The Henley Royal Regatta, UK

Have you ever had any rowers in your family? We haven’t. Much to my disappointment, as I always fancied being a rowing Mum. Up at the crack of the dawn walking them towpaths of Melbourne with the crazy poodle, latte in hand!

The nearest I’ve ever got to rowing in the family is singing the kid’s song ‘Row, row, row your boat’

So imagine my excitement when last summer I’m invited to sit on the Phyllis Court finishing line to watch some of the world’s best rowers compete for line honours at the world’s most famous rowing event?

HOME OF ONE OF THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER OF SPORTS EVENTS:

Maybe I love the idea of rowing because of my British roots, you see I was born at Henley on Thames. Home of one of the quintessentially English social & sporting events that make up the English Season – think of the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, AND the Henley Regatta.

I’m not exactly one to do the English season… although say anyone for tennis and your Wren is there quicker than you can say new balls, please. Wimbledon yes, of course!

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect at the Henley Royal Regatta.

WHAT IS THE HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA?

The Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly one of the world’s best-known rowing events. There are over 200 races of an international standard, with over 500 competing athletes, some Olympians, and teams from all over the world.

This year the Henley Royal Regatta 2019 will be held from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th July 2019. You can discover all the details here, and if I’ve inspired you to join in the fun, you can buy your tickets here.

‘Oh my, that’s a bit posh’ do I hear you say? Well yes maybe, but it’s a fantastic fun day out even if you’re not that into messing about in boats.

WHERE IS HENLEY ON THAMES?

Henley on Thames is located in the United Kingdom (Oxfordshire, England) It is an hour out of London on a non-regatta weekend. During the festival, they suggest the best way to arrive is via train.

Yes, it’s a town inextricably linked with the River Thames, and yes the same one that runs through London! It’s quite London on Thames reunited for sure and there are some rather smart cars in the car park sipping on their chilled Laurent-Perrier.

But get away from this, and you’ll even find some schools competing in the races. We were happy to see some of the Melbourne schools we knew, as well as some English schools we recognise, such as Abingdon School who are always a standout team in their distinctive bright pink blazers.

Actually, look hard enough and you like in all things will find all walks of life wandering the towpath or even better taking a punt down the Thames. From the Duke of somewhere or other, we spotted some Uni kids who look like they’ve borrowed Uncle Bill’s boat for a jaunt down the river, beer in hand… and everything fun and fancy in between.

Back to merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily…

THE HISTORY OF HENLEY:

The Henley Regatta dates back to 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars.

It started as a way to entice visitors to the town and just now look at it. At the peak of the regatta, the town can be gridlocked struggling to cope with all the extra traffic.

Fast forward to 2019 and you can find a unique day out.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT HENLEY?

Picture the world’s top rowers going head to head in a picturesque part of the world. Whilst the spectators cheer them on from a corporate box or stewards enclosure whilst eating strawberries and cream.

One late bishop of London described it as “Just like an Edwardian tea party”.

Hmmm, I do like a good afternoon tea…

WHAT DO YOU WEAR?

It’s July in a British Summer, so anything could happen weather-wise.

Depending on your tickets, the dress code will be specified.

The Brits do summer flowery frocks really well (just make sure it’s below the knee, I mean let’s have some decorum here otherwise you will be asked to leave… haha. The same if you are caught on your mobile phone, don’t in certain areas. Then there is the big question of whether to wear a hat or not. It is up to you!  But most do, it’s part of the occasion.

For men, it’s definitely all Panama hats, blazers (preferably one from your old rowing club!), chinos, and a tie.

Just remember you may be out in the sun (or rain) and you will have to be able to have shoes that don’t sink in walking on the grass… just sayin’.

Go on have I tempted you to give it a go? The heritage, the traditions, the side-by-side racing on a river (most rowing competitions are on still water) the fancy people watching, and the fancy dress boats. It’s a fun day out for sure.

Who rows wins…

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream!

Thank you for joining me today as part of  Wren’s Worldwide Wanderings:

U is for uniquely, UK

For other Uniquely UK, Summer season fun and frolics, see Wimbledon, and Glastonbury posts.