Thinking About Moving to Henley-on-Thames?
Nestled along the banks of the River Thames in Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is renowned for its picturesque setting, historic charm, and vibrant community. Whether it’s the famous Henley Royal Regatta, excellent schools, or beautiful countryside that draws you in, Henley offers a unique blend of riverside living and modern conveniences.
If you’re looking to buy or rent a property in this historic charming town, this guide will walk you through everything that makes Henley-on-Thames one of the most desirable places to live in the UK—from schools and transport links to property prices and local attractions.
Is Henley-on-Thames a Good Place to Live?
Henley-on-Thames is a historic riverside town, with history dating back to the 12th century. The town is famed for its stunning and picturesque views, with a unique charm, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life while still providing a wide range of amenities and activities for residents.
Whether you’re raising a family, starting a new chapter in your career, or seeking a scenic and relaxing place to retire, Henley-on-Thames has something to offer everyone. It’s also an excellent location for commuters, with easy access to London, Reading, and Oxford. The combination of the local natural tranquility mixed with the charm of the town and its bustling streets of pubs, and great eateries, makes Henley-on-Thames a perfect place to live.
Key Benefits of Living in Henley-on-Thames:
Beautiful Riverside Location: Stunning views of the River Thames and surrounding countryside, with plenty of parks and recreational areas for residents to enjoy picnics in.
Excellent Schools: A range of top-rated primary and secondary schools, perfect for families.
Commuting: Easy access to London Paddington, Reading, and Oxford via train or car.
Community: Home to world-famous events like the Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival.
Heritage: Rich in history, with iconic architecture and cultural landmarks.
Green Spaces in Henley-on-Thames
Living in Henley means you’re never far from nature. The town is surrounded by the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering endless opportunities for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities such as rowing. Vast beautiful countryside surrounds the town, with a range of popular spots for everyone:
Popular local spots include:
River Thames: The scenic riverside paths are perfect for peaceful walks and cycling.
Mill Meadows: A beautiful park by the river which is just great for picnics, dog walking, and family outings.
The Chiltern Hills: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that offer breathtaking views of the countryside. We highly recommend catching a glimpse of the stunning sunset, or for early birds, the sunrise.
Schools in Henley-on-Thames
Henley is home to a number of highly regarded schools, making it a popular choice for families. Schools in Henley-on-Thames are known for their strong academic performance and excellent facilities.
Notable Schools in Henley-on-Thames:
Trinity Primary School: An Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary school, with Christian values ‘Respect, Care and Courage’.
Gillotts School: A well-regarded secondary school with strong academic results.
Rupert House School: An independent preparatory school offering excellent early education for years 3-11.
Shiplake College: A nearby independent boarding and day school for secondary and sixth form students, (11-18) known for its academic and sporting excellence.
For further education, Henley College provides a wide range of post-16 options and adult education courses, from Accounting, Psychology, Dance, and more, making it an excellent hub for lifelong learning.
Transport Links in Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames offers excellent transport links, making it an ideal location for commuters. The town’s train station provides regular services to London Paddington, taking up to 45 minutes to an hour. Trains also connect to nearby Reading, offering further access to national rail services.
For those who prefer to drive, Henley is conveniently located near major roads such as the A4130, which connects to the M4 and M40 motorways, offering easy access to London and Oxford. The A404 and A4074 connect to Reading and Oxford too.
There are local bus services that connect Henley to nearby towns and villages such as Marlow and Reading.
Community Spirit in Henley-on-Thames
Henley boasts a vibrant community with an active calendar of local events. And with their history of rowing, the town’s most famous event – Henley Royal Regatta – is held annually, attracting visitors from around the world. Other popular events include the Henley Festival, a formal black-tie music and arts festival held each summer. So, get your glitz and glamour on!
Local community groups and clubs thrive in Henley, from rowing and cricket clubs to local arts societies and gardening groups. With so much going on, it’s easy to see why Henley residents take such pride in their vibrant and thriving community.
