Looking for a break from the fast-paced streets of Birmingham? Enjoy the quiet life, just a stone’s throw away, or should we say, a 30-minute drive, in the medieval town of Henley-in-Arden. So quaint is it—filled with rubber duck races, a famous ice-cream parlour, and a historic mile-long high street—that the official tourist guide describes it as “like diving into an Enid Blyton novel.”
Henley-in-Arden dates back to the 12th century, meaning there’s a unique blend of medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture. In fact, there are over 150 historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants to discover, like the traditional Edwardian railway station or the 12th-century Norman church—with ‘the Henley Mile’ at its heart, with everything from vintage boutiques to fine dining restaurants.
The most famous shop in Henley-in-Arden, however, has to be Henley Ice Cream; the award-winning ice cream parlour, housed in a 16th-century building, began trading in 1932 and now serves over 50 flavours—including banana and fudge, blackcurrant sorbet, walnut and maple syrup, to name a few. Inside, it can seat up to 40 people, but grab a scoop or two, and climb up Henley’s highest point.
The Mount offers 41 acres to explore, which includes the earthwork remains of Beaudesert Castle, part of the medieval deer park and associated fishponds. Afterwards, visit the gorgeous Jubilee Gardens for a peaceful setting, or learn more about the town’s history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day, at the Heritage Centre.
Where can I eat in Henley-in-Arden?
There’s one obvious option in the town. The Mount by Glynn Purnell, enjoy a proper pub experience with a touch of the Yummy Brummie’s Michelin expertise. Whether you want a high-end restaurant experience, classic pub grub or simply a pint at the bar, it has it all. Think, truffle and parmesan chips, black pudding scotch egg, venison wellington.
There are, however, numerous pubs about—like The Nags Head, The Three Tuns, The Black Swan and The Bluebell—alongside a fish ‘n’ chip shop, a local bakery, a sandwich shop, a pizzeria, and a handful of Indian and Chinese So you’ll never go hungry in Henley-in-Arden.
What events should I look forward to?
For all things Christmas, the Lights Switch-On is this Saturday, November 29, while a Christmas Market in the Market Square runs from December 4 to 14. But make sure to visit over the Summer Bank Holiday when the town’s iconic rubber duck races take place during Henley Fayre, while the Henley Music Festival runs at the end of August.