Exploring Henley-on-Thames: A Two-Week Adventure with Robert

When I planned my trip to England, I knew I wanted to visit Henley-on-Thames. The picturesque town, famous for its rowing culture and beautiful riverside walks, seemed like the perfect place to experience traditional English charm. To make the visit even more enjoyable, I arranged to meet up with one of my English students, Robert, from Poland. Robert had been eager to improve his English in real-life settings, and I thought this would be a fantastic way for him to do just that. Together, we planned an itinerary full of sports, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, using different modes of transport to explore the surrounding areas.

Week 1: Discovering Henley and Its Surroundings

Day 1: Arrival and Riverside Walk

I arrived in Henley by train from London Paddington, a scenic journey that set the tone for the trip. Robert had traveled from Oxford by bus, and we met at the station. The atmosphere in Henley was warm and inviting, with cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cozy cafés. We took a leisurely walk along the River Thames, admiring the beautiful boats and historic buildings. The riverside was alive with people enjoying their afternoon, and we stopped to chat with a friendly local artist painting the water’s reflection. We then visited a traditional tearoom, where Robert had his first taste of a proper English cream tea—warm scones with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of Earl Grey tea. The elderly shopkeeper, a cheerful woman with a thick Oxfordshire accent, shared stories about the town’s history, making for an enriching start to our adventure.

Day 2: Rowing on the Thames

Since Henley is famous for its annual Royal Regatta, we decided to try rowing. We rented a boat and practiced on the calm waters, watching skilled rowers glide effortlessly past us. Robert found it challenging at first but quickly got the hang of it. An older gentleman, a former rower, gave us some tips and even demonstrated the correct technique. We ended our morning at a riverside café, enjoying bacon sandwiches and tea while chatting with some of the rowers, giving Robert another opportunity to practice his conversational English.

Day 3: Cycling to Hambleden

We hired bikes and cycled through the stunning Chiltern Hills to the charming village of Hambleden. The ride was both scenic and invigorating, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and quaint cottages with thatched roofs. The village itself was like something out of a storybook, with its historic brick houses and a 12th-century church. We stopped at a traditional pub, *The Stag & Huntsman*, for lunch, where we ordered fish and chips and a pint of locally brewed ale. The landlord, a jovial man with a booming laugh, entertained us with tales of the pub’s history and past visitors, including famous writers and actors.

Day 4: Day Trip to Oxford

We took a coach to Oxford, where we explored its historic university. The city buzzed with students and tourists, and we visited the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, where parts of *Harry Potter* were filmed. Robert was fascinated by the grandeur of the buildings and enjoyed conversing with students about their studies. We stopped for lunch at *The Eagle and Child*, a pub once frequented by famous writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and enjoyed a hearty plate of steak and ale pie.

Day 5: Stonor Park and Hiking

We drove to Stonor Park, a historic manor house surrounded by rolling hills. Inside, we admired the beautiful tapestries and period furniture before setting off on a long hike through the countryside. The trail took us through dense woodlands and open meadows where we spotted deer grazing. Robert was keen to learn new English words related to nature, and we discussed flora and fauna along the way.

Day 6: Shopping and Exploring Henley

We spent a relaxed day exploring Henley’s independent shops, including a charming bookshop where we bought travel guides and poetry collections. We also visited the River & Rowing Museum, where Robert practiced his English by engaging with the exhibits and staff. We had lunch at a quaint bakery, enjoying Cornish pasties and warm apple crumble.

Day 7: Pub Evening and Live Music

We ended the first week with an evening at *The Angel on the Bridge*, a historic riverside pub with views of the Thames. A local folk band played live music, and the atmosphere was lively. Robert tried his first pint of English ale and enjoyed chatting with friendly locals, who were eager to share stories and recommendations for the rest of our trip.

Week 2: Further Adventures

Day 8: Windsor Castle

A train ride took us to Windsor, where we marveled at the grand Windsor Castle. We watched the Changing of the Guard, an impressive display of British tradition. The castle’s interiors, with their lavish decorations and historic paintings, left us in awe. For lunch, we ate at a cozy tavern, trying traditional beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding.

Day 9: Boat Trip to Marlow

We took a boat ride along the Thames to Marlow, enjoying the gentle rhythm of the water. Marlow’s riverside setting was peaceful, and we stopped at a café where we had freshly baked scones and coffee. The owner, an elderly man with a love for storytelling, told us about the town’s literary connections to Mary Shelley.

Day 10: Football at a Local Park

We joined a casual football game in a local park, where Robert got to play his favorite sport with friendly locals. It was a fantastic way to socialize and pick up some English football slang. After the game, we enjoyed burgers from a nearby food truck run by a talkative chef who had once cooked for celebrities.

Day 11: Day Trip to London

Taking the train, we spent a day in London exploring the British Museum and Covent Garden. Robert practiced his English by asking for directions and ordering food from a bustling street vendor. We ended the day watching street performers and taking in the lively atmosphere.

Day 12: Exploring Greys Court

A short car ride took us to Greys Court, a National Trust property with beautiful gardens and a historic manor house. It was a peaceful day spent admiring blooming roses and listening to a guide explain the history of the estate.

Day 13: Walking the Thames Path

We spent the day walking a longer stretch of the Thames Path, spotting wildlife and enjoying the crisp air. We ended with fish and chips at *The Crooked Billet*, a rustic pub known for its traditional English fare.

Day 14: Farewell Breakfast

On our last day, we had a traditional English breakfast at a cozy café before heading to the train station. Robert felt his English had improved significantly, and we both agreed it had been an unforgettable trip.

Visiting Henley-on-Thames with Robert was an enriching experience, combining language learning with adventure and culture. I left with wonderful memories, and Robert left with more confidence in his English. Henley had been the perfect place for both of us to explore and grow. Here are some useful links to famous places and images: