Kotimme Guidebook for Guests
Sightseeing
There are so many great restaurants, coffee shops & pubs in Henley. The famous rowing Leander Club. River & Rowing Museum. Lovely Walks along the river to local pubs. Market on Thursday morning. A Town full of old amazing buildings very quintissentially English.
173 locals recommend
Henley-on-Thames
There are so many great restaurants, coffee shops & pubs in Henley. The famous rowing Leander Club. River & Rowing Museum. Lovely Walks along the river to local pubs. Market on Thursday morning. A Town full of old amazing buildings very quintissentially English.
Henley is Famous for its Olympian Rowers and they are celebrated at this amazing building next to the Thames.
There is also a lovey cafe here too.
43 locals recommend
River & Rowing Museum
Henley is Famous for its Olympian Rowers and they are celebrated at this amazing building next to the Thames.
There is also a lovey cafe here too.
Oxford is about 40 min car journey from us or by train from Reading 20 mins. If you are not going to stay in Oxford then it must be visited when you stay at our place as it cannot be missed.
153 locals recommend
University of Oxford
Wellington SquareOxford is about 40 min car journey from us or by train from Reading 20 mins. If you are not going to stay in Oxford then it must be visited when you stay at our place as it cannot be missed.
Legoland is approx 17 miles away around 35 mins by car. So if you are coming with kids worth going before or after leaving us. My favourite is their Guy Fawkes Firework events in Nov.
391 locals recommend
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Winkfield RoadLegoland is approx 17 miles away around 35 mins by car. So if you are coming with kids worth going before or after leaving us. My favourite is their Guy Fawkes Firework events in Nov.
Hobbs do many boat trips locally - or hire out large boats for parties - such as the icon New Orleans Paddle Steamer to small motor boats. Fab for a trip up the Thames
18 locals recommend
Hobbs of Henley
Station RoadHobbs do many boat trips locally - or hire out large boats for parties - such as the icon New Orleans Paddle Steamer to small motor boats. Fab for a trip up the Thames
Many walkers have trodden this path - some just parts of it others the full length. Luckily for you if you intend to do this our annexe is a 5 min walk off the main route with a lovely hot bath & bath salts waiting to revive you - If you ask nicely I could supply a nice bucket to soak your feet in. Or just walk the short distance along this path from Shiplake to Henley - its the most lovely walk and takes approx 40 - 50 mins culminating at Henley Bridge for a well earnt drink or cup of coffee.
Thames Path
Thames PathMany walkers have trodden this path - some just parts of it others the full length. Luckily for you if you intend to do this our annexe is a 5 min walk off the main route with a lovely hot bath & bath salts waiting to revive you - If you ask nicely I could supply a nice bucket to soak your feet in. Or just walk the short distance along this path from Shiplake to Henley - its the most lovely walk and takes approx 40 - 50 mins culminating at Henley Bridge for a well earnt drink or cup of coffee.
Walk the Thames path from Shiplake to Sonning - takes about 45 mins from our place - lovely river walk and have a fab meal at Coppa Club or the Bull Inn - you never know you might see George Clooney walking his twins as he lives in Sonning or Theresa May ex PM
29 locals recommend
Coppa Club
Bridge AvenueWalk the Thames path from Shiplake to Sonning - takes about 45 mins from our place - lovely river walk and have a fab meal at Coppa Club or the Bull Inn - you never know you might see George Clooney walking his twins as he lives in Sonning or Theresa May ex PM
Turville
Visit the icon Windmill from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The most beautiful village between Henley and Marlow - worth visiting just for that - however it holds the most amazing secret as probably the place film makers love to use - from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to 101 Dalmatians to Into The Woods to Band of Brothers to Fury & The Avengers - as well as a location for the famous novel Relentless that made local author Simon Kernick into a household name - PS we know him and he lives very near by so you might be able to get a book signed if you are a fan !!!!
