on the second Saturday and fourth Thursday of the month at the Farmer’s Market.
Machin’s is great for picking up meat for your BBQ, fry-up or roast so once you’re stocked up on local produce, head up past the Town Hall and behind it you’ll find the Old Fire Station Gallery where there’s usually a free exhibition on. Wander back round to Hof’s and quench your thirst where they also have their own wine from their vineyard in South Africa to try and buy.
The last weekend in November hosts the Christmas Festival in Market Place too. It’s worth knowing other streets are closed for it too but it’s a must if you’re nearby as it really is a splendidly festive event.
Legends & landmarks stroll
A popular Henley landmark is the resting place of Dusty Springfield in St Mary’s graveyard. There’s always flowers next to her headstone so if you want pay your respects, the Henley Florist is just up the road and the opposite side of Hart Street.
Head down to the Angel for a quick drink or lunch by the river and you’ll take in Henley Bridge and Regatta HQ opposite from their terrace.
Once your suitably refuelled, head over the bridge and take a left and left again down the narrow alley and you’ll see the river, passing Leander Club on your right. You can now stroll down the world-famous Regatta Course which is 1 mile 550 yards or 2.1km in new money so it’s a pleasant (and flat) stroll down to Temple Island where it starts.
If you walk down during the third weekend of August, don’t be alarmed to see lots of folk in retro fancy dress as it’s Rewind Festival weekend on the fields opposite Temple Island!
Head back into Henley along the same stretch of River and you can end your walk where you started just past St Mary’s at the Jacobini Wine Gallery for a glass or two of wine and to admire the creations of local artist Kirsten Jones.
Family weekend
Stay at Swiss Farm or Four Oaks as both places are super family friendly. As you walk into Henley, stop by the Henley Larder for a picnic and then head on over to the River & Rowing Museum (especially good if the weather isn’t great). See the afternoon by the river suggestions for more to do in Mill Meadows or walk downstream to Hobbs of Henley where you can rent your own boat or step aboard one of their big boats and let them navigate the river whilst you relax with a drink in hand.
The Henley Youth Choir host regular performances round the town and the Living Advent Calendar is a must if you’re here during the 1st to the 24th December. These free events are held in a different location at 6.15pm every night. The Henley Herald is worth checking out online to keep you updated about what’s going on in town, especially family-friendly activities.
Grown-ups weekend
Check yourself into one of the boutique rooms at Hotel Du Vin. After a hearty breakfast, charter a boat from the Henley Boating Company for up to 10 people. You set sail just round the corner at the Red Lion Terrace (best arranged in advance). You can also hire a self-drive boat for 4-6 people too.
The Henley Décor Fair takes place twice a year so if it’s on that weekend you’ll see it from the river if you head down stream, on the same side as you set sail. It’s worth a visit once you’re back on dry land.
In the afternoon, take a trip to the Fairmile or Oaken Grove Vineyard to appreciate the local wine. The Fairmile Vineyard is a short walk from Hotel Du Vin and on the way you’ll pass Jimmy’s grave. They’re a stunning walk around that part of Henley if you download the free Brakspear app. With Oaken Grove you can book in advance to enjoy a charcutier board too.
The Kenton Theatre and the Regal Picturehouse cinema are both a stone’s throw from your hotel so enjoy a live performance or a film in the evening and end the night with a cocktail at the Old Bell before a short walk back to your hotel.
Things to do
For sporty types, you can pay and play for a round of golf up at Badgemore Park. Henley Tennis Club also welcomes visitors to reserve courts and can even offer lessons to improve your backhand.
For those who love open-water swimming, Henley Swim put on several events throughout the year but book in advance as they’re popular. The Club to Pub swim is ideal for those wanting to try their first open water swim too and all of their events take place in the River Thames.
For those who like a less sporty type of challenge, the world-famous Brakspear Ale Trail attracts many visitors to Henley. Download the free Brakspear app to give it a go and you’re rewarded with a free t-shirt at the end after visiting 10 pubs for a drink in each.
If watching sport is more your thing, head to the Saracen’s Head where they have a huge outdoor screens in the summer months and they show all of the major sporting events. Of course, the Henley Royal Regatta is what made Henley famous and you’ll get to watch plenty of rowing if you visit when it’s on at the end of June every year.
For fresh air, a stroll around Harpsden Wood will cost you nothing and being amongst nature is always good for the mind and mood! Greys Court is owned by the National Trust is you’re guaranteed a café and the ground are stunning.
Henley Festival also takes place al fresco the week after Regatta with a floating stage so grab your tickets and your party frock. There’s always amazing headline acts on the floating stage and so much more besides.
For more suggestions on what to do in and around the town, it's worth following Experience Henley on Instagram or Facebook and if you plan to come back to Henley then invest in the Experience Henley card for plenty of offers and discounts.
