Henley Royal Regatta 2025
There are few scenes that capture the essence of the British summer quite like the Henley Royal Regatta. It’s a unique tableau: the gentle ripple of the Thames, the flash of oars in perfect synchronicity, the murmur of the crowd from striped deckchairs, and the explosive power of a head-to-head race decided by inches.
Held annually since 1839, Henley is more than a sporting competition; it is a revered institution and a highlight of the social season. At Above + Beyond, our work is founded on an appreciation for such iconic events. For over 30 years, we have enabled our clients to experience the world’s greatest spectacles, and Henley holds a special place for its blend of elite performance and timeless tradition.
This guide offers a clear overview of the 2025 Regatta, from its unique format to the athletes and innovations that will make this year’s event particularly compelling.
The Regatta at a Glance
For those planning to attend, here are the essential details:
- Dates: Tuesday, 1st July – Sunday, 6th July 2025
- Location: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
- Course: Henley Reach, River Thames (a 2,112-metre course)
- Format: A unique six-day tournament with 404 head-to-head knockout races.
- Participants: A record field of over 4,300 athletes from 19 nations.
A Tradition of Sporting Excellence
To understand Henley is to appreciate its history. Granted royal patronage by Prince Albert in 1851, the Regatta has maintained its distinctive character for over a century. Unlike multi-lane Olympic regattas, every race at Henley is a duel—just two boats competing side-by-side. This knockout format creates a palpable tension from the first day, as every race means elimination for one crew.
Winning here, especially a coveted trophy like the Grand Challenge Cup for men's eights, is a career-defining achievement, often considered on par with a World Championship medal.
What Makes the 2025 Regatta Unmissable
The 2025 edition is poised to be a landmark year, marked by a record number of entries and significant innovations.
The Debut of The Bridge Challenge Plate
For the first time, the Regatta introduces a women's Intermediate event: The Bridge Challenge Plate. This is a pivotal moment for the sport, creating a crucial competitive tier between the top Premier events and the Club and Student categories. It’s a move designed to deepen the field of women’s rowing, encouraging more elite national and international crews to compete at Henley.
A Field of Olympic Champions
The entry list for 2025 reads like a who's who of world rowing. Fresh from the Olympic cycle, multiple medallists from Paris and Tokyo will be competing on the Thames, including:
- Olli Zeidler (Germany): The formidable Olympic, World, and European Champion in the single sculls returns to seek a historic fifth victory in the Diamond Challenge Sculls.
- Stefanos Ntouskos (Greece): The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist will be a powerful challenger in the single sculls.
- Logan Ulrich (New Zealand): A Paris 2024 silver medallist, headlining a strong contingent from the Southern Hemisphere.
- Viktorija Senkuté (Lithuania): The Paris 2024 bronze medallist will compete in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup, marking Lithuania’s first appearance at Henley since 2016.
The presence of such high-calibre athletes elevates the entire competition, promising world-class racing every day.
The Henley Experience: Beyond the Riverbank
For many, the appeal of Henley lies as much in its atmosphere as in the racing. It is a celebrated social occasion with its own unique customs and etiquette.
The famous Dress Code, particularly within the exclusive Stewards' Enclosure, is strictly observed. Gentlemen are required to wear a lounge suit or a blazer and flannels with a tie or cravat, while ladies wear dresses or suits with a hemline below the knee. This tradition contributes to the sense of occasion that makes the event so distinct.
The atmosphere along the riverbank is a blend of intense sporting focus and relaxed summer pageantry. It is a place for connection, celebration, and appreciating sporting prowess in a truly beautiful setting.
The Above + Beyond Approach to Henley
Navigating the Henley Royal Regatta, with its nuanced traditions and high demand for access, requires specialist knowledge. Our role is not simply to provide a ticket, but to curate the complete Henley experience.
For over three decades, our background in high-level fundraising has provided us with an invaluable network, allowing us to offer a level of access and service that is simply unavailable elsewhere. We specialise in understanding our clients' objectives—whether for corporate hospitality or a personal ambition—and building a flawless experience around them. This includes:
- Securing access to the most exclusive enclosures and private hospitality areas.
- Arranging seamless travel and five-star accommodation.
- Organising private dining and other engagements in the charming town of Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding area.
We handle every detail, allowing our clients to immerse themselves fully in the spirit and spectacle of the Regatta.
A Landmark Year
With a record field, a new and historic women’s event, and a roster of Olympic champions, the Henley Royal Regatta 2025 is set to be an extraordinary vintage. It is a fixture that continues to honour its rich history while embracing the future of its sport.
If attending this iconic event in impeccable style is your goal, we invite you to begin the conversation with us.
Begin the ConversationHenley Royal Regatta 2025 FAQs
The 2025 Henley Royal Regatta runs from Tuesday, 1 July to Sunday, 6 July.
Tuesday: Racing starts at 09:30
Wednesday to Saturday: Racing starts at 09:00
Sunday: Racing starts at 10:50
Racing typically finishes around 19:30 each day, except Sunday when the last race is at 16:30.
There will be over 300 races across six days, featuring top domestic and international crews.
Prizegiving takes place on Sunday, 6 July at 17:00 in the Stewards’ Enclosure. The dress code is relaxed from 16:45, and children of all ages are welcome.
Tickets for the 2025 Regatta went on sale from Wednesday, 16 April. They can be purchased in person from Regatta HQ or online via the official Henley Royal Regatta website.
Yes, there is a formal dress code in the Stewards’ Enclosure. Men are required to wear jackets and ties, and women should wear dresses or suits. The dress code is relaxed after 16:45 on Sunday for the prizegiving.
Yes, both wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted in the Enclosures. It is recommended that users have third-party insurance. The Regatta does not accept responsibility for injuries or damage caused by their use.
Yes, Event Mobility will provide electric mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs for mobility-impaired, disabled, and elderly visitors. Advance booking is recommended.
The Boat Tent opens on Monday, 23 June 2025. Training before this date is restricted, especially during Henley Women’s Regatta (20–22 June).
Competitors and coaches must collect and wear Competitor Badges from the Crew Enquiries Office in the Boat Tent Area. Only those racing in the Regatta will receive badges. Limited parking passes are available for competing crews.
Tuesday, 1 July: Opening rounds for Club and Junior events
Wednesday, 2 July: Opening rounds for Student events
Premier and Intermediate events typically start from Thursday, 3 July.
Several hospitality packages are available, including the Temple Island Enclosure, which offers close-up racing views, champagne, live music, and fine dining.
The HRR x Crew Clothing collection is available on-site at the Regatta and online. Shops are located in the Boat Tent and Stewards’ Enclosure, with personalisation options available.
Henley Royal Regatta welcomes all visitors and has taken measures to provide disabled access. However, as it is an outdoor event on a greenfield site, access may be affected by weather conditions.
If staying in Henley-on-Thames, walking or cycling to the Regatta site is strongly advised due to limited parking.
The provisional racing schedule and results are available on the official Henley Royal Regatta website.