19 locals recommend
Hambleden
The most beautiful village between Henley and Marlow - worth visiting just for that - however it holds the most amazing secret as probably the place film makers love to use - from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to 101 Dalmatians to Into The Woods to Band of Brothers to Fury & The Avengers - as well as a location for the famous novel Relentless that made local author Simon Kernick into a household name - PS we know him and he lives very near by so you might be able to get a book signed if you are a fan !!!!
A family favourite to get you in the Festive mood - around 30 mins away by car
21 locals recommend
Lapland UK
Swinley RoadA family favourite to get you in the Festive mood - around 30 mins away by car
Beautiful National Trust Gardens and Hotel with Spa - famous for the Profumo affair !!! 30 mins drive from ours
88 locals recommend
Cliveden House
Cliveden RoadBeautiful National Trust Gardens and Hotel with Spa - famous for the Profumo affair !!! 30 mins drive from ours
Only 10 minutes away a beautiful National Trust property with amazing walks
26 locals recommend
Greys Court
Only 10 minutes away a beautiful National Trust property with amazing walks
A great day out for the kids 25 mins by car near lovely Pangbourne also worth visiting on your trip for dinner or lunch before or after the Zoo
37 locals recommend
Beale Park
A great day out for the kids 25 mins by car near lovely Pangbourne also worth visiting on your trip for dinner or lunch before or after the Zoo
My kids loved Odds Farm when they were small - especially the petty zoo. A great family day out
47 locals recommend
Odds Farm Park
Wooburn Common RoadMy kids loved Odds Farm when they were small - especially the petty zoo. A great family day out
Theatre & Music
A beautiful old Theatre & Music Venue next to the Thames - where you can enjoy a meal before the performance. Many local famous actors such as Nigel Havers, Judi Dench,
20 locals recommend
The Mill at Sonning
A beautiful old Theatre & Music Venue next to the Thames - where you can enjoy a meal before the performance. Many local famous actors such as Nigel Havers, Judi Dench,
Founded in 1805 one of the oldest still working Theatres in the UK. Many different shows are put on - Musicals, Clairvoyants, Pantos - Michael Mcintyre has recently done 2 shows to trial his new material here. It's a lovely small venue any seat with a great view.
23 locals recommend
Kenton Theatre
19 New StFounded in 1805 one of the oldest still working Theatres in the UK. Many different shows are put on - Musicals, Clairvoyants, Pantos - Michael Mcintyre has recently done 2 shows to trial his new material here. It's a lovely small venue any seat with a great view.
Fab restaurant & pub which also hosts the most amazing music nights too. Kate Winslet had her wedding here. Visit the Maharajah's Well in Stoke Row before going here for a meal after
23 locals recommend
Crooked Billet Stoke Row
Newlands LaneFab restaurant & pub which also hosts the most amazing music nights too. Kate Winslet had her wedding here. Visit the Maharajah's Well in Stoke Row before going here for a meal after
The Hexagon so names because of the shape it is built in - hosts many famous faces. From Strictly Stars Dancing shows to top class comedians - many musicals tour and stop here. Only a 15 min drive away from us. Combine it with a shopping day in Reading first.
54 locals recommend
The Hexagon
Queens WalkThe Hexagon so names because of the shape it is built in - hosts many famous faces. From Strictly Stars Dancing shows to top class comedians - many musicals tour and stop here. Only a 15 min drive away from us. Combine it with a shopping day in Reading first.
We are so lucky to have a small local cinema in Henley which shows all the new releases but has a friendly cosy atmosphere. You can even buy a nice glass of wine to enjoy whilst watching your film - so Henley !!!! It also has a lovely coffee shop underneath worth a visit before or after.
31 locals recommend
Regal Picturehouse Henley
We are so lucky to have a small local cinema in Henley which shows all the new releases but has a friendly cosy atmosphere. You can even buy a nice glass of wine to enjoy whilst watching your film - so Henley !!!! It also has a lovely coffee shop underneath worth a visit before or after.
