Selkie Henley Classic charity places

Since 2004 Henley Swim has had exclusive once-a-year access to the Henley Royal Regatta course, allowing you the opportunity to swim the stunning, world-renowned 2.1km course at dawn. Henley Swim is privileged to be able to stage the Selkie Henley Classic on this beautiful reach of the Thames. This is the only time you will be able to have a safe supervised swim on the course, while it is completely closed to boat traffic. This swim has now been ging 20 years and started when two rower friends swum it for a laugh back in 2004. 

The event starts with a short walk to the official regatta start, where the first swimmers will enter the water, just as the sun is rising. This River Thames swimming experience takes you past all the famous Henley Regatta landmarks including the Barn Bar, Phyllis Court and the Members’ Grandstand. As the church and bridge come into sight in the early morning sun, you reach the end of your swim at the Official Regatta Finish. After a short walk back to the event area you are welcomed by the smell of coffee and breakfast, into the hub of swimmers exhilarated by what they have accomplished before most of the country wakes up.