Major city · United Kingdom
Henley-on-Thames
Go for one night, or as a day trip from Oxford or Reading: the riverside town takes half a day, the Regatta week takes all of it.
Henley-on-Thames is a small Oxfordshire town on the River Thames, best known for the Henley Royal Regatta in late June and early July. Outside Regatta week it is a quiet base for riverside walks, a National Trust house and Thames-side pubs, and it works well as a day trip from Oxford or Reading rather than a multi-night stop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Regatta week if you want a quiet town and cheap rooms
- Airports
- LHR · LGW · SOU
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Henley-on-Thames999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Henley-on-Thames, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA low-crime town; the real risks are crowds and higher theft during Regatta week and the festival, plus muddy or flooded riverside paths after rain.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 emergency (police, fire, ambulance) · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLHR London Heathrow (About 20 miles / 25 min by car down the M4; also linked to Reading by the RailAir coach, about 1 h).
- Getting aroundThe centre is small and walkable: station to Henley Bridge is about 10 min on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedHostel or pub bunk bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedPub or hotel double room, a night, per room£130 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedPub or hotel double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £100 (≈ US$140) · High £180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LHR London Heathrow (About 20 miles / 25 min by car down the M4; also linked to Reading by the RailAir coach, about 1 h) · LGW London Gatwick (About 55 miles / 60 min by car; trains run to Reading about twice an hour, about 1 h) · SOU Southampton (About 45 miles / 50 min by car down the M3; trains from Reading take about 1 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Henley-on-Thames: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small and walkable: station to Henley Bridge is about 10 min on foot. Buses 800/850 run to Reading and High Wycombe; minicabs must be booked by phone or app. A car helps for Greys Court and the villages.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1.5 h by train
Train via Twyford and Reading, or drive on the A4130 and A4074
Colleges and museums; a full day or an easy overnight.
Door to door: About 30 min
Branch-line train, most services continue to Reading
Main rail junction for London, the west and the airport coach.
Greys Court
goDoor to door: About 15 min by car
Drive or taxi to Rotherfield Greys, about 3 miles west
National Trust house and garden; check opening days before you go.
Windsor
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Train via Twyford and Slough, or drive on the M4
Castle and river; a long half-day, better as its own trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Hart Street and Market Place)
Pubs, restaurants and the river within a 5–10 min walk; the practical choice for one night.
Riverside near Henley Bridge
Thames views and the Red Lion; higher rates in Regatta week.
Reading Road / Greys Road
Cheaper guesthouses and B&Bs, 10–15 min walk from the bridge.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pub or hotel double room1 × 1 night × £130 | £130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £100 | £200 |
| Return train Reading–Henley2 × £8 | £16 |
| Pub main meal2 × £14 | £28 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £39 |
| Trip total≈ £215 per person per day, bed included | £429≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main meal | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Fish and chips takeaway | £9–14 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Train Reading–Henley return | £6–9 (≈ US$8–12) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Regatta week (late June–early July) and Henley Festival fill the town: book beds and tables weeks ahead and expect higher prices.
- Trains run on a branch line via Twyford; most services continue to Reading, with direct London Paddington trains mainly at peak times.
- Crime is low but rises when the town is packed during the regattas and festival; watch bags in crowds.
- Riverside paths can be muddy and, after heavy rain, partly flooded: check conditions before a long Thames Path walk.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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Henley-on-ThamesHenley-on-Thames
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in town; the US Embassy is in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Reading → Henley: about £4–5 (≈ US$6–7) single, about 25–30 min
- Train London Paddington → Henley: about £15–25 (≈ US$20–35), about 45 min at peak times
- Taxi in town: short hops £5–10 (≈ US$7–14); book by phone or app
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
English is spoken everywhere; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Henley-on-Thames. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Regatta week if you want a quiet town and cheap rooms · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LHR: last trains and RailAir coach times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: station, Hart Street and Market Place, Henley Bridge and the riverside.
- Place pages with verified opening days (Greys Court, Fawley Hill Railway) and eat pages with last orders.
- Regatta-week fixtures so gates A–D can go green.