A Guide to Henley Royal Regatta 2023

Henley Royal Regatta 2023

On your marks, get set, row! Nothing quite says British summer time like putting on your best threads, sitting by the River Thames and enjoying an afternoon of rowing action.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, you’re in luck because the Henley Royal Regatta is back for another year, with more than 300,000 guests set to flock to Oxfordshire.

This summer, over 300 head-to-head races will take place along the 2,112 metre course, with Olympians, international crews, amateurs and juniors all competing for glory.

The Henley Royal Regatta has been a major part of our sporting calendar since 1839. And while it retains its traditional British essence, it’s evolved into an international affair, with rowers travelling from all corners of the globe to take part.

What’s on the Henley Royal Regatta 2023 agenda?

Tuesday 27th June

The opening day of the 2023 Henley Royal Regatta is one of the most highly-anticipated days in the sporting calendar and you’re in for a treat with the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup.

Plus, you’ll be able to sample the first club races of the week in the form of the Wyfold Challenge Cup and the Britannia Challenge Cup.

Wednesday 28th June

Picking up where Tuesday left off, Wednesday pits the men’s coxless fours against one another in the opening heats of the Visitors’ Challenge Cup.

And we’ll be treated to a flurry of club eights races, where international rowers can’t compete, with the Thames Challenge Cup (men) and the Wargrave Challenge Cup (women).

Thursday 29th June

The single scull action takes centre stage on Thursday, with the lone men battling it out in the Diamond Challenge Sculls, which is a third of the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ of premier UK single sculling events.

Meanwhile, the ladies will also be on a solo mission for glory in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup. And they’ll also be looking to be crowned the most awesome foursome in the Princess Grace Challenge Cup, named after the late Grace Kelly, who came from a seasoned family of rowers.

Friday 30th June

The fun continues on Friday, with two key open all-female events. The Remenham Challenge Cup and the Town Challenge Cup will give the crowds lining the River Thames an insight into who could reach Sunday’s finals.

Also taking place is the Ladies’ Challenge Plate, which, confusingly, is a race for crews of men’s eights.

Saturday 1st July

Strap yourselves in and enjoy the heats of the Grand Challenge Cup. The open men’s eights event was established in 1839 and is the Henley Regatta’s most prestigious race.

Saturday also welcomes the start of the semi-finals as teams go head-to-head to book their place for the final day of racing.

Sunday 2nd July

The last day of the event comes on Sunday – but it’s certainly not the least. That’s because it’s finals day, with those that were triumphant in the heats locking horns one last time as they look to etch their names in the Henley Regatta history books.

A full schedule of all races can be found here.

Henley Royal Regatta dress code

The Henley Regatta is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress! Ladies must don formal attire, with dresses and skirts required to fall below the knee, while trousers must be full length. Though hats are not mandatory, it’s traditional for ladies to wear one.

Gentlemen are required to wear either lounge suits, or a jacket or blazer with flannels, along with a collared shirt. A tie or cravat is encouraged, although they are not compulsory.

Shorts, jeans or trainers are not permitted to be worn by anybody.

Ambro at Henley Royal Regatta

We’ve been proudly offering hospitality experiences at the Henley Royal Regatta for more than 30 years and the 2023 event is no exception, with two stunning enclosures available.

Temple Island Enclosure

Regarded as the finest hospitality facility, in the best location on the course, in which to entertain during the Regatta, only moments away from the start, in the heart of the action.

No number is too few for a reservation within our riverside restaurant where private tables are
guaranteed for a minimum of 2 guests. Find out more here.

ICON

Experience Henley Royal Regatta with ICON.

A special riverside hospitality experience, a perfect way to enjoy a summer’s day.

British Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett OBE joins us to ensure that the food matches the views and atmosphere in being a brilliant experience.

Bottomless Brunch

Gather your friends and join us at the stunning Temple Island Enclosure for this unique bottomless brunch experience.

5 hours of free flowing prosecco, beers and wines whilst watching all the rowing action of Henley Royal Regatta. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet whilst listening to live music at this super chilled, cool and classy affair. Available on Sunday 2nd July only.