Everything You Need To Know If You’re Heading To Henley Royal Regatta This Year

Is this the chicest event in the sporting calendar? We think so. The Henley Royal Regatta is the be-all, end-all, six-day regatta that attracts teams from around the world to the small, riverside town of Henley-on-Thames every summer to compete in hundreds of races (yes, hundreds). It’s as much a social affair as it is a sporting one: ex-rowers, life-long enthusiasts and newbies alike can grab a picnic, sip a cocktail, shout ‘well rowed!’ at the passing boats, and smile and nod at the baffling jargon.

This summer, Henley Royal Regatta will run from Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 July – so dust off your boater, don a striped blazer and get ready for a week on the waterfront. And if you’re worried about missing any of the highlights, here’s our checklist for how to get the best out of Henley Royal Regatta in 2025.

A Guide To Henley Royal Regatta 2025: History, Dress Code, Food & More

History Of Henley Royal Regatta

The first Henley Regatta took place in 1839, and it has been held annually ever since – bar exceptions for the years of two World Wars and the pandemic. It was initially staged as a single-day fair, masterminded by the Mayor of Henley. But the emphasis quickly changed to focus on competitive annual rowing. From 1840, it was a two-day rowing affair, attracting fans nationwide, including Prince Albert just over a decade after it was founded, lending his royal patronage to the affair.

Ever since, Henley Royal Regatta has expanded in scope and duration: two days became three in 1886, three days became four in 1906, four became five in 1986, and finally five became six in 2022 to accommodate increasing entries and races. Indeed, while Henley counts 26 events on its six-day schedule, the head-to-head knockout formula means more than 400 races actually take place – so there’s plenty to see.

Pre-dating many national and international rowing institutions, Henley has a unique flavour, with a roster of unique rules and traditions upheld by a self-elected body of around 60 members (mostly ex-rowers). Unlike most multi-lane races, Henley retains a fierce head-to-head, two-boat knockout formula, with its distinctive 2,112 metres-long course slightly longer than the international standard of 2,000 metres, and affectionately known as the Henley Mile. The Regatta Committee has the power to ‘select’ crews in the draw to manufacture a more exciting program (usually keeping top international crews apart in early rounds). The course is demarcated by temporary wooden booms, while fans cheer from the sidelines donning colourful formalwear adhering to the Regatta’s strictly enforced dress code.

This is most strict in the Stewards’ Enclosure, where men must wear a lounge suit or a jacket/blazer with trousers, along with a tie or cravat; because the typical audience is dominated by ex-rowers, expect plenty of eccentrically striped club blazers donned with pride (and nostalgia). For women, it’s trouser suits and blazers, too, but if you opt for a dress or skirt, the hemline must fall below the knee; hats are customary and strongly encouraged, but not compulsory. The Regatta Enclosure is less strict; here, a garden party vibe is cultivated, with smart summer attire encouraged. Regardless, there are strictly no shorts, leggings, tracksuits or jeans allowed.

MORE: What To Wear To Henley Royal Regatta

What Is The Royal Connection To Henley?

In 1851, HRH Prince Albert became the Regatta’s first Royal Patron – hence the event being called Henley Royal Regatta. After his death, Queen Victoria took up the patronage, and the reigning monarch has always consented to become Patron ever since.

The late Queen Elizabeth was a fan of the event, attending four in her lifetime, the very first time being when she was a 20-year-old and the Henley Regatta returned to the Thames on full force after a WWII hiatus. It was on this day that she also agreed to lend her name to the Schools’ Race, which has ever since been known as The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. Many more of the regatta’s events have a royal name, including:

• The Queen Mother Challenge Cup
• The Princess Grace Challenge Cup
• The Prince of Wales Challenge Cup
• The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup
• The Prince Albert Challenge Cup
• The Princess Royal Challenge Cup

In May 2024, King Charles II continued the trend and accepted the Patronage of Henley Royal Regatta.

Events

At the top level, there are six open events for men and six open events for women. At the intermediate level, there are three events for men, catering to the best of the club and student crews. The next level offers five men’s events for the majority of club and student oarsmen. Finally, there are two events for junior men and one for junior women.

To keep you up to date with the action, a racing timetable is made available the evening prior to each competition day. Find it here.

Henley Royal Regatta (image courtesy of STH UK)

The Enclosures Explained

The Stewards’ Enclosure will give you the most desirable vantage point. Although the wait time to become a member is six to ten years, don’t worry: are long as you are a guest of a member, you’re in. Situated on the Berkshire bank, opposite the Finish Line, racing can be viewed from the Members’ Grandstand (reserved seating), the Fawley Grandstand (unreserved seating) and the Floater (Members only).

The Regatta Enclosure, situated on the Berkshire bank, just downstream from the Stewards’ Enclosure, is open to competitors, supporters and the general public. With seating alongside the river and in an open grandstand, The Regatta Enclosure also has a covered restaurant, an outside dining area and a bar. Regatta Enclosure admission badges are valid for the whole day and must be worn at all times within the Enclosure. Badges are also valid for entry into the Boat Tent area. It’s good to note that large bags are not permitted within these areas.

For the very best ticket, nothing comes close to Fawley Meadows, Sodexo‘s award-winning Official Hospitality offering. Choose between the Fawley Meadows Restaurant, Chalets and Lounge or Temple Island; think delectable food, sweeping views of the course, and tranquil riverside chalets for entertaining, all while capturing Henley Royal Regatta’s unique charm and celebratory character.

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Henley Royal Regatta (image courtesy of STH UK)

Eating & Drinking

There are plenty of places to eat and drink at Henley Royal Regatta, from picnics to formal lunches, including delightful restaurants in the nearby town.

Here’s our full guide to the foodie action in 2025.

How To Get Tickets

Tickets start from £36pp from Tuesday to Thursday, rising to £60pp for Friday and Saturday and falling back to £47 on Sunday. Sodexo’s hospitality tickets in Fawley Meadows start from £126pp.

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