Spectate

Chairman's Enclosure

You can watch the racing from the towpath right along the course at Henley Women’s Regatta, but the best view of the finish line is available in the Chairman’s Enclosure. From the elevated ‘mound’ you can see right down towards the Temple Island and then look down on the crews as they wind up in their final sprint.

The Chairman’s Enclosure is reserved for Friends of Henley Women’s Regatta and offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and unrivalled views from which to cheer on crews or meet up with friends. Friends can make the most of this highly desirable location by taking lunch and afternoon tea with invited guests.

Become a Friend

Further benefits for Friends of HWR include:

Option to book lunch and afternoon tea (see below) in the exclusive dining area
Option to book on-site parking for £10/day in 2025, not available with U23 membership)
An additional Guest badge for each day of the Regatta (not included in U23 membership)
Complimentary programme and results board
Live streaming viewing area as well as a clear view of the finish line
Trophy display
Two for the price for one Umpire Launch tickets.

Please note that a Friends Membership or Guest Badge is required to book a Lunch or Tea or gain entry to the Enclosure. Friends will be able to collect Friends and Guest badges at reception upon arrival. The relevant badge must then be brought by each person every day to gain access to the Enclosure.

For GROUP BOOKINGS or if you want a reserved area to relax and enjoy your day, please do get in touch: chairmansenclosure@hwr.org.uk. We have many flexible options available.

Previous winners of Henley Women’s Regatta are most welcome to join us in the Chairman’s Enclosure on Sunday from 11:00 to have a look around and enjoy the venue.

By becoming a Friend of the Regatta you are also supporting the regatta financially, ensuring its long-term survival, as well as securing yourselves the prime spot for enjoying the regatta and supporting crews as they cross the finish line.

“We loved watching the races from the Chairman’s Enclosure… It had a fabulous atmosphere - friendly and easy-going, and clearly participants (including friends, families and supporters) all having a great time.”

Dining and bar

Friends can pre-book lunches and/or afternoon tea during the regatta and invite guests to join them. Bookings are required [now closed for 2025]. There will be limited availability for walk-ins on the day.

A two-course summer luncheon is served over a choice of sittings: 12.00–1.00pm and 1.30pm-2.30pm (Friday andSaturday), 12:30pm Sunday

Please include any specific allergies or dietary requirements on the booking form. To help allocate a seating plan please indicate if you are supporting a specific crew or club. The menu is:

A Choice of Mains
Home baked Orange Glazed Gammon Ham served on a bed of slaw with a side of Mango Salsa
Hot Smoked Salmon, Wild Rice and Asparagus Salad
Marinated Harissa Chicken Skewers served on a bed or Moroccan Summer Salad finished with a tahini dressing
(Roasted Harissa Vegetable Skewers) Vegan

Salad Bowls
Hot baby new potatoes with olive oil, sea salt and black pepper
Forest Bean Salad, asparagus, broad beans, green beans, runner beans, pumpkin seeds and chai seeds tossed in a herb lemon vinaigrette
Greek Salad heritage tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese and mint drizzled with a red wine vinaigrette – (Vegan alternative)
Baskets of fresh bread
Desserts
Salted caramel chocolate tarts served with creme fraiche and finished with honeycomb shards
Individual Raspberry Parfait smooth creamy mascarpone topped with a raspberry and cassis sauce served with a raspberry and lemon macaron
Fresh Fruit Kebabs served with orange shortbread and a creamy lemon dip (vegan)
Pineapple, mango, strawberries, kiwi fruit in passion fruit juice. Served with a jug of cream
To Finish
Freshly brewed coffee, tea and fruit infusions £47.00 per head

Afternoon Tea at Henley Women’s Regatta

Afternoon tea is served at 3:30pm (Friday and Saturday) and 3pm (Sunday) and is £27:50.

Afternoon Tea
Choice of Finger Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon, Egg Mayonnaise, Ham and mustard
OR
Hummus with Rocket, Avocado, Cream cheese and cucumber
One of:
French Onion Tart caramelized onions with thyme in a shortcrust pastry tart
Vegan Butternut Squash and Red onion Galette
Homemade Sausage Roll with a pot of Piccalilli
Handmade Scotch Egg
and
Homemade Scones with Jam and clotted cream, Selection of Homemade Cakes, Macaron
(Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available)

Freshly Brewed Coffee, Tea and Fruit Infusions

Tea, coffee, pastries and bar drinks can be purchased from the bar at the Chairman’s Enclosure from 9.00am.

A bar service is available throughout the day from 10.30am to the last race.

Chairman's Breakfast

Lifetime Friends of HWR are invited to join the Chairman Naomi Ashcroft and the HWR Ambassadors in the clubhouse at the Chairman’s Enclosure for an informal buffet breakfast on Sunday, 22 June 2025 from 10-11am. Places must be booked in advance (now closed for 2025).

Perfect for parents, supporters groups and group bookings

If you are supporting a particular team and want somewhere to gather as a group, organising a reunion for a former crew, or just a group of friends who love rowing, there is no better place to be than the Chairman’s Enclosure. Come and go as you please or we can reserve an area especially for your group. Contact the events manager by email, chairmansenclosure@hwr.org.uk, to discuss your requirement.

An exclusive location for corporate entertaining

A full day package is available for you to entertain clients and business partners in the Chairman’s Enclosure. With reserved seating, two-course lunch or afternoon tea and the opportunity to follow a race from the umpire’s launch, there is no better way to showcase your business and Henley at its best!

For further information or enquiries contact Louise Wymer at chairmansenclosure@hwr.org.uk.

Is your daughter thinking of studying abroad?

Many rowing families are aware of opportunities for their daughters to study abroad (mainly the US) whilst furthering their ’ rowing careers. If your daughter is considering this, you might like the opportunity to talk with some of our volunteers whose daughters are or have recently been studying in the USA. The Chairman’s Enclosure is the ideal backdrop to have such conversations in a relaxed informal manner.

If you would like more information or to arrange a meeting, please email Susannah or Colin at SupportInternational@hwr.org.uk in advance of the regatta.

Attire and conduct

Guests in the Chairman’s Enclosure are required to follow our “smart casual” dress code. The wearing of rowing kit is not permitted in the Chairman’s Enclosure and the British Rowing Code of Conduct must be adhered to.