Temple Island

Official Hospitality – Temple Island

Introduction

The iconic Temple Island marks the starting point of the Henley Royal Regatta. This beautiful tiny island sits a mile and a half downstream of the picturesque market town of Henley-on-Thames, on one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Thames. The island includes an elegant ornamental temple (a folly) designed by the 18th-century English architect James Wyatt and constructed in 1771. The Temple has been exquisitely restored to provide a sumptuous and exclusive environment in which to entertain your guests. This facility can only be booked exclusively and has a capacity of 40 guests. This is an official hospitality package. This is an Official Henley Regatta hospitality facility.

Location

Temple Island sits between the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire banks of the river. Views from the island offer uninterrupted views of the start of the race and upriver, giving lovely vistas of the hustle and bustle along the riverbanks.

Facility/Décor

The Temple’s striking Etruscan Room provides the setting for lunch, and the room commands magnificent views of the Regatta course and the surrounding countryside. The frescos in the room, now beautifully restored, were based on designs that had just been discovered at Pompeii around the time the Temple was built in 1771. This is the first example in England of the form of ornamentation which came to be known as the Etruscan Style. There is also garden furniture on the island lawns.

Private Tables

There are four round tables in the Etruscan Room, each seating 10 guests, to give the exclusive capacity of 40 guests.

Admission

There are no admission tickets required to watch the Henley Royal Regatta, however, most vantage points along the river have been taken over by hospitality pavilions and the ticketed Regatta Enclosure (downstream from the Stewards). The key exception to this is the Stewards’ Enclosure itself (equivalent to Ascot’s Royal Enclosure), which sits opposite the regatta Finish Line, where tickets are usually only available for Members and their guests (there is over a 5-year waiting list to become a Member). However, the Temple Island package includes the option to purchase Stewards’ Enclosure admission as an upgrade of £50 pp plus vat.

Catering

A special bespoke menu will be created for your requirements from an à la carte selection in advance of the event. Canapés will be served prior to lunch followed by a Full Afternoon Tea later in the day.

Drinks

There is a full complimentary bar throughout the day that includes Champagne, wines, beers, selected spirits, and soft drinks.

Riverboat Cruise

Two beautifully restored launches will be at your disposal throughout the day for private cruises along the length of the regatta course, and to visit the Stewards’ Enclosure for those that have upgraded.

Service

Service is left to the waiting staff, there is not a hostess service, however, the caterers allocate some of their best staff to this facility to ensure a high service level is maintained.

Car Parking

There is reserved parking allocated at the Fawley Meadows Hospitality Village, however, a private boat is on hand to transfer guests to Temple Island.

Extras

Each guest receives an official souvenir Henley Royal Regatta Racing Programme.

Dress Code (Stewards’ Enclosure)

There is no formal dress code, except in the Stewards’ Enclosure, where gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets/blazers with flannels, together with a tie or cravat. Ladies are required to wear dresses or skirts, with a hemline below the knee.