Henley-on-Thames, a market town on the River Thames that regularly appears in the hit TV series Midsomer Murders, has been named Best Town in the UK at the Britain in Bloom awards this year.
The town is best known for its annual regatta, a rowing celebration dating back almost 200 years. Its streets, Victorian buildings and high street are also regularly used as a backdrop for DCI Barnaby's investigations in the detective drama.
A Familiar TV Setting
Henley's town hall appears as Causton court house, the local butcher's shop features in The Magician's Nephew episode, and Henley Royal Regatta was transformed into Midsomer Regatta in Dead in the Water.
The town offers a bustling centre, riverside walks, festivals and Thames boat tours, making it a popular destination for visitors throughout the year.
Local Views on the Town
Philippa Harvey, who has lived in Henley-on-Thames for 28 years, told the Express: "I love the fact that it doesn't really change. It's a very friendly place." She said Henley comes alive when crowds arrive for the regatta, with other attractions including Henley Festival, the Rewind South Festival and Henley Literary Festival.
Shinaz Fisher-Bailey, 29, a local for 13 years, said she loves the town's riverside location and surrounding countryside. She added: "It's also very clean and tidy and good for businesses. Small businesses do really well here."
A Timeless Appeal
Christiaan Jonkers, owner of rare books dealer Jonkers, described Henley as a quintessential market town. He added: "It's popular because it is so unchanged. It's timeless in a traditional sense. A relatively quiet, Thames-side town."
Across the road, Asquiths Teddy Bear Shop has shelves lined with cuddly bears, some dating back to the early 20th century. Owner Rachel Hollinrake said the town is especially lovely in summer and recommended a river cruise with Hobbs of Henley, a family-run business in boating for over 150 years.
History and Regatta Origins
Locals recommend deli Pavilion Foods, Gabriel Machin butcher's, The Bell Bookshop, Berries Coffee, The Catherine Wheel, The Bull on Bell Street pub and Italian restaurant Villa Marina among the town's highlights.
Dr Michael Redley, of Henley Archaeological & Historical Group, said Henley is a community-minded spot that cherishes its long history while keeping up with the times. He summed up the town: "It's a small, Thames-side market town on a rather spectacular place on the river."
An inland port serving London in earlier days, Henley grew wealthy as goods were carried by boat along the Thames. It developed a reputation for gentility by the 18th century, close to London's high life but far enough to escape the city bustle. Its fortunes fell in the early 19th century when the railway line between London and Bristol bypassed the town.
Dr Redley said Henley experienced a period of decline before townsfolk staged a regatta to bring back the crowds. The first regatta in March 1839 featured amusements, a fair and rowing races, and became an instant hit. A year later, the focus shifted to competitive amateur rowing. By 1851, the event became Henley Royal Regatta after Prince Albert became its first royal patron. The annual rowing spectacular remains popular, drawing visitors from across the UK and the world. Dr Redley said: "In Henley, you are guaranteed a warm welcome."
