Thames boating holidays this summer offer chance to glam up for the Henley-on-Thames Royal Regatta

Messing about on the river has got to be one of the most quintessentially English ways of passing a long summer day and during the warmer months, there are various boating and sailing events which could appeal to those on UK boating holidays.

And for those who wish to embark on a fun filled Thames boating holiday, a trip to the Henley-on-Thames Regatta could certainly be perfect.

The regatta is popular among sailing fans and those on canal boat holidays in the UK and is also noted for attracting the well-heeled locals of this pricey and exclusive part of the country.

While on a Thames boating holiday, a day at the regatta is definitely something not to be missed and could also give keen sailors the chance to catch a glimpse of the British sailing team in their pre-Olympic Games training.

In the warm days of summer there is surely no better way to spend time than lazing about on a UK boating holiday - and the Thames river certainly gives the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful parts of Britain.

The stretch of the river that flows through Henley-on-Thames, which is in south Oxfordshire, is known for its boating heritage and as a haven for water sports fans. This part of the country is truly beautiful and there is no better way to check out the scenery than on a serene and relaxing boating holiday, which you can take entirely at your own pace.

It is here that the historic Oxford and Cambridge reserves boating race takes place every year, as do the Henley Boat Races and the Henley Women's Regatta. It is also home to a number of well known and prestigious boating clubs.

The Henley-on-Thames Royal Regatta is its own stand alone event however - and every year it attracts some of the biggest names in sailing to take part in events including the coxless pairs and the single sculls.

Other events in which competitors can take part at the Queen Mother Challenge Cup, the Double Sculls Challenge Cup, the Remenham Challenge Cup and the Princess Grace Challenge Cup.

This year's event is due to take place between June 30th and July 4th and it promises to be an exciting and exhilarating few days. As well as teams from the UK, sailors from the US, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands and France are all planning on heading to Henley to take to the water and scoop a few medals.

The busiest day on the regatta schedule is set to be the Thursday, with some 88 races due to take place. On the first day of the event, 80 medals will be fought for, with 19 races due to be undertaken on the final day of the schedule. On busy days it may be worthwhile heading to the regatta as early as possible.

If you are taking a boating holiday this year and you like the idea of really getting into the Henley swing then why not pay a visit to the exclusive Stewards' Enclosure?

Tickets for this area of the regatta need to be bought in advance and guests must adhere to a strict dress code, including lounge suits or jackets and blazers with flannels for men, and dresses or suits with a below the knee hem for women.

Women are not permitted to wear trousers or shorts and all guests must resist using their mobile phones. In this enclosure, you could sample the fare of the regatta's seafood restaurant or the Champagne and oyster bar.

With famous residents of Henley including rocker Liam Gallagher and TV star Phillip Schofield, who knows who you might bump into while sipping bubbly and enjoying some of the freshest and best quality seafood that can be found anywhere in the UK.

Whatever you decide to get up to at the Henley Royal Regatta, it is well worth checking out the wide variety of UK boating holidays which can be taken in this part of the country, which boasts picturesque scenery and chocolate box villages along the whole stretch of the River Thames.