Henley

Thame and Oxfordshire County Show, September 2006.
Henley is located on the River Thames on the Oxfordshire
side of the river, Berkshire being on the other side.

Henley is an attractive Market Town in the south-east corner of Oxfordshire. It is not far from Wallingford, Reading (Berks), Maidenhead (Berks), and High Wycombe (Bucks).

Henley is probably most famous for its annual boat regatta on the River Thames. This takes place during the summer and is considered part of "The Season" of social events. Huge marquees are erected along the river and many local hotels, guest houses, and Bed and Breakfast establishments are fully booked weeks in advance. Another summer event is the Henley Festival, held in July.

It is also home to the River and Rowing Museum, Henley Management College, many places of interest and several golf courses. Henley is a particularly beautiful part of the Thames Path.

Henley has also been known over recent years as the constituency of such high-profile MPs as Micheal Heseltine (in the 1980/90s), then the expressive Boris Johnson (until he became Mayor of London). Politically, this is one of the most "Conservative" parts of the UK.