Five days of rowing, Pimm's, and 4,500 bottles of champagne on the banks of the Thames. 'Royal' since Prince Albert became patron in 1851. Every reigning monarch since has continued the tradition.
What to do there
3 things to do
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.
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.
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.
