For accommodation near Henley, Twyford, Winnersh or Wokingham

Royal Ascot, Ladies Day, Henley Royal Regatta & the Henley Festivals

St. Swithins Cottage is the perfect location to stay for any and/or all 4 of these wonderfully different and exciting events. Why? Simple - proximity to the Train Stations! 

So if you fancy getting into the "High Society" swing of things with the likes of Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and the ole crooner himself Frank Sinatra well get yourself ready to be Puttin' On the Ritz at St. Swithins Cottage......Oh La La!!!!

Being just over 1 mile from both Twyford and Winnersh Railway Stations allows you to be in the heart of Henley in a few minutes. Try and do that by car on a Regatta day let alone find a place to park!

Where Ascot is concerned you arrive right next to the excellent Jagz venue where many a great party goes on and on and on! 

With a complimentary drop off service to either station on your outward journey, virtually, always available from your host why try it any other way? 

Honestly driving to any of these events and parking up is a real nightmare - take the train it is so much easier and so, so much less stressful. Start your day the way you want it to go on. 

Please note that the events listed below are merely a diary of local major events which are within easy reach of St. Swithins Cottage. In no way is it implied or intended that each or any event is in any way promoting, recommending or endorsing St. Swithins Cottage as a preferred supplier of accommodation and there is no official connection to any of these events unless otherwise stated. On the other hand St. Swithins Cottage is most definitely recommending each and every one of these events.

Royal Ascot - Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd June 2012

Royal Ascot is a unique event in the summer social calendar, steeped in tradition, heritage and pageantry dating back almost three hundred years. It is without doubt the greatest race meeting in the world and a celebration of everything that is uniquely British. 

Grandstand Admission 
Grandstand Admission provides excellent viewing facilities and viewing areas. The Parade Ring and track are both within a short walking distance, by crossing the Concourse in the main Grandstand. There are a variety of places to eat, drink and bet. 

Other highlights of a Grandstand Admission ticket include: 

• Over 1,000 free seats are available from which to view the racing.

• Big Screen TVs on the Plaza Lawn.

• Military Bands performing in the Parade Ring before the Royal Procession each day.

• Traditional sing-along around the Bandstand after racing on each day. Free song books provided.

• Food outlets selling a variety of value for money cuisine options.
• 

The Silver Ring 

With a less formal atmosphere, the Silver Ring at Ascot still provides an excellent position to watch the racing and the Royal Procession, although you cannot access the Parade Ring or main Grandstand. 

There are a variety of places to eat, drink and bet to soak up the wonderful atmosphere. 

Other highlights of a Silver Ring ticket include: 

• Over 2,000 free seats available from which to view the racing.

• Big Screen TVs.

• Live music entertainment each day.

• Lawned area with many bars and food outlets.

• You can picnic in the Silver Ring.

Henley Royal Regatta- Wednesday 27th June to Sunday 1st July 2012 

History 

Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose. 

The 1839 Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to three days and to four in 1906. Since 1928 its increased popularity meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers in several events, and so Qualifying Races are now held in the week before the Regatta to reduce the number of entries to the permitted maximum. In 1986 the Regatta was extended to five days, with an increase in the maximum entry for certain events.

The Course 

Since the foundation of the Regatta in 1839, four different courses have been used: 

• The Old Course, in use from 1839 to 1885, started on the Berkshire side at the upstream end of Temple Island and extended upstream for about 1 mile and 550 yards to finish near Henley Bridge.

• The New Course was inaugurated in 1886 and, at the same time, the number of crews in a heat was reduced to two. The New Course started on the Buckinghamshire side near the downstream end of Temple Island and finished at Poplar Point. It was piled and eventually boomed throughout and included two slight angles.

• The Experimental Course - the first to be in a straight line - was only 1 mile and 440 yards in length and was tried in 1923. The Start was on the Berkshire side of the Island and the Finish a short distance upstream of Poplar Point.

• The Straight Course, first used in 1924, required the removal of part of Temple Island and of the opposite Berkshire bank. This Course is the same length as the Old and New Courses, is 80 feet wide and runs straight from below the Berkshire side of Temple Island to finish at Poplar Point. It is the Straight Course which is still in use today.

The traditional length of the Course is 1 mile 550 yards (2,112 metres), which was the longest distance of open water that could be obtained in 1839 on the Henley Reach.

Henley Festival - Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th July 2012 

 
Five truly spectacular evenings, with the stars - under the stars 
The Henley Festival is like no other: a major event in the summer calendar, and an organisation dedicated to playing a major role in its community. 

The Festival itself has to be seen to be believed: a stunning location, a unique format, and a character all of its own: over five nights a sequence of non stop events featuring top names; great events and performances; fine art and fine food, all stirred and sweetened by a 'Roving Company of Eccentrica' that without fail manages to catch the eye, ear and funny bone. 

But as you surf our bill of fare for this coming July, do stop over and look at the pages devoted to the work of the Henley Festival Trust. If the summer Festival is our heart, the Henley Festival Trust's work is our soul and we remain committed to and proud of this work in the community. 

But wherever you look, the message is clear: celebrate! 

That's what the word 'festival' is all about...

80's rewind Festival - Friday 17th to Sunday 19th August 2012 

The 80s Rewind Festival is the country’s newest boutique festival celebrating the greatest music from the coolest decade with the biggest line up of eighties acts since Live Aid. 

As well as fantastic music, the festival will feature a host of other entertainment to keep everyone entertained throughout the weekend. Funfairs, The Comedy Store Tent, The Big Top Nightclub, street entertainers and much more all brought together in a beautiful riverside setting near Henley on Thames. Indeed we are probably the only festival where festival goers can bring their boats for the weekend and book moorings alongside the festival site. If boats are not your thing we have a full range of camping options for you to enjoy a fun-packed weekend by the river.