Best seats for the boat race
The historic Boat Race returns to the Thames this month. Here’s where to watch all the action unfold…
First raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829, The Boat Race course, also known as the Championship Course, is 4 miles long, stretching between Putney and Mortlake in south west London.
195 years of rivalry and counting, this historic competition has become synonymous not just with British tradition and sporting excellence, but with a party atmosphere, as various venues along the route all rise to the occasion with outdoor bars, live music, special menus and more.
Regularly attended by over 250,000 spectators on the banks of the river and watched by millions more on television at home, we take a look at some of the best spots along the way to watch one of the world's oldest and most famous amateur sporting events unfold…
Putney
The University Stone is set into the towpath on Putney Embankment, a few metres west of Putney Bridge. This marks the all-important start of the race.
Putney is also home to a hub of busy pubs and bustling boat houses. In prime position right at the start line, The Duke’s Head is a grand Victorian Grade II listed pub right by the start line and a great place to enjoy the pre-race atmosphere.
The BBQ will be fired up early, and there’s a late-night party planned in the downstairs ‘Rowing Club’ bar. A new hospitality offering at London Rowing Club, hosted by Boat Race alumni, has become a recent pull for those looking for something a bit special (see theboatrace.org for details).
Craven Cottage
Bishops Park and Craven Cottage together form the event’s official Fulham Fan Zone. Open from 11am-5pm, it offers a family-friendly experience with a big screen, street food, bars and entertainment. This year, for the first time, the Zone will utilise the newly built facilities beneath Fulham Football Club’s Riverside Stand and fans will be able to watch the race from the riverside path running behind the stadium.
Hammersmith Bridge
At Hammersmith Bridge, the advantage of the Surrey bend starts to come into play. Traditionally coxes aim for the second lamp post from the left as they pass under the bridge. 80% of crews ahead at Hammersmith Bridge go on to win.
Just before the bridge, the fizz will be flowing at Sam Harrison’s glamorous restaurant, Sam’s Riverside, which will be serving its delicious Sunday lunch menu alongside some special race day dishes and cocktails.
Just beyond the bridge, the area in front of The Blue Anchor and The Rutland Arms transforms into a one big party, with multiple bars, food, music and a festival atmosphere.
Furnivall Gardens
This lovely green space is the site of the event’s second official fan zone, known as the Hammersmith Fan Zone, where there will be a giant screen as well as access to the river to watch the crews pass by, plus a selection of street food and bars from 11am-5pm.
The Dove
There are some great pubs nearby too. Filled with historic charm and having recently undergone a refurb, The Dove has a small, well-positioned terrace hanging over the river.
The Old Ship
Nearby, you’ll find The Old Ship, which offers more space and a wide view of the Surrey bend. This year the pub is hosting a ‘Boat Race Bonanza’, complete with live music, outdoor bars, a seafood shack, and an afterparty…
Barnes Bridge
Barnes Bridge is the final bridge that the crews will pass under as they race, and there are a handful of great places to watch from here.
The Boat Race Company
Famous live music pub The Bull’s Head will have several big screens showing all the action. From here, you can dash across Lonsdale Road with a pint in hand to watch the crews race past.
Waterman's Arms
Next door, The Waterman’s Arms has an enviable balcony with picture-perfect race views. A delicious lunch menu will be available upstairs (£20 cover charge which includes glass of fizz) and downstairs (no cover charge), whilst an outside bar will be serving Champagne, G&Ts and cold beer throughout the day.
White Hart
Just beyond Barnes Bridge and with a panoramic view of the river bend, The White Hart is a lively pub with a big terrace and plenty of tables right by the water’s edge. There’s music, outdoor bars, and a BBQ on offer this year, as well as a special ‘gala lunch’ in the upstairs restaurant, which offers sweeping views of the river from a first-floor balcony.
Rick Stein Barnes
For a seafood treat, book a table next door at Rick Stein, Barnes where vast floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the fabulous river views. The oysters will be fresh, and the Champagne will be flowing…
The finish
The finish line is just before Chiswick Bridge, marked by the University Boat Race Stone on the Surrey Bank and a post in the river on the Middlesex side painted in the University’s colours. Here, crews will either celebrate or commiserate.
The Ship at Mortlake
The final watering hole along the race route is The Ship, which sits next to the historic brewery at Mortlake. This traditional pub boasts a great view of the finish line and will be celebrating on the day with pre-race breakfast rolls and takeaway tea and coffee from 10am, a BBQ and outdoor bars from midday, and live music throughout the day.
