Henley Royal Regatta

Said to be the world’s best known regatta, Henley’s remains a firm favourite in the social diary for those who love one of England’s most loved pastimes, rowing. Taking place on the River Thames, Henley Royal Regatta draws in the classic English gent, those wanting to experience a slice of authentic British life, and even the odd Olympian. Spanning two wars, this five-day event has taken place each year since 1839, over the first weekend in July, and consists of 200 races that are around a mile long each. As part of the ‘English social season’ the event comes with a strict dress code so it’s a jolly good excuse to dress up, pack the cucumber sandwiches, and break out the Pimms.