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Notice

Henley Royal Regatta - navigating through Henley Bridge 2026: river restriction notice

Published 23 June 2026

This notice was withdrawn on

Restriction no longer in force.

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/henley-royal-regatta-navigating-through-henley-bridge-2026-river-restriction-notice/henley-royal-regatta-navigating-through-henley-bridge-2026-river-restriction-notice

When

6am on Tuesday 30 June until 30 minutes after prize giving on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Where

Hambleden reach

Details

Notice is hereby given that navigation restrictions will be in force for navigating through Henley Bridge during the period of the Henley Royal Regatta.

Those in charge of boats must conform with these directions and with any directions which, at the discretion of the Harbour Master, may be required in circumstances during the stated dates.

Bridge navigation control

During the stated dates river traffic will be required to adhere to the following restrictions:

  • all unpowered craft are to use the outermost arch to the furthest right (nearest to the bank) in the direction of travel.

  • all powered craft are to use the second arch from the right-hand side as viewed from direction of travel.

  • Only large vessels that are not able to navigate through the side arches due to size, are able to use the centre arch.  Vessels unable to navigate through the arches referred to above should use the centre arch of Henley Bridge. Please read below for further directions for navigation through centre arch.

  • Vessels unable to safely pass through the designated side arches due to size must consider safety of all river users.

  • Vessel traveling upstream must give way to river traffic traveling downstream.

Navigation through centre arch - ‘Angel Guard’

During times of increased river traffic between the stated dates, the Environment Agency, as Navigation Authority, may station a patrol launch at Henley Bridge operating under the call sign: “Angel Guard” (VHF Channel 74).

During these times, masters of all vessels requiring navigation through centre arch must request permission from Angel Guard via VHF Channel 74.  and wait for permission to be granted or further instruction.

No directions contained in this notice shall supersede those parts of Byelaw 24 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 as may be relevant.

It is an offence to fail to conform with the directions in this notice or to obstruct an officer of the Environment Agency in the execution of their duty or to fail to obey directions given regarding the navigation of any boat.  

Bathing or swimming is prohibited at any time during between Henley Bridge and the end of the crew warm up area downstream.

Read our Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993.

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