The Henley Royal Regatta: A Premier Rowing Event

The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the world’s greatest rowing events. Every July, the top rowers from around the globe gather in Henley-on-Thames, located west of London, to showcase their skills. International university crews, rowing clubs, and Olympic rowers compete head-to-head in a series of knock-out heats along a stunning stretch of the Thames. Spectators enjoy strawberries and cream, drink Pimms, and admire each other’s outfits during this prestigious event.

This cornerstone of the English sporting social calendar initially emerged as a promotional effort to attract tourists to the area.

A Historic Event for Rowers and Rowing Crews

Established in 1839, the mayor and residents of Henley-on-Thames introduced a July rowing race as part of a fair to draw visitors to the town. This initiative successfully initiated one of the world’s premier rowing events, welcoming individual, club, school, and university rowers alike.

With only minor interruptions during the two World Wars, the Henley Regatta has evolved from a one-day local event into a five-day competition that attracts elite international crews and thousands of spectators each year.

The Rules

This event has unique regulations distinct from standard crew rowing competitions. Established before the formation of national and international rowing federations, the regatta operates under its own set of rules. It is legally recognized by both the Amateur Rowing Association in England and the International Rowing Federation (FISA), even though it is not directly governed by them.

At Henley, rowing races are conducted in a head-to-head format. Organized by knock-out draws, only two boats race over a one-mile and 550-yard course during each heat. This format allows for numerous races, with as many as 100 races occurring daily, each lasting around 7 minutes.

Who Competes

The Henley Royal Regatta features a variety of categories for both men and women, including eight-man and four-man teams, coxed and coxless pairs, doubles and quadruple sculls, as well as single sculls. Participants include Olympic hopefuls, university teams, school crews, and club teams arriving from all over the world. Recent years have seen international crews come from places like Australia, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Poland, the Netherlands, the U.S.A., Germany, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, South Africa, and Great Britain, with over 100 overseas crews participating each year.

Competitors qualifying for the races do so through a series of preliminary heats held about a week prior to the regatta. The qualifying crews then enter a public draw at the town hall of Henley-on-Thames.

How to Watch

There are two designated “Enclosures” for spectators viewing the races. Since the Regatta owns most of the riverbank and parking area on the Oxfordshire side, purchasing a ticket is essential to observe the races up close.

The Stewards’ Enclosure

The event is overseen by a self-appointed group known as the Stewards. Comprising 55 notable rowers and scullers, the Stewards’ Enclosure is the riverbank area closest to the finish line, reserved for the Stewards and their invited guests. Occasionally, tickets for this exclusive area become available through corporate hospitality or charitable donations.

The parking for this enclosure is conveniently located closer to the venue, separate from general parking.

The dress code within the Stewards’ enclosure mandates suits or blazers with flannel trousers for men. While some speculated about a potential easing of dress regulations for women in 2018, the requirements remain strict: below-the-knee dresses are a must, and trousers, culottes, or divided skirts are not permitted. Most women opt to wear hats, making it one of England’s premier hat-wearing events.

The Regatta Enclosure

The Regatta Enclosure is accessible to non-members, making it a popular spot for athletes and their supporters to watch the races. Tickets can be obtained in advance, typically sold until the final week of June, although they generally sell out by late winter. Post this period, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate. Arriving early often increases your chances of securing a ticket, although major races on the regatta’s Saturday may have limited availability.

While no formal dress code exists for the Regatta Enclosure, many attendees choose to dress up. The enclosure features catering services, bars, unreserved seating, and restrooms for the convenience of guests.

Mobile Phone Usage

Although cell phones may be used for photography in the Stewards’ Enclosure, making or receiving calls is strictly prohibited. Offenders will be asked to hang up and have their badge numbers recorded by security for follow-up. Those caught using their phones a second time will face removal from the enclosure.

How to Get There

• By car: Traffic during the Regatta can be exceedingly congested, making the one-hour, 35-mile journey from London potentially take up to four hours. It is advised to avoid driving if possible. For those who must, the following directions apply:
  • Exit the M4 motorway at junction 8/9 onto the A404, following signs to Henley.
  • Take the third exit off the A404 onto the A4130 into Henley.
  • If you can obtain tickets in advance, consider booking parking for the Regatta Enclosure simultaneously. Otherwise, parking—similar to enclosure tickets—is subject to a first-come, first-served policy. Various grades of parking passes are available, with the closest options often costing more than the enclosure tickets.
• By train: Taking the train is undoubtedly the most convenient method for reaching Henley. The journey takes just over an hour, and the train will likely be filled with fellow attendees, providing an opportunity to observe their attire and hats. Upon arrival, the station is a mere five-minute walk from the town center. Trains to Henley-on-Thames are regularly available from Paddington Station in London, with connections available via Twyford or Reading.