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Hurley is a small village that is close to Henley which is
inextricably linked with the Royal River Thames, which is in full flow as it
rushes through the town, this is for Henley not Hurley, Hurley is a village with
the Thames at the bottom of the High Street overlooked by the beautiful Chiltern
landscape of wooded hills and green fields.
Just a few strides from the Henley riverbank is the very heart of Henley with its
historic church, town hall and market square, the last bustling with busy stall-holders
and shoppers on market days. They also enjoy browsing the town's many boutiques.
Founded in the 12th century, and best known for the annual Royal Regatta,this year held 1st-5th July. Henley
attracts some of the worlds finest rowers. Statues of those great Olympians
Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent greet visitors to the towns award
winning River and Rowing Museum.
Both Hurley and Henley attracts golfers to local courses and nearby is the nationally
known Henley Hawks rugby club and successful cricket and football clubs as well
as a privately-owned polo ground.
The stretch of river between the regatta finish and Henley Bridge is the outside
location for the annual Henley Festival of Music and Arts. Now a popular hospitality
venue it attracts some of the worlds top entertainers to perform on a floating
stage in front of a morning suited audience and the site includes exhibitions
of art and sculpture. The thriving Kenton Theatre is one of the oldest performing
theatres in the country.
Visitors can enjoy a boat trip down the regatta course, either in one of the
commercial boats that operate along this stretch or, rather more energetically,
in a rowing boat. Afterwards they can relax in the well-maintained Mill Meadows public park.
This leads us nicely onto another pastime which involves walkers and ramblers
associations who find the area a central point to enjoy the beautiful walks in
and around the Chiltern Valley.
Another form of enjoyment is the opportunity to enjoy a meal in one of Henleys
many and varied restaurants and pubs.
Also nearby is the world renowned Windsor Castle that is one of three official
residences of the Queen. Keeping with the royal connection you may want to visit
Ascot racecourse where in June one can participate in one of the major social
events of the British calendar, Royal Ascot Week. This is when men don their
Morning Suits and the women get dressed up or for the more daring wear as little
as possible while still keeping their dignity intact. The custom is also for the
ladies to wear hats. The more elaborate or outrageous these are gives rise to the
opportunity of the wearer to be seen on various television stations and in the
national press. The norm is to drink lots of champagne and have a picnic alfresco.
Not forgetting the children there is Legoland Windsor where they can see lots of
interesting structures made from the simple Lego block as well as lots of fun rides.
On the Links page you will find contact details of various places of interest ranging
from museums and historical houses, boating and hot air balloon trips, golf courses and
horse riding to various sports activities.
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