River and Rowing Museum

Museum Overview

The River & Rowing Museum is a perfect family-friendly place to visit in the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames. It is suitable for both wet weather and fine days and is in a prime position to also explore the town itself. You can easily spend several hours at this museum (we often spend about 4 or 5 hours there).

The museum is full of interesting things to see and do. There are four permanent galleries. These are dedicated to rivers, rowing and information about the history of Henley-on-Thames. There is also the wonderful Wind in the Willows 3D exhibition and lots of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Children can borrow a free, backpack during their visit which contains toys and activities to enjoy during their visit. Our daughter always enjoys exploring the exhibits with the magnifying glass! The Wind in the Willows exhibition is one of my favourite exhibitions ever. To be seen to be believed, this 3D Wonder tells the story of the famous novel and contains many moving features and 3D scenes of the tales of Mr Toad and Friends. There’s also a little caravan which children can explore!

Upstairs, to note in particular for children, there is the Discover Hands-On Space which is constantly being updated. There are tool benches, a puppet theatre, books, colouring, smells and sounds and a story corner. There are also three large rooms upstairs which exhibit rivers, rowing and the history of Henley. Children can play in a wooden rowing boat with oars. They can also race each other in an interactive rowing game! The museum has a dedicated buggy park and baby-changing facilities on both floors.

Further Information River and Rowing Museum

Is there food and drink available?

The museum has a cafe which serves children’s meals and snacks, highchairs, bottle-warming and free, drinking water.

What are the main things to do?

Four galleries are dedicated to rivers and rowing. Activity backpacks, Wind in the Willows exhibition with 3D scenes and more. Discovery of hands-on space for kids. Toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

An adult ticket costs £9 and children 4-18 are £6.00. Under 4’s are free.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is parking and charges apply.

When are they open?

The River and Rowing Museum is open all year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.