Local Festivals
An event which has grown rapidly with many famous authors coming back year after year - inc politicians, adventurers & novelists - it includes venues all over the town often not open to the general public - with talks & events for children as well as adults
Henley Literary Festival
Kings RoadAn event which has grown rapidly with many famous authors coming back year after year - inc politicians, adventurers & novelists - it includes venues all over the town often not open to the general public - with talks & events for children as well as adults
The event of the year in Henley when many top class rowers compete from around the world including many Olympians. Locals rowing clubs in Henley are amongst the best in the world such as the famous Leander Club. Alot of partying, drinking and watching Rowing happens and the town is full of life. This takes place first week of July and is followed the week after by the Henley Festival on the same site. I often host rowers too so you may get to meet a team if you stay during this period at Kotimme.
28 locals recommend
Henley Royal Regatta
White HillThe event of the year in Henley when many top class rowers compete from around the world including many Olympians. Locals rowing clubs in Henley are amongst the best in the world such as the famous Leander Club. Alot of partying, drinking and watching Rowing happens and the town is full of life. This takes place first week of July and is followed the week after by the Henley Festival on the same site. I often host rowers too so you may get to meet a team if you stay during this period at Kotimme.
An event not for the faint hearted. If you enjoy pain and putting yourself through the most difficult & painful assault course this is for you. I promise guests taking part will have alot of hot water and muscle soak provided for afterwards.
Tough Mudder West London
6 Dairy LnAn event not for the faint hearted. If you enjoy pain and putting yourself through the most difficult & painful assault course this is for you. I promise guests taking part will have alot of hot water and muscle soak provided for afterwards.
Love your 80's music - then you won't want to miss Rewind in Henley - a weekend of reliving your youth with international as well as local 80's icons such as Sister Sledge, 10cc, Billy Ocean, Jimmy Sommerville, Boy George, Belind Carlisle to mention just a few I have seen there. A great safe family friendly event on the river banks. Why not have a trip up the river on our boat and a few drinks first !!! Last year I had no voice after singing all weekend.
Rewind
Love your 80's music - then you won't want to miss Rewind in Henley - a weekend of reliving your youth with international as well as local 80's icons such as Sister Sledge, 10cc, Billy Ocean, Jimmy Sommerville, Boy George, Belind Carlisle to mention just a few I have seen there. A great safe family friendly event on the river banks. Why not have a trip up the river on our boat and a few drinks first !!! Last year I had no voice after singing all weekend.
By far my most Favourite Event in Henley. Not to be missed and something everyone should go to once. Most amazing location on the banks of the Thames - previous artists appearing inc Sir Elton John, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Madness, Paloma Faith, Bryn Terfel. In early July every night from WED to SUN - with varying artists suiting everyone's musical taste on a floating stage. Also includes a comedy tent, Ronny Scotts Jazz Club & Roux Brothers restaurant and amazing ART exhibition & roving excentric performers . Do check out their web page because it's so hard to describe it on here. Includes a family day on Sunday day time. Each night culminates with a fantastic fire work display. www.henley-festival.co.uk
21 locals recommend
Henley Festival Ltd
By far my most Favourite Event in Henley. Not to be missed and something everyone should go to once. Most amazing location on the banks of the Thames - previous artists appearing inc Sir Elton John, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Madness, Paloma Faith, Bryn Terfel. In early July every night from WED to SUN - with varying artists suiting everyone's musical taste on a floating stage. Also includes a comedy tent, Ronny Scotts Jazz Club & Roux Brothers restaurant and amazing ART exhibition & roving excentric performers . Do check out their web page because it's so hard to describe it on here. Includes a family day on Sunday day time. Each night culminates with a fantastic fire work display. www.henley-festival.co.uk
Famous Music Festival 15 minutes by car - takes place in August annually.
11 locals recommend
Reading Festival
Famous Music Festival 15 minutes by car - takes place in August annually.
