Mill and Marsh Meadows

Mill and Marsh Meadows form the principal recreational park in Henley and are located adjacent to the River Thames upstream of Henley Bridge. The towpath bordering the park on the eastern side, forms part of the Thames Path – a national trail which stretches 184 miles from the Thames’s source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London.

Click here to read The Mill and Marsh Meadows Management and Maintenance Plan 2021 - 2026

Things to do

Mill Meadows is the most formal of the town’s open spaces. This means boundary hedges, close-cut grass, formal flowers beds, a sensory garden, and a variety of mature trees. You will also find a toddler play area, an adventure playground, bandstand, café, bowling club and flower beds dedicated to Henley’s twin towns.

Marsh Meadows is more informal in nature comprising rough grass, trees and hedges and a wildlife area which contains a small reed bed, shallow ponds and a wet, flower rich, meadow conservation area.

The park has held the prestigious Green Flag Award since 2014 recognising it as one of the best green spaces in the country!

  • Enjoy an event. Summer at the Meadows include a variety of events

  • Listen to a summer concert on the Bandstand with free deckchairs available during each performance! And if you are a talented performer, the bandstand may be hired free of charge. Email enquiries@henleytowncouncil.gov.uk

  • Hire a canoe for an hour … or more!

  • Complete the “I Spy” challenge

  • Visit the River and Rowing Museum

  • Follow the wildlife trail

  • Enjoy some light refreshments at the Piazza Café.

  • Picnics (no BBQs please)

  • Relax and take a bit of time out …. sometimes it’s just good to be outdoors!

How to get there

If you are arriving by car, access is by Meadow Road which leads directly into the Pay and Display Car Park. Click here for current parking charges.

If you are arriving on foot, the four main pedestrian access points are by Meadow Road, the towpath from the town centre and from Marsh Lock in the other direction and from the Mill Lane Car Park (free parking) located at the southern end of Marsh Meadows.

Mill and Marsh Meadows is accessible via public transport with bus stops and train services within minutes of the park.  

In addition, Salters Steamers provide a summer boat service to and from Reading and Marlow.

Facilities

Public toilets for ladies and gents, plus a toilet for the disabled and family room, are provided on the ground floor of the Leichlingen Pavilion, adjacent to the pay and display car park. These are open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm in summer and 8 am to 3 pm in winter and are maintained by Henley Town Council.

Useful links

Henley Bowls Club based at the Leichlingen Pavilion, welcomes visitors and new members.  For more information, visit their website.

The Greener Henley Wildlife Group manage the wildlife areas at the Meadows and organise regular work parties alongside Lex Volkes – Park Warden (Conservation).  If you are interested in helping, visit their website.

If you have any questions or comments on how we manage Mill and Marsh Meadows, please email us.  

Henley Town Council - welcoming sign at Mill Meadows