(Looking for TV information? The Broadcast Information page has you covered.)
The Boat Race has a proud history of offering Londoners FREE ACCESS to a sporting spectacle that has been reliably entertaining and delivering drama for generations.
Whether you’re just looking for a spot on the 4 1/4 miles of towpath on either bank, a great pub, a fan zone experience in Hammersmith or Fulham with food, drink and giant screens, or something a bit more special in our hospitality area – this page has all the information that you might need.
And don’t forget to check the timetable so you know where to be, and when!
What’s on?
Expand the sections below to learn a bit more about what’s going on in each area of the course
In Putney
Putney is the location of the start of The Boat Race with the crews based in Boathouses along Putney Embankment in the lead up to the event.
On Boat Race Day, Putney Embankment and surrounding roads will be closed to traffic for you to enjoy a fully pedestrianised experience with food and beverage trucks from the likes of Knowing Meat Knowing You and Jim and Tonic.
In the morning, you can watch the crews arrive as well as ‘The Coin Toss’, when the Presidents of Oxford and Cambridge toss a coin to decide who will race on which side of the river.
The crews also launch their boats from the boathouses along Putney Embankment so there’s a fantastic opportunity to cheer them out before the paddle to the start line just above Putney Bridge. Check out the timetable for more details.
There are good vantage points along the tow paths on either side of the river in Putney to watch the race from as well as plenty of shops, cafes and bars to visit. In addition there’s a Boat Race Bonanza with lots of family friendly activities… lots to do!
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In Fulham
The Fulham Fan Zone is the best place to watch The Boat Race. This Fan Park is devoted to fun for all the family!
The fan park will have big screens available for everyone to watch the BBC coverage live. There will be delicious street food and Chapel Down, our Official Boat Race Celebration Partner will be serving English Sparking Wine.
There are covered areas beneath the stand, seating, toilets and lots of stands from our official partners. Fulham FC is located next to the River Thames in West London and is adjacent to Bishop’s Park, one of the area’s most popular and well-used parks. It is Grade II listed in English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest.
The Fulham Fan Zone is located near to the start of The Boat Race.
Google Maps
In Hammersmith
Hammersmith is a great vantage point to watch The Boat Race from with the iconic Hammersmith Bridge marking the start of a dramatic sweeping bend that the crews must navigate, it’s where tactics really come into play.
Not only does Hammersmith have plenty of great pubs and vantage points from which to watch, it’s also the location of our second fan zone.
Hammersmith fan zone is where you’ll find a festival atmosphere with giant screens, food and beverage stalls and lots of engaged fans – don’t miss it.
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In Barnes
Barnes is a ‘London Village’ on the south side of the river. There are excellent local restaurants and boutiques, as well as a local grocers, delis, a bookshop and some fine pubs. By the time The Boat Race crews reach Barnes bridge, the race is usually in its final, tense minutes.
There are lots of great pubs in Barnes including the iconic White Hart with rows of balconies from which to enjoy the action – learn more about the pubs along the course here.
As a general rule, there are three minutes left to race after the bridge. Barnes is not on the London Underground network but it is served by two National Rail stations, both of which are in London’s Travelcard Zone 3, and give fans easy access to the river: Barnes railway station Barnes Bridge railway station
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In Mortlake
Mortlake marks the finish of The Boat Race and will be a welcome sight for the crews on 30 March 2024. The finish is just below Chiswick Bridge, in line with the University Boat Race finish posts.
Access to the river is possible on both sides as there are paths running along the river, but remember to bring your wellies or waterproof boots as it can be very wet! Be mindful of the wash from the flotilla and the changing tide. The crews will row under Chiswick Bridge and will come to land on the Middlesex side or north side of the river. Like the White Hart at Barnes, the Ship pub is right on the river here (read our pub guide).
The finish area at Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club and Quintin Boat Club is closed to the public and only accessible with event accreditation. There is a railway station in Mortlake, which is within easy walking distance of the River Thames. Please note that Thames Bank is closed to vehicles.
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Road Closures:
Putney Embankment in its entirety from 10:00 until 19:00 – closed to vehicles
Thames Bank in its entirety from 10:00 until 20:00 – closed to vehicles
Please Note
Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge will close at 10:00 and reopen at 17:00