Feel like a royal by swanning around this up-scale town named one of the UK’s ‘poshest’. There’s boutique shops, celebrity mansions, award-winning eateries and even a winery
Live out your Bridgerton fantasy in this ultra-regal town, perfect for a Spring staycation. Often touted as one of the best places to live in the UK, Henley-on-Thames hugs the River Thames, in the South Oxfordshire district.
Despite being just 37 miles west of London, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a whole new world (and time period) thanks to its quaint yet lively atmosphere. Renowned for hosting its world-famous Royal Regatta every year, which sees thousands of tourists and more than 400 rowing races take place, it’s no surprise this town was crowned as the ‘poshest’ in the UK by the Telegraph.
In fact, Henley-on-Thames is home to Britain’s most expensive home – Park Place – which sold for a staggering £140 million back in 2011. Naturally, its plethora of secluded mansions has also made the town somewhat of a celebrity magnet: with past and present A-list residents including Orlando Bloom, Mary Berry, Liam Gallagher, and George Orwell.
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Henley-on-Thames’ stellar reputation has been upheld by its up-market high street filled with boutique shops and mouth-watering eateries, as well as the award-winning Mill Meadows Park. “Henley’s riverside location, surrounded by a Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields, lends itself to relaxation, long lunches and quirky shopping,” states Visit Henley, the town’s tourist board. “There’s a pub where Charles I drank, a Chantry house, a butcher that smokes his own meat and independent shops still offering the personal touch.”
The Telegraph hailed Pavilion, an ‘indie deli and cookery school’, along with Golden Ball – a European-influenced eatery cooking up culinary wonders from locally sourced produce. “Everyone adores Asquiths, long-time purveyors of high-end teddy bears,” the publication added.
Fans of Midsomer Murders can go on a tour to see filming locations from the acclaimed TV show, while those looking for a more laid-back staycation can get merry at Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Chiltern Valley offers tours and tasting, and even doubles as a wedding venue.
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Henley-on-Thames is just one hour and 18 minutes drive away from London, while travelling by train cuts the journey down to just 59 minutes. You may have to change carriages in Twyford, but can grab £22 single fares if you’re flexible with dates.
The town may be a bit more expensive than a trip to Skegness, but there is still a range of accommodation types depending on your budget. For example, a weekend stay (Friday, April 4-6) in a two-bedroom apartment will set you back £464, based on two people sharing, while renting out an entire holiday home will cost £758 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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