Make the Most of Your Visit to Henley-on-Thames

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful town of Henley-on-Thames, you’re in for a real treat. Known for its riverside charm, vibrant events, and welcoming community spirit, Henley has something for everyone – whether you're visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer. Of course, when you're planning your visit, a pack of Henley Playing Cards makes total sense!

Our Henley packs are designed to help you live like a local, uncovering not just the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems that make Henley so special. Each pack is a treasure trove of independent businesses, local legends, and must-visit spots – ensuring you don't miss a thing. Plus, you’ll have a wonderful keepsake and a fully usable pack of playing cards to enjoy long after your trip is over.

If you want to dive even deeper into Henley and really get to know the town, here are some fantastic resources to explore before and during your visit:

For local news and community stories:

• Henley Herald – A brilliant online news source for breaking news, community updates, and local stories. (henleyherald.com) - also our 10 of hearts in the Henley pack!

• Henley Standard – The town’s long-standing newspaper, packed with news, views, and what's happening around town. (henleystandard.co.uk). Pick up a copy from any of the newsagents or supermarkets around the town.

For what’s on, eating, drinking, and events:

• Experience Henley – The go-to guide for everything from restaurant openings and pop-up events to riverside walks and family activities.
  (www.experiencehenley.co.uk) Tip: They also offer an Experience Henley Card, giving visitors access to special offers and discounts at some of Henley’s best-loved businesses – well worth picking up if you’re planning a stay!

• Honk! Comedy nights - Laughs galore on the last Thursday of the month at The Relais Henley and third Wednesday at our king of clubs in the Marlow pack - the Rebellion Brewery, Marlow plus pop-ups. Tickets do sell out so grab yours! 

For history lovers:

• Henley History walking tours – We highly recommend a guided walking tour, offering unique insights into Henley's history and architecture.  Sponsor the five of diamonds in the Henley pack too. (henleyhistory.co.uk)

• The Henley Society – Dedicated to protecting and promoting the town’s unique heritage. (thehenleysociety.org)

For sustainability and community projects:

• The Henley Women's Institute - big pals of both the Henley and Marlow playing cards, crocheting a magnificent house of cards postbox topper to honour the launch of both packs. The WI is a large voluntary women's organisation in the UK that provides opportunities for women to come together, learn, and make a difference in their communities. 

• Greener Henley – A brilliant local group leading environmental initiatives, nature conservation projects, and community campaigns to help protect Henley’s green spaces and encourage sustainable living. (greenerhenley.org.uk)

• Regal Picture House - our local cinema showcasing local films and partnering with Greener Henley with special Green Screenings. Also our three of diamonds.

• The Henley Mermaids - a group of local women who swim the Thames to raise money for charity and are now campaigning to clean up the River too. (www.henleymermaids.com)

• Henley Rotary Club - A longstanding part of the town, supporting local projects and bringing people together for good causes. Visitors are welcome to attend events and meet locals. 

Where to Stay

Henley offers more than just a bed for the night – it offers an experience. These locally rooted businesses go above and beyond to welcome guests and help them discover the best of the town:

• Hostsmart – A professional hosting service offering beautifully styled homes, with an emphasis on exceptional guest experiences all year round.. (hostsmart.co.uk)

• Henley Events Hosting – Helping rowing crews, families and friends find somewhere to stay during Henley Royal Regatta. (henleyeventshosting.com)

Wellbeing in Henley

If you're looking to slow down, reflect, or simply take care of your mental health while you’re here, Henley has some brilliant services and spaces that prioritise wellbeing:

• Cherry Tree Therapy Centre – A welcoming space offering a range of private therapy services. They also host a free weekly neurodiversity support group, creating a safe and inclusive place for connection and support. (cherrytreecentre.com)

• The D2 Centre – A creative, therapeutic space for young people in and around Henley, offering counselling, youth support, and a sense of belonging. 

• Riverside Counselling – Providing professional, affordable counselling for adults and young people, rooted in compassion and community care. (riversidecounsellingservice.co.uk)

• Henley Wellbeing (Facebook group) – A great local resource for anyone looking for tips, recommendations, or events focused on mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Business networking opportunities:

• Henley Business Partnership – A friendly network of local businesses working together to support and promote Henley-on-Thames. From events and collaborations to local insight, the Henley Business Partnership is all about helping the town thrive – whether you’re a visitor, resident, or local business owner.
  
  (henleybusinesspartnership.co.uk)
  
  
• Henley Female Network – A brilliant community for women in business to connect, collaborate and support one another, with regular meet-ups, expert speakers and a shared passion for empowering local women.
  

Other helpful resources to make your visit unforgettable:

• Visit Thames – Discover river walks, boating activities, and nearby treasures along the Thames. (visitthames.co.uk)

• Experience Oxfordshire – The official Destination Management Organisation for Oxfordshire, offering everything you need to plan your perfect visit. Discover attractions, events, places to eat and stay – and helpful resources for exploring the wider region beyond Henley.
  (experienceoxfordshire.org)

• River & Rowing Museum – A must-visit attraction, celebrating Henley’s rowing heritage and a dedicated section to the town's history as well as a community gallery space. (www.rrm.co.uk) and our five of clubs in the pack.

• The Kenton Theatre - one of the oldest working theatres in the UK and our queen of spades in the pack. With loads of shows and plenty of one-off events including local theatre events, make sure to check their website often. (thekenton.org.uk)

• Henley Town Council website – Check for town news, park information, and seasonal events. (henleytowncouncil.gov.uk)

• Henley Library – A quiet spot to uncover more about local history and community events. In April 2025 it's re-opened after a big makeover too.

• Henley Community Matters (Facebook Group) – A great way to tap into live updates, insider tips, and local recommendations during your stay.

Wherever your Henley adventure takes you, don’t forget to pick up your Henley Playing Cards – the perfect guide, souvenir, and memento of your visit. You can buy them from this very website or check out the stockists page for all for those local places selling them - make sure you click the Show Henley button.

Start exploring, shuffle the deck, and live like a local!https://www.harrietbarcella.com/henley-female-networkhttps://www.harrietbarcella.com/henley-female-network