Check out the Henley On-line site for travel and tourist information and latest news for the area - this is an informative site and essential reading for anyone planning to visit Henley for the first time HENLEY occupies a beautiful natural position on the River Thames and is world famous for its annual rowing event, the Royal Regatta. It is therefore a natural centre for exploring this unspoilt part of the Thames Valley as well as an attractive and interesting town in its own right. HISTORIC HENLEY Henley is reputed to be the oldest settlement in Oxfordshire and has over 300 listed buildings of many styles and periods with Henley Brewery (Brakspears) dating from 1826 and the Kenton Theatre - fourth oldest in England, being of particular interest. Sitting alongside the River and Henley's famous bridge is St Mary's Church, a local landmark, The Leander Club headquarters of the famous rowing club, is opposite. A CENTRE FOR WALKING AND TOURING Henley makes an attractive centre for touring and just a short distance away there are three interesting historic houses, Stonor, Fawley Court and Greys Court (National Trust). Within easy range is the famous city of Oxford, historic Dorchester Abbey, BIenheim Palace, West Wycombe Park with its associations with the Hell Fire Club, Cliveden and of course Windsor Castle. The unspoilt countryside of the Chiltern Hills - sheltering between the Thames and the M40 motorway - provides some wonderful walking country. The excellent South Oxfordshire Footpath Maps and other guides are available from the Tourist Information Centre. SHOPPING Henley is a small market town and has a number of attractive independent shops, well known book shops, a range of galleries and antique shops and a variety of boutiques as well as the more conventional stores. [museums, galleries & parks] [theatres] [events] [sightseeing] MUSEUMS, GALLERIES and PARKS The River And Rowing Museum (open late Summer 1998) is a major new national museum celebrating the traditions and pageantry of the River Thames, the international sport of rowing and the town of Henley itself. The museum is reached by car or by the attractive walk through Mill Meadows adjoining the river where picnics may also be held. There is parking, putting, café, bowls and a children's playground. Henley Network THEATRES The Kenton Theatre is the fourth oldest working theatre in England - in use since the year of Trafalgar, 1805. There may be no ghosts, but there is a full programme of live shows and films throughout the year. For the box office (live shows only) and recorded information call 44 (0) 1491 575698. The Mill at Sonning HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA The annual REGATTA takes place in the first week of July and has been held each year (except the War years) since 1839, originally on the course used for the first Oxford and Cambridge boat races. The Regatta became very popular at the end of the 19th Century and the typical Edwardian scene with masses of punts and skiffs lining the course is reflected in the similar fashionable and popular scene today - a week long national picnic. There are several rowing events besides the main Regatta. Boat trips of all types are available. Rowing boats are for hire, or for the less energetic, launches or a trip on a river steamer. The annual Henley Festival of Music and the Arts is an increasingly popular riverside arts and music event held the week after the Regatta. Check out the site at http://www.hrr.co.uk HENLEY FESTIVAL Now the premier music and arts festival in the South East of England, showcasing international artists and developing local talent, celebrating classical music and static arts. Held in the week following the Royal Regatta, this is an event not to be missed - box office 44 (0) 1491 843400 or vist the website at http://www.henley-festival.co.uk SIGHTSEEING Old Luxters vineyard, winery, brewery and gallery Music at Luxters Stonor STONOR PARK Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire RG9 6HF Tel: +44 (0)1491 638 587 Fax: +44 (0)1491 638 587 Historic home of Lord and Lady Camoys and the Stonor family for over 800 years. The house is surrounded by a wooded deer park in a valley in the Chiltern Hills. With its origins in the 12th century the house has architectural features of medieval Tudor and Georgian periods now with a warm red brick facade. The ancient family catholic chapel is situated alongside near the site of a pre-historic stone circle. To the rear of the house a hillside walled garden affords commanding views of the deer park. Inside on display are many items of rare furniture, sculptures, bronzes, paintings and family portraits from Britain, Europe and the USA. The family's catholic roots are evident and an exhibition within the house features the life and work of St Edmund Campion. 5 miles north of Henley, follow A4130/B480 from town centre. Open:  April - September Groups/parties welcome Discount for Groups Coach parking Admission Price  £4.50 Gift Shop Tea Room OLD LUXTERS vineyard, winery, brewery and gallery Since its first harvest in 1984, its wines gained an enviable reputation for quality both here and abroad. Chiltern Valley Wines are now served in some of the world's most prestigious establishments. As a truly independent brewery, weLuxters have revived the tradition of farm-brewed Real Ales, using wooden-clad mash tun, copper, liquor and fermentation vessels. Cask-conditioned ales fall bright naturally, contain no preservatives and are also available in half gallon carry kegs, direct from the brewery. The stronger bottle fermented ales are unique. Luxters Gallery is a large Chiltern barn commended for its restoration in 1990. Exhibitions of the work of artists from the UK and abroad have since been held, in all media, including sculpture and creative furniture. Regular concerts, recitals and opera soirees are held.