The Stewards' Enclosure
The Henley Royal Regatta is managed by a self-elected body known as the Stewards. There are 55 of them and most are well known rowers and scullers. The Stewards' Enclosure is the area of riverbank closest to the finish and is for the use of the Stewards and their guests. In practice, a certain amount of corporate hospitality and charitable donation makes tickets to this enclosure occasionally available. Parking for this enclosure is separate from the general parking and closer to the grounds. The dress code enforced inside the Stewards' enclosure calls for suits or blazer and trousers for men, dresses and usually hats for women.The Regatta Enclosure
The Regatta Enclosure is open to non-members and athletes taking part, along with their supporters, often watch from here. Anyone can buy a ticket to the Regatta Enclosure. Tickets are sold in advance up to the last week in June. See their website for details After that, they are available on a first come, first served basis, at the gate. If you arrive early, you can usually get a ticket for this enclosure - though you may not be able to get in for some of the major challenge races on the Saturday of the Regatta.There is no dress code for the Regatta Enclosure but people usually dress up here as well. The enclosure has catering facilities, bars, unreserved seating and restrooms.
How to Get to the Henley Royal Regatta
by car: Traffic during the Regatta is abominable and, in 2007, a new traffic layout in the town center made it even worse. It can take as much as four hours to make the one hour journey from London. Don't drive to Henley if you can avoid it.
But if you must, here are the directions:
Henley is about 35 miles west of London.
From the M4 motorway, exit at junction 8/9 onto the A404 and follow the signs to Henley.
Take the third exit off the A404 onto the A4130 into Henley.
If you are able to book your tickets in advance, book your parking for the Regatta Enclosure at the same time. Otherwise, parking, like enclosure tickets, is available on a first come, first served basis.
by train: The train is definitely the smart way to get to Henley for the Regatta. The journey takes just under an hour and the train station is about five minutes south of the center of town. Once you arrive, just follow the crowds and the signs to the river. Trains to Henley-on-Thames leave regularly from Paddington Station in London, with connecting service through Maidenhead or Twyford as well as several direct trains throughout the day. Check National Rail Enquiries for specifics.
