The Henley Swim

The Henley Classic- Sunday 24th June 2012

The Henley Swim is a celebration of mid-summer. It is a unique opportunity to swim one of the most famous and beautiful stretches of open water in the world, at what we believe is the most beautiful time of the day, dawn. It is unique in that it is a straight line point to point swim (ie: no turns) and takes advantage of the 2.1km boomed course of the Henley Royal Regatta.

Since the first swim in 2004 the event has gone from strength to strength, attracting open-water swimmers from around the globe.

A key feature of the event is the fact that you arrive in darkness, and walk half a mile to the start into the sunrise. Once the safety briefing is completed getting into the inky black water at that time is a slightly surreal experience.

The swim is like no other open-water swim you will have ever experienced and the feeling of having done it before most people have woken up is very self satisfying. Entries for The Classic are now full, although there are a very limited number of places held aside for elite swimmers - you should send your "swimming CV" to entries@henleyswim.com if you think you qualify as elite.

Visit www.henleyswim.com for more info.

New for this year is the All You Can Eat Pasta Party on Saturday 24th June 2012, tickets are limited and can be purchased online by clicking here, along with Camping and ‘Eat and Sleep’ tickets.

The Henley Mile - Sunday 8th July 2012

The Henley Swim team launched The Henley Swim Challenge, now The Henley Mile, in 2011 over the same iconic stretch of water. Due to overwhelming demand for the original swim which we now call "The Henley Swim Classic", we have decided to run a new event, "The Mile". The Henley Mile is run after Henley Royal Regatta, and will mirror the original event in terms of entry categories. However, in addition, it will serve as a qualifier for the following year's ‘Classic’ event.

We've worked closely with the Environment Agency to secure a river closure, within the safety of the boomed course, for much of the day. This will mean we can cater for greater numbers than the original event, as well as set off at a much more sociable hour of the day. So bring along your family and friends, do your swim, and enjoy the facilities on offer.

And of course if you want to raise money for charity we would be delighted if you used our event as your sporting challenge. This year we will be supporting Combat Stress, but you are free to support your own causes.

For full details on this years event and bookings click here.

New for 2012 for The Henley Classic and The Henley Mile, The Pop-Up Hotel will be making its debut and Popping-Up in the heart of the action on the banks of the Thames only 50m from Temple Island. The Pop-Up Hotel will be able to offer our guests riverside accommodation on the banks of the river with stunning views of the action only a stones throw from the start of the race.

There are options for individuals, couples, groups and families. Pop-Up are offering an introductory rate exclusively for Henley Classic participants, keep an eye out for the email from Henley Swim with the details.

Book early to avoid disappointment either online or call PopUp to discuss your requirements.

T: +44 (0)845 625 0767 E: mark@thepopuphotel.com

The Pop Up Hotel Accommodation

The Hotel offers two levels of accommodation both with the same attention to detail and quality. Each room or suite includes:

• Rug strewn wood deck flooring
• Full sized double beds, sofas, storage boxes and seating.
• Full linens inc. duvets, pillows and wonderful fabrics
• LED lighting for bedside tables and room lighting
• “Rooms” are a bell tent with tons of space and front deck with water views
• “Suites” include en suite bathroom and front deck and are directly on the river front
• Towels and toiletries included
• Access to new showers, toilets and changing/make up parlour
• Private viewing deck with deckchairs

The Pop Up Hotel Location

We are delighted to be situated right next to the action only 50 metres from the iconic Temple Island and the start line for the races. Situated right on the edge of the river we will have wonderful water views of the crews warming up and starting the race.

• Plenty of space for your room or suite plenty and easy access to the common areas of the hotel housing the restaurant and other facilities
• A few minute stroll down the riverbank via tarmac pathway to all the excitement of the enclosures, bars and restaurants surrounding the regatta
• Stunning open water views of the Thames and the action from the rooms, suites and restaurant
• Access to commercial vessels for cruises along the river
• Exquisite frontage along the river accessible to hotels guests

The Pop Up Hotel Services

We are a pop-up hotel and as such offer the services that you would expect from a good quality conventional hotel such as:

• A full exclusive ‘ guest only’ restaurant and bar right on the waterfront serviced by our staff and full catering kitchen.
• Rate is inclusive of a sumptuous breakfast
• Reception with staff on hand to greet and assist you
• Concierge service before and during your stay to arrange transfers, cruises etc
• Evening meals available by pre-booking (subject to demand)
• “Tent Service” allowing guests to order food and beverages to be delivered to the comfort of their own room or suite
• Helicopter transfer by arrangement
• Great package deals available with access to the enclosures

• Parking next to the hotel
• River Cruises and transfers by arrangement

For more details and booking please contact The PopUp Hotel on (0)845 625 0767      
For full details and pricing please go to www.thepopuphotel.com

 

Camping

Camping for the Henley Swim Classic and The Henley Mile is available at Temple Island Meadows at a cost of £10pp per night. Full toilet and shower facilities available. Under 12s camp for free.

For The Classic this year there are ‘Sleep and Eat’ tickets which include camping and your ticket to the Pasta Party on Saturday 24th June 2012.

Don’t want to camp? You can also purchase tickets for the Pasta Party only.

Booking are now open, to book please click below;

The Henley Classic
The Henley Mile