Property Prices in Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames is known for its stunning riverside homes and historic properties, making it one of the more expensive towns in Oxfordshire. However, a range of properties is available, from charming period cottages to modern apartments and spacious family homes. According to Rightmove, the average property price in Henley-on-Thames was £757,153 over the last year.
Average Property Prices in Henley-on-Thames:
- Detached houses: £875,850+
- Semi-detached houses: £570,812
- Terraced houses: £487,585
- Flats: £341,029
Sold property prices in Henley-on-Thames over the past year were 4% lower compared to the previous year but remain 4% higher than the 2021 peak of £727,928.
Whether you’re looking to buy a riverside retreat or a modern apartment in the town centre, Chancellor’s estate agents can help you find the perfect property to match your budget and lifestyle. Looking to sell? Take advantage of our free property valuation services to see how much your home is worth.
Renting Property in Henley-on-Thames
For those looking to rent in Henley, the market offers a variety of options, from contemporary apartments to charming period homes. Rental prices reflect the town’s popularity and scenic location.
Average Rental Prices in Henley-on-Thames:
One-bedroom flats: £1,194 per month
Two-bedroom flats: £1,352 per month
Three-bedroom houses: £1,564+ per month
For larger properties, rent can be anywhere upwards of £2,500 +.
Ready to explore rental opportunities in Henley-on-Thames? Contact your local Chancellors estate agents to start your property search today.
Things to Do in Henley-on-Thames
Henley may be a small town, but it’s packed with things to do. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply enjoy a good meal, Henley offers a variety of activities and attractions for everyone.
Top Attractions in Henley-on-Thames:
Henley Royal Regatta: A world-renowned rowing event held annually in July. An event that brings thousands of people together. Be sure to book hotels months in advance.
Henley Festival: A unique summer festival offering music, comedy, and art on the banks of the Thames. This takes place after Regatta week, seeing hundreds of people heading to the river to enjoy some amazing music on a floating stage.
River & Rowing Museum: Discover the history of rowing and the River Thames. There’s a little cafe for you to enjoy a light brunch, overlooking the river.
Stonor Park: A beautiful stately home set in stunning parkland just outside Henley. Surrounding the home is a deer park. Spring is the best time to explore the area, spot some deer, and find a large variety of spring flowers.
The Regal Picturehouse: A cosy, independent cinema showing the latest films and live screenings. There is also a cafe-bar providing locally crafted cakes, sandwiches, and a selection of wines.
For outdoor lovers, the River Thames offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the nearby Chiltern Hills provide a backdrop for hiking, cycling, and nature walks.
Where to Eat and Drink in Henley-on-Thames
Henley’s food and drink scene is as vibrant as its community. From riverside cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Top Places to Eat and Drink:
The Angel on the Bridge: A historic riverside pub offering hearty meals and stunning views of the Thames. This is the only pub in town to stand on the river.
Villa Marina: A fantastic family-run restaurant, the Italian restaurant is a firm favourite with the locals, serving up ‘simple, authentic Italian food’.
The Crooked Billet: A charming country pub serving locally sourced dishes and a wide choice of international wines.
Giggling Squid: A very popular Thai restaurant with a menu full of bold, flavourful dishes, from the classic Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai, to their signature Salt & Pepper Squid. They even provide a vegan menu!
Bistro at The Boathouse: A fine dining restaurant offering contemporary British cuisine in a stunning riverside setting. Plating up quick brunches of smoked salmon, battered fish and chips, and even steamed St. Austell Bay Mussels.
Final Thoughts on Living in Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern convenience. With its excellent schools, strong community spirit, stunning riverside location, and being a foodie’s paradise, it’s no wonder more people are choosing to call Henley their home.
Ready to make the move? Contact Chancellors Oxford estate agents today to find your dream home or book a free property valuation if you’re thinking about selling. With our expert local knowledge, we’re here to guide you every step of the way in your property journey.
