View of Temple Island

Temple Island is situated 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downstream from Henley-on-Thames on a particularly beautiful stretch of the river. The island marks the start of Henley Royal Regatta Course.

Temple Island is the start of the Henley Royal Regatta course. Its main feature is an ornamental folly in the form of a temple which was constructed in 1771 and designed by the 18th century English architect James Wyatt. It was initially intended to be a fishing lodge for nearby Fawley Court. Wyatt designed both the structure of the building and its interior decoration; it is likely that he also provided designs for the original furniture. The wall paintings in the principal room are thought to be the earliest surviving example of the Etruscan style in Great Britain. Henley Regatta purchased a lease for the island and the temple in 1987. Following the purchase, the Stewards of the Regatta undertook restoration and conservation works. The downstream portion of the island was retained as a nature reserve and was extensively replanted with trees. The temple was fully restored and a statue of a nymph was placed under the cupola in keeping with the style and age of the Temple.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Island
nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/hambleden-mill-to-henley-on-thames--a-circular-walk-