A sea of colourful blazers, overpriced jugs of Pimm’s and picnic baskets packed with fancy cheeses greet me as I step off the train.
Whether it’s the price of pints in the pubs, people dressed to the nines on one of the hottest days of the year, or the endless stream of private school students walking around in sporting regalia, there’s a decidedly posh atmosphere here.
Henley-on-Thames, a perfectly English town situated on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, is made for a summer’s day.
It’s most famous for one thing – the rowing competition that takes place here every year.
Henley Royal Regatta is the event that draws me to the so-called ‘poshest’ town in Britain – and I’ve done my best to fit in.
Donning my own embroidered blazer and joining my club for the annual festivities, each year I get a better inside look at the town known for properties in their millions, the infamous Leander rowing club and the expensive – yet undeniably gorgeous – traditional pubs that line the riverbanks.
Having been a part of my college’s rowing team at university, I discovered Henley for myself for the first time in 2019 – and, with the exception of the Covid-19 pandemic, have been back almost every year since.
I knew the town had a reputation for being ‘posh’ and have spent many a summer’s day there so, naturally, I wasn’t surprised when The Telegraph dubbed Henley Britain’s poshest town in a UK ranking earlier this year.
Having been a part of her college’s rowing team at university, Erin discovered Henley for herself for the first time in 2019
Henley-on-Thames, a perfectly English town situated on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, is known for its annual Royal Regatta
While the Regatta takes place every summer, the town’s posh reputation spans year-round.
The average cost of a home in Henley is around £755,000, around £90,000 more than in London, according to Rightmove.
If you want a detached property, you’re pretty much guaranteed to need to go north of a million.
Naturally, this has drawn in plenty of A-list residents.
Mary Berry is known to live in Henley, and George Clooney and Orlando Bloom live nearby too.
Plus, Beatle George Harrison lived at Friar Park in Henley from the 1970s until his death. His home and guitar both feature in miniature at Henley’s Adventure Golf.
Meanwhile, Park Place, a £140million stately home near Henley-on-Thames, is often cited as one of Britain’s most expensive homes.
It’s not just property prices that solidify the town’s status as ‘posh’. It has many hotels and restaurants known for their high quality – and soaring prices. And if you’re keen to go to watch the rowing, book far in advance. If you leave it to the last minute, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Donning her own embroidered blazer and joining her club for the annual festivities, each year Erin gets a better inside look at the town
Henley was dubbed Britain’s poshest town in a ranking earlier this year
Alongside its reputation, Henley brings a certain old English flair and quaint feel.
For a great pub meal, you can’t go wrong with The Angel, in a prime spot on the banks of the river.
The Anchor Inn and The Little Angel are equally fabulous for a retro-chic gastropub vibe, served in fitting style for the UK’s ‘poshest’ town.
But be warned – Henley isn’t the easiest place to get to.
Car parking spaces are available, but it can sometimes be tough to find space. And without direct trains from London, it can involve several changes.
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