About
The River & Rowing Museum is one of the UK’s leading independent museums and a wonderful place for families to discover together!
LATEST NEWS
The River & Rowing Museum reopens its doors on 20 May, Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm, The whole Museum including Café, Shop and all galleries will reopen. Last chance to see Elmer and Friends Exhibition – extended until 21 June. All tickets on sale from 27 April. There's outdoor self-led riverbank trails, a shop with a wide range of local produce and a much-missed café. Tickets must be booked in advance. The museum offers two self-led outdoor family trails: Wind in the Willows Meadow Trail and River History Trail. Designed for families with children under 11, both trails can be used on smart phones and are downloadable from the Museum’s website.
Situated in picturesque Henley on Thames, and housed in an award-winning building on the banks of the river, the museum explores the River Thames, the international sport of Rowing and the town of Henley. The galleries include interactive displays as well as internationally-significant collections, including the family-friendly ‘Wind in the Willows’ gallery and a permanent display of the work of artist John Piper.
In addition, the Museum hosts a lively programme of temporary and visiting exhibitions, working with partners such as the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Hayward Gallery in London. Working closely with organisations in our area, the Museum a Community Gallery which showcases a wide variety of local projects. Twice shortlisted for Family Friendly Museum of the Year, the Museum is a registered educational charity, and welcomes over 114,000 visitors per year, including 20,000 children and adults who taking part in our fun and inspiring learning and events programme.
The Museum offers downloadable gallery trails to help children enjoy the museum:
- Time Travellers Invention Trails
- Tiny Toad’s Animal Antics
- Tiny Toad’s Treasure Hunt
Curator's Tours
Check the website for upcoming dates or sign up to their enews to hear more.
- John Piper: A Very British Artist – an exclusive introduction to our dedicated gallery examining the diversity of the career of this acclaimed Henley artist across the mediums of stained glass, ceramics, tapestry and set designs as well as paintings and prints. Your one-hour experience, in a very small group, includes a special tour, followed by time to enjoy the Gallery and the opportunity to ask questions.
- The Henley Story – discover the rich history of Henley on Thames, made famous by the Henley Royal Regatta, on a new and informative guided tour showcasing some unique and historic items from the collection. From the first evidence of human activity in this area, 250,000 years ago, through to the rise of Leander Club and regattas drawing rowers and pleasure seekers from around the world, hear how Henley has always been so closely linked to its special position on the River Thames and about the fascinating people who have shaped its story.Check back for more dates, coming soon .
Online Events
The online events continue!
The Chocolate Café
The Museum has the delightful Chocolate Café with a terrace overlooking Mill Meadows, serving takeaway tea and coffee, plus a delicious selection of homemade cakes, fresh paninis, soups and sandwiches. Ice-creams also on sale.
There's also a shop specialising in children’s books and games, fashion and craft.
OPENING HOURS: Thurs to Mon, 10am – 4pm (Last general admission 2.40pm. Car park closes 4pm)
BOOK YOUR VISIT: To control the number of people in the Museum and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we’ve introduced a booking system. Bookings are limited to a max of 6 people per household group or support bubble. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Read more at River & Rowing Museum
SAFETY FIRST: Please be assured that visitor safety is the Museum’s highest priority.
Museum admission tickets provide unlimited free-entry for 12 months, so you can pay once and visit as many times as you like – fantastic value for money!
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Tourism South East Member 2020 2020
We're Good to Go 2021
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
