Last year, Henley-on-Thames was the highest place in the Oxfordshire county for UK towns.
And we can certainly see why, with its beautiful riverside walks and vibrant cultural scene. Let’s not forget its prestigious rowing events.
It was previously named 17th in the 50 most desirable cities by the Daily Telegraph.
The likes of Boris Johnson, Liam Gallagher, George Orwell and who can forget Winston Churchill have all lived here.
So let’s take a closer look at the historic city.
Where is Henley-on-Thames?
The city is located on the River Thames in Oxfordshire. Henley-on-Thames is just nine miles north-east of Reading, seven miles west of Maidenhead and 23 miles south-east of Oxford.
Last year The Times voted it one of the best places to live in the English countryside. The famous faces who lived in the city have helped to raise housing prices in the area as well.
According to Rightmove, the average price of a property in Henley-On-Thames last year was £734,899.
The majority of properties sold in the town were detached houses, with an average price of £1,100,758. At the same time, terraced properties sold for an average of £601,995 and flats for £473,672.
Overall, prices sold in Henley-On-Thames last year were nine per cent lower than the previous year and matched the 2021 peak of £728,914.
Meanwhile, for those looking to rent in Henley-on-Thames, the average rent will set you back £1,950 per cubic meter, according to Home.co.uk.
What is there to do in Henley-on-Thames?
There is something for everyone visiting the city. Whether you’re interested in history, tours or good food and drink, you can go and explore what Henley-on-Thames has to offer. Let’s take a look at the most popular things on Tripadvisor.
The Henley Distillery Gin Experience
This experience offers you the opportunity to become a distiller. As part of the £20 tour, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the gins, as well as distill your own using a selection of over 100 botanicals.
A 45-minute experience where you can also taste three different gins and three different rums. It works on Saturdays from 11 am to 12 pm.
One Tripadvisor review said: “The gin experience was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. We learned about the history of gin to the present day. It was a very interesting and inspiring story of the creation of Henley Distillery.”
Another commented: “Wow, this private gin experience was such a treat and so much fun. We learned so much, laughed so much and had a ton of fun. Thank you Jacob and Kate for hosting this event and making it so special and helping us make great memories, I can’t recommend this enough.”
Nuffield place
History lovers should head to Nuffield Place, which is part of the National Trust.
It is a country house near the village of Nuffield in the Chiltern Hills in South Oxfordshire. Nuffield Place is home to one of the most prolific philanthropists of the 20th century – Lord Nuffield.
Lord Nuffield became one of the richest men in England and a self-made millionaire after hiring people to make cars.
Lord Nuffield was buried in the village’s Holy Trinity Parish Church, and Nuffield Place became a museum.
One visitor said: “We were lucky to have, if I remember correctly, Phillip, who was very knowledgeable about the estate, Lord and Lady Nuffield and of course the Morris engines. He brought every room to life with his knowledge and manner. where he told the story of the estate.”
Another said: “All the volunteer guides were so friendly and informative, in fact they were the best guides I have ever met and as a family we have been to many National Trust properties around the country.
“They certainly knew their stuff and were willing to share their knowledge with us. The house is as it was left with all the original furniture and fixtures that created a warm and loving home, it almost felt like the owners had just popped out and you Guests were just sitting at home.”
Grays Court
Finally, another place worth visiting is Grays Court. A Tudor country house and gardens in the southern Chiltern Hills at Rotherfield Greys, near Henley-on-Thames.
The public can now visit a National Trust site rich in history.
One reviewer said: “Tucked away behind Henley. The house is well worth a visit as you can walk through all the rooms. The NT staff are really helpful.”
Another user added: “Another great National Trust property. The walled gardens are amazing. It’s not one walled garden but several linked together. The house is also very nice to walk around. There are many very helpful guides. house.”
