Henley Regatta: Champagne on the Thames

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Arrive by Train or Boat

   adventure $$

   Take the train from London Paddington to Henley (1 hour, change at Twyford). The regatta runs 5 days in early July. General admission is affordable (from £25). Stewards' Enclosure requires member sponsorship and strict formal dress (jacket and tie for men, below-knee dress for women).

   🔄 BACKUP: If Regatta weekend is sold out, visit Henley any summer weekend for the town atmosphere.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 🍷 2

   Order The Royale

   wine $$

   Find a bar along the riverbank. Order 'The Royale' - Pimm's mixed with champagne. Approximately 25,000 pints of Pimm's and 4,500 bottles of champagne are consumed in the Stewards' Enclosure alone over the five days. This is the English summer.

   🔄 BACKUP: Any riverside pub serves Pimm's; The Angel on the Bridge is popular.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. ⛰️ 3

   Watch from the Bank

   adventure Free

   Bring a picnic blanket and settle on the public riverbank (free). Many who attend have never set foot in a rowing shell - they're here for the champagne picnics. Blazers of every rowing club parade past in their club colors. Prince Albert became patron in 1851; every reigning monarch since has continued the tradition.

   🔄 BACKUP: If the bank is crowded, Temple Island meadow offers views of the start.

   🍷 Log Memory