Running every summer on the River Thames in the Berkshire town of Henley-on-Thames, the famed Henley Royal Regatta attracts huge crowds for the duration of its six-day event. First being held in 1839, the event has taken place every year since, with exceptions being made during World War I and World War II, and also during the COVID-19 pandemic. It usually takes place from Tuesday to Sunday, finishing on the first weekend of July; this year’s dates are Tuesday 30th June to Sunday 5th July. It’s also notable that a month after the 1948 Regatta, Henley was the venue for the rowing and canoeing events in the 1948 Summer Olympics, with the host city itself being nearby London; it was also the venue for the rowing in the 1908 London Olympics (interestingly, all four rowing events in 1908 were won by Great Britain). In total, there are 30 events spread over 5 categories; from junior events all the way to the premier events which can attract Olympians, there’s quite a lot going on at Henley!
Image Credit: VisitBritain | VisitBritain
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In terms of getting to Henley itself, one of the simplest options is by train. This involves changing trains at Twyford, where you can then get to and from Henley. For Twyford, trains run west to Reading and east to London Paddington, so it can be surprisingly well-connected to the rest of the country. Given this, it can quite easily increase the chance of you being able to purchase cheap train tickets from our website/app for your trip to Henley for the renowned Regatta. Getting to Twyford itself from London Paddington can take as little as just over 30 minutes, and from Reading, Twyford can only be five minutes away. The final leg from Twyford to Henley usually takes just under 15 minutes. It’s perhaps unsurprising to learn that trains to Henley can be rather busy during the Regatta, with much longer trains than usual being used, and often a more frequent service as well. Historically, there were sidings to the south of the station that were used to stable extra trains during the Regatta.
Image Credit: Visit Britain | Visit Britain
The Regatta became known as Henley Royal Regatta in 1851 when Prince Albert agreed to be its Patron. Following his death in 1861, every reigning monarch has consented to being the Patron. The first overseas competitors were Trinity College Dublin in 1870, though they wouldn’t have been considered ‘international’ at the time on account of Ireland being a part of the UK at this time. The first overseas competitors were in 1878, with a number from the USA and Canada taking part.
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There are different enclosures that are present at the Regatta, and they can have different dress codes, so please make sure to read this information before you go. This is particularly notable for the prestigious Stewards’ Enclosure. New for 2026 is an option for luxury glamping, which is arguably something very different to consider if you want to extend your stay in Henley. There are also a number of hospitality options you may want to examine. A lot of people will dress up smartly for the Regatta, so regardless of whether you have access to one of the enclosures, why not dress up for the occasion?
Image Credit: Ben Selway | Visit Britain
Given Henley’s reputation as being something of a classy event, you may be thinking that it could be a bit more expensive overall, and you may want to know how you can save money. Well, if you’re travelling by train, buying your tickets from us can help reduce your costs. Our website’s algorithm helps to find cheap train tickets through the wonders of split ticketing. There are many other ways in which you can save money on your train tickets to get to Henley (these can also apply in general), and they can be found in our article HERE.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, don’t forget to buy a digital Railcard directly through TrainSplit. It can pay for itself in just 1-2 journeys!
We very much hope that we've been able to convince you to consider going to Henley Royal Regatta by train. If we have, then fantastic! If you have any questions about cheap train tickets for getting to & from Henley, please email us on customer.support@trainsplit.com, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning on going to Henley Royal Regatta by train? Here are answers to the most common questions about finding cheap train tickets, using split ticketing, and making the most of your adventures across the UK.
How can I find cheap train tickets in the UK?
You can save money by booking in advance, travelling at off-peak times, and using TrainSplit to find split ticket options, often involving cheap Advance tickets. It’s a great way to cut the cost of travelling across the UK by train.
Can I use split ticketing for journeys by train?
Absolutely. Many UK train routes allow for split ticketing, meaning you can book multiple tickets for different parts of a journey and save compared to a single through fare. TrainSplit does this automatically and shows you the savings upfront.
When should I book train tickets for the best prices?
It’s best to book well in advance, as fares rise closer to the travel date. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead often gets you the lowest fares. Split ticketing can also help you save even when booking later.
Are there discounts for frequent train travellers in the UK?
Yes. A digital Railcard offers 1/3 off most fares and works alongside split ticketing for even bigger savings. It’s ideal for frequent travellers or those planning several day trips and weekend breaks.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets online or at the station?
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper. Using TrainSplit lets you compare fares, find split ticket combinations, and avoid paying full-price walk-up fares at the station.
Can I reach Henley Royal Regatta by train?
Yes. The town has a train station, which helps to facilitate easy journeys to and from the Regatta by rail.
Can I still travel if my original train is delayed or cancelled?
Yes. Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, you’re entitled to take the next reasonable service to complete your journey if your train is delayed or cancelled.
When is the best time to travel to Henley Royal Regatta?
Trains are quieter outside peak hours. Travel early and check return times in advance. Mid-morning departures often offer the best balance between comfort and cost.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint when travelling?
Travelling by train produces far fewer CO₂ emissions than driving. Visiting places by rail helps reduce congestion and environmental impact while supporting sustainable tourism across the UK.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
No. Most tickets are available as e-tickets you can store on your phone. You can also collect them from a station machine with your booking reference if you prefer a paper copy.
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
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