A perfect English town

Henley's most famous for the Regatta, an international rowing competition held every summer. There's a rowing museum to visit all year round, if you aren't here at the time.

It's just a nice place to be. My boyfriend spent most of his childhood here; it's a great place to grow up. Essentially, it's a lovely, quiet, beautiful town, next to the Thames.

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It's easy to get to from London - either take the train from Paddington (some direct trains, but you may have to change at Reading), or drive along the M4 or M40 motorway, the town's between the two.

It isn't really a local celebration, but there isn't a category for international rowing events on this site!

The Regatta takes place at the end of June, and beginning of July every summer - in 2001 from 4th to 8th July. It's been held every year since 1839, apart from 1914-1918, and 1939-1945, of course. The races are run in heats, with two boats in each. This way of doing things means races start every 5 minutes or so, to fit them all in!

Henley is as much a social event as an important sporting occasion. Along with Ascot and Wimbledon, it was (and still is, to a more limited extent), and important part of the 'Season'. This was the process by which debutantes were launched on to society at the age of 17 or 18, and, with any luck, married off.

The main house here is 16th century, built by the Knollys family, who were granted the house by Henry VIII. Both the house itself, and the 16th century stables, gardens, wells, and the Bachelor's Hall are stunning. The interiors, are beautiful and stunningly furnished.

Around the 16th century buildings are the remains of the 14th century house here beforehand, owned and built by the de Grey family, after whom the place is named. The courtyard and impressive Great Tower are the most obvious survivors from this time.

The house is open to visitors from Easter to October, 2-5pm, on Wednesdays, Thurdays, and Sundays.