HENLEY CLASSIC

Exclusive access to swim the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta course at dawn

 SUNDAY 27TH JUNE 2027 – ON SALE SOON 

When and Where:
27 June 2027, 4am
Henley-on-Thames

Distance:
2.1km upstream

2026 Results

Entry Fee:
From £TBC

Information:
Minimum age 14
Wetsuits Optional

Racecheck Gold Award

Since 2004 Henley Swim has had exclusive once-a-year access to the Henley Royal Regatta course, allowing you the opportunity to swim the stunning, world-renowned 2.1km course at dawn. Henley Swim is privileged to be able to stage the Henley Classic on this beautiful reach of the Thames. This is the ONLY time you will be able to have a safe supervised swim on the course at dawn, completely free from boat traffic.

The Henley Classic starts with a short walk to the official regatta start, where the first swimmers slip into the water, just as the sun is rising. This River Thames swimming experience takes you past famous Henley Regatta landmarks including Phyllis Court and the Members’ Grandstand. As the church and bridge come into sight in the early morning sun, you reach the end of your swim.

After the walk back to the event area you are welcomed by the smell of coffee and breakfast, into the hub of swimmers exhilarated by what they have accomplished before most people have even opened their eyes.

The Henley Classic is an experience that stays with you and it’s difficult to stop yourself returning year after year. Give it a go, and feel for yourself the unique atmosphere of this event.

Places are limited. Secure your spot now and be part of something extraordinary.

We are really happy to be working the charity Level Water. Level Water give children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim, and believe that from physical development to social and emotional confidence, swimming is a vehicle to change their lives for the better. To create long-lasting impact, and make this happen, the charity unites and collaborates with teachers, families, fundraisers, pools, supporters, governing bodies – and children with disabilities, helping the whole industry to share this mission.

Sign up for a charity place, and pledge to fundraise for Level Water and to help with their incredible work.

River Thames swimming events
henley classic | River Thames swimming
selkie classic | River Thames swimming

HENLEY CLASSIC FAQs

Please see our FAQ page for more general FAQs around all Henley Swim events

Henley Classic Wave Options

Swimming on the Henley Regatta course is a privilege and we are very grateful for the support we receive. We have to have all swimmers off the course before 06:30. During registration you will be asked your expected swim time, and you will be allocated a wave accordingly.

Please remember that it is an upstream swim so be realistic with your time and err on the side of caution.

Teams – There is one team competition. A team can be made up of any combination of male or female swimmers and any number. The four fastest times will qualify for the competition.  Create or join a team during the entry process.

Elite Entrants

At the Henley Classic, elite adult swimmers participate in the Performance wave. All swimmers that are 17 or under on the day of the race will swim in the Junior wave.

Wetsuits are optional for all swimmers.

Groups

We welcome all types of clubs and groups at our events – whether you are an open water swim club, a traditional swimming club, a tri club, sports team or a group of colleagues or friends fundraising together.  Henley Swim events are ideal for both competitions and social get-togethers. Our events differ in style and nature, and so do the club offerings, so do get in touch to discuss your needs.

  • Discounted places for all members of groups with 10 or more swimmers
  • Free swim places in return for volunteering
  • Sponsor and partner offerings
Event Location

The Henley Classic is hosted at Upper Thames Rowing Club, which is just one kilometer from Henley town centre.

Swim Course

The course is a unique, straight line, point-to point-swim (ie no turns) and takes advantage of the boomed course of the Henley Royal Regatta. The swim is upstream, the strength of the stream varies from year-to-year, ensuring that no two events are the same.

Venue Facilities

Toilets and changing facilities will be provided

Timings

Full timings are given in the information pack which will be sent out around 6 weeks before the event. The general rule is to aim to arrive at the event venue around 75 minutes before your wave time.

Saturday Registrations

The venue will be open on Saturday afternoon for anyone who would like to give themselves a little longer in bed on Sunday, by collecting their race packs on Saturday afternoon.

Camping

Embers pop-up campsite will be open on the Saturday night for those looking to extend their sleeping time by waking up on the start line. The campsite is independent of Henley Swim, and can be booked through the Embers website with pitches from £29 per person.

Food & Drink

The Thameside Social is in residency at Upper Thames Rowing Club from 15th June to 12th July. They will be opening extra early on Sunday 28th June for coffee and breakfast, and will also be open all day Saturday for campers and those collecting their race packs.

Event Memorabilia

Henley Classic and Henley Swim memorabilia is available to pre-order when you complete your registration. You will be able to pick up any purchases you have made on the event day.

Swimmer's Forum

We have set up a Facebook Forum called Henley Swim Chatter, where you are able to discuss anything with fellow swimmers from nutrition and training tips to event transport.

Water Temperature

The water temperature at the Classic depends upon both the outside temperature and the quantity of rainfall in the days and weeks running up to the event. It is therefore very difficult to predict.

Based on previous years, at the end of June, we would expect the water to be between 17 and 19 degrees centigrade.