Neighbourhoods
Shiplake is such a perfect village - you feel safe and it's so calm but you can be in Henley in 2 mins by train or 10 by car or get to Reading ( with its shopping centre and entertainment ) so we think it's a perfect location to visit Oxfordshire & Berkshire lying on the boarder of both home counties. The local walks are amazing, loads of restaurants and pubs within walking distance or by train. Big Tesco 4 min drive away as well as Waitrose in Henley Town Centre
Shiplake
Shiplake is such a perfect village - you feel safe and it's so calm but you can be in Henley in 2 mins by train or 10 by car or get to Reading ( with its shopping centre and entertainment ) so we think it's a perfect location to visit Oxfordshire & Berkshire lying on the boarder of both home counties. The local walks are amazing, loads of restaurants and pubs within walking distance or by train. Big Tesco 4 min drive away as well as Waitrose in Henley Town Centre
Food scene
Menza Cafe
Marlow RoadCafe for great Brekkie at the local Rugby Club
The Farm Kitchen
Marlow RoadAnother great local recommendations for Brekkie at Swiss Farm
Our Fab Local - 5 mins walk - Gold Award winning pub - Let Simon the Landlord know you are staying with us !!!
6 locals recommend
The Baskerville
7 Station RdOur Fab Local - 5 mins walk - Gold Award winning pub - Let Simon the Landlord know you are staying with us !!!
Famous Pub - with music nights - Kate Winslet had her wedding here. 15 min drive
23 locals recommend
Crooked Billet Stoke Row
Newlands LaneFamous Pub - with music nights - Kate Winslet had her wedding here. 15 min drive
Henley's longest standing Italian Restaurant - old style service and Italian Charm
9 locals recommend
Villa Marina
18 ThamesideHenley's longest standing Italian Restaurant - old style service and Italian Charm
Local Pub run by Antony Worrel Thomson - the food is fabulous and the decor amazing
23 locals recommend
AWT's The Greyhound on Gallowstree
Gallowstree RoadLocal Pub run by Antony Worrel Thomson - the food is fabulous and the decor amazing
Upmarket Indian - George Clooney often spotted here drinking his tequilla which he supplies to them
12 locals recommend
Henley Spice Merchant
8 ThamesideUpmarket Indian - George Clooney often spotted here drinking his tequilla which he supplies to them
One of our favourite for lunch - get the bus there from Shiplake and go for the early sitting at 6pm or lunch - or walk there and then get the bus back its a long walk but a beautiful one
21 locals recommend
The Ivy Marlow Garden
66-68 High StOne of our favourite for lunch - get the bus there from Shiplake and go for the early sitting at 6pm or lunch - or walk there and then get the bus back its a long walk but a beautiful one
Row Barge always highest recommendation for Sunday Roast locally on Facebook - I whole heartedly agree !!!
6 locals recommend
Row Barge
37 West StRow Barge always highest recommendation for Sunday Roast locally on Facebook - I whole heartedly agree !!!
Upmarket Pub Food - definately worth it for that special celebration - about 6 mins by car or a lovely walk 40 mins if you are going for lunch
16 locals recommend
Orwells
Shiplake RowUpmarket Pub Food - definately worth it for that special celebration - about 6 mins by car or a lovely walk 40 mins if you are going for lunch
Another brunch or lunch venue great to walk to and back from along the Thames. Walk takes about 40 minutes.
29 locals recommend
Coppa Club
Bridge AvenueAnother brunch or lunch venue great to walk to and back from along the Thames. Walk takes about 40 minutes.
City advice
Getting around
Shiplake is great for local travel
The village has a lovely station with trains going to Henley in just 2 mins every 30 mins to an hour depending on the time of day. The branch line also connects with Twyford giving access to the Elizabeth Line and trains to Paddington & Reading. The bus also stops 5 mins walk from our house and goes to Reading, Henley, Marlow & Oxford. So a car is not necessary.