Is Henley nice for a day out?

[Mydoghealsmyheart]

DH has suggested we go on a day trip to Henley on Thames. But neither of us know anything about the area. Is it worthwhile to visit and can anyone suggest things to do, places to eat etc? Thanks.

There's loads of places to eat, what kind of food do you like and I'll recommend some.

For things to do, there's the river to walk along, an adventure golf course which is actually a lot of fun, and if you have kids there's two nice play areas by the river. You can also hire boats or go on a boat trip.

There's a cinema and a theatre so if you want to do something in the evening you could check what's showing at those.

Lots of the pubs have live music, quiz nights etc if you fancy something like that.

There's two lovely ice cream parlours as well.

Generally people go for the river and either a walk or just sit on the meadow.

Ooh that all sounds lovely, thank you. We don’t have young children, actually young adults so walks, coffee, ice cream, people watching, pub or cinema all sound great. We like most foods except Thai or other Asian foods as one of us has severe peanut allergy. Any suggestions of a nice pub or cafe would be most welcome.

There is a gorgeous pub called The Angel right by the river (by the bridge). Great food and very historic.

There are a lot of excellent charity shops to mooch round (which your young adults might enjoy). You can also do a boat trip on the river. I find the food offering there a bit meh - the pubs are generally better than the restaurants although the Portuguese restaurant in the market square is good. The pub next to the butchers is owned by the butcher and food there is very good, as is the Bull and the Angel on the Bridge.

The little angel which is just over the bridge on the other side of the river does fabulous food. I also rate Piccolino but it's expensive. The ambience is lovely though.

The Bull on Bell also does nice food. If you have a curry then the Spice Merchant is amazing.

Viv's is a lovely cafe with river views.

For coffee, Hot Gossip and Berries are two nice independent coffee shops. Hot Gossip has a lovely garden.

Cote is a chain but does nice coffee and has a courtyard but you have to ask to sit in it.

We like Henley just for a mooch. The walk up the river is nice and there's a few good shops.....the charity shops are nice for a wander round as well as the second hand bookshop.

We like Coppa for food but I agree there's loads of nice places.

Greys Court National Trust isn't far from Henley and is lovely. They have a bluebell wood walk and their wisteria maze may just be coming into flower.

The art fair at the Old Fire station just off the main square is on for the next couple of weeks and defo worth checking out!

Glanced at the title and briefly thought it was a baby name suggestion 😂 Yes, HoT is a lovely place - really great for a family day out, though much better in fine weather for obvious reasons (walks by the river, ice creams etc)

I really like the Argyll pub for food. It's in the high street and has a great garden with booths (which also have heating if you need it).

I’m so grateful to you all for your wonderful suggestions, you’re all very kind and I can’t wait to visit now.

Are you driving ? If so don't miss hambledon and turville ,two beautiful classics villages and used in many films !

And Gray's Court. National Trust, with a massive wisteria.

Also, look in on Machin's, a butcher and fishmonger on the town centre. And don't miss Anthony Paul Jewellers, if you like independent classic quality jewellery.0

Ahhhh we love Henley! There’s a really lovely Tudor looking antique shop, with lots of random knick knacks! Enjoy a walk by the river, and a mooch round the shops. Bliss!!

The Three Tuns in The market place is a better pub than The Little Angel. If you want something more special Luscombes on Bell Street.

The Tuns is no good if you don't eat meat though.

Pointless place. Only decent thing is the giggling squid Thai place!

Make sure to go up the river as far as the lock. It is beautiful, with a long footbridge over the water, and a view of the fish ladder.

We’ve camped near Henley many times and love the mooching, river walk, locks etc as mentioned.
don’t forget to look up! Lots of kites round there

Yes. It's lovely.

It's somewhere you might go for a lazy day out on a sunny day.
Pretty market town on the Thames, nice shops and pubs, rowing museum.

Make sure to go up the river as far as the lock. It is beautiful, with a long footbridge over the water, and a view of the fish ladder. Agree.

Could take a boat trip etc.

It’s the Henley Arts Trail this weekend so might be a bit busier than usual, if you are going.

Traffic going into Henley from the Maidenhead direction can be horrendous. Allow extra time for it.

We may go another day if it’s likely to be busy this weekend.

Is it easy to find your way around? The adventure golf, ice cream parlours etc sound fab and we don’t want to miss anything. Also, is there one direction which is best for a riverside walk?