England's Charming River Town Is A Historic Gem With Shops And Tasty Restaurants Under Two Hours From London

Sometimes, you just need to take some time away from the big city. For anyone who has been wandering around London, heading into the countryside for the weekend is always a good plan. Beyond the capital's bright lights, England's charming rural hamlets have plenty of excitement to offer. Much like London, there is another ancient town spread across the River Thames, though slightly smaller and perhaps less well-known to tourists. Appropriately named Henley-on-Thames, this bustling community framed by the verdant Oxfordshire woodlands is an ideal countryside escape.

Often referred to simply as Henley, the town's history dates back to at least the 12th century. The dense woodlands surrounding the area certainly influenced the town's name, as Henley evolved from the Old English word for "high wood or clearing". Duke Street and Bell Street join together to form Henley's main thoroughfare, which is crowded with charming brick storefronts and pastel facades. As you make your way towards the river, the crenellated tower of St. Mary's Church rises above the rooftops. Take a stroll across Henley Bridge, with its weathered stone balustrade, to admire panoramic views of the town's riverfront. Nature enthusiasts can also spend the day at Mill Meadows, an idyllic public park with footpaths along the Thames and benches for relaxing.

For travelers who crave retail therapy, Henley's town center is crowded with shops to explore, whether it's for antiques, books, or fun souvenirs. At the end of the day, stop to refuel at one of the town's many local eateries. History buffs should stop for a drink at The Relais, a historic boutique hotel and restaurant, which once welcomed King Charles I back in the 17th century. Travelers coming from London can either drive or hop on a train from Paddington Station all in about an hour.

Aside from featuring pretty architecture, Henley's main thoroughfare in the town center is also lined with a bevy of boutiques. Particularly charming is Tudor House Antiques on Duke Street, which beckons history fiends and vintage treasure hunters alike with its rickety, half-timbered facade. "It is so pretty from the outside and jammed with goodies," one visitor posted on Tripadvisor. Every available shelf and flat surface within the shop displays some kind of trinket, whether it's ornate candlesticks and wicker baskets or jewelry, decorative figurines, and pottery.

Just across the street is Tigers 'n' Tiaras, a children's clothing store with a focus on sustainability. Parents looking for new outfits for their tiny tots can browse the racks of stylish everyday apparel, cozy pajamas, and footwear ranging from sneakers to rain boots and flats. The store also stocks lifestyle merchandise like throw pillows, decorative rugs, and candles, while the cozy atmosphere invites customers to take their time perusing.

Find more fun gifts a short walk away at Vinegar Hill, a stylish souvenir shop with a giant window display. "It's the kind of shop where you can easily spend a bit of time browsing, even if you didn't originally plan to buy anything," says a previous customer on Google Maps. Look around for souvenirs ranging from apparel to greeting cards and household decorations. Meanwhile, bookworms can keep walking straight along to Bell Street for a peek inside The Bell Bookshop, an independent retailer with cozy interiors. Find new reading material or perhaps even a signed copy amongst the crowded shelves, or grab a few gifts like tote bags, mugs, and umbrellas. Next, drive or take the local bus over to High Wycombe, a lively town with shops, parks, and a Victorian manor.

When you start feeling hungry, Henley's bevy of local eateries beckons for a tasty meal. At the junction between Duke Street and Bell Street is The Three Tuns, a historic pub serving seasonal dishes, which even includes a dedicated "Steak Night" menu with dry-aged ribeyes and sirloins. "Fantastic food and really nice staff," writes a previous customer on Google Maps. Get the classic pub fish and chips, or stop in on a Sunday for roast pork loin with potatoes and gravy. Dine out on the open terrace during the warmer months, or cozy up by the fire if you're there in the wintertime.

Another great spot is Luscombes Restaurant just up the street. "Great food, from starter to dessert," says a previous customer on Google Maps, while other reviewers have also enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. Main dishes include vegan roasted cauliflower sprinkled with coriander and blackened cod with lentils, while the cheese soufflé with walnuts has been a particular favorite amongst previous diners. Top off your meal with a glass of wine from the extensive drinks menu, or try the desserts like apple and blackberry crumble or lemon sorbet.

Anyone craving Asian flavors should stop by Sumo, a Japanese sushi bar tucked down a narrow alleyway. Previous diners have been impressed by the relaxed atmosphere, not to mention affordable costs for fresh seafood. The menu includes appetizers like carpaccio, tempura, and fried dumplings, along with a wide selection of rolls wrapped in seaweed, plus slices of raw fish and scallops. Once you've crossed Henley off your list, find more adventures in the area with a visit to Thatcham, one of England's oldest towns with scenic nature reserves and historic charm. Another riverside city worth exploring is Cambridge, considered one of the prettiest cities in England.