PLACES TO WATCH THE BOAT RACE
Enjoy the festival atmosphere of The Boat Race by watching for free from one of the many vantage points along The Championship Course.
You should be able to find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but in particular at the following locations:
- Putney Embankment (Close to the start line)
- Hammersmith and Barnes (Mid-course)
- Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (At the finish).
You can also watch from The Boat Race Fan Parks:
- Bishop's Park (Close to the start line)
- Putney Embankment (Close to the start line)
- Hammersmith and Barnes (Mid-course)
- Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (At the finish).
You can also watch from The Boat Race Fan Parks:
- Bishop's Park (Close to the start line)
On the Riverbank
Some of our favourite locations to watch the Race
Putney Bridge
A few minutes’ walk from the tube station, Putney Bridge offers great views of the two crews off the start and as far as the Fulham bend. Spectators can then walk to Bishop's Park and catch the remainder of the Race on the Big Screen.
Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham FC will provide fantastic views of the Race from the Riverside Terrace.
Putney Embankment
The busy embankment in front of the boathouses in Putney is a good place to see the first part of the Race. Please note spectators will not be able to see the start of the race between Putney Pier and Putney Bridge on Race Day 2018 due to construction works.
Barn Elms Boathouse
A 10 minute walk towards Hammersmith along the Putney Embankment, Barn Elms Boathouse has a wide concrete landing stage from where you can see the crews as they race off towards the Mile Post. Be warned though, your feet could get wet. Ten minutes further along, the bank in front of Harrods Depository is also a good spot.
Thames Reach
10-15 minutes walk from Hammersmith tube station, the embankment between Hammersmith Bridge & the Crabtree pub has a footpath offering good views of the river. In the right spot you should be able to see the Race for a good few minutes before the crews pass under Hammersmith Bridge.
Hammersmith Bridge
10 minutes’ walk from Hammersmith Tube Station, the Bridge has always attracted thousands of Boat Race spectators; often the tussle for the lead is fierce as the crews pass below. The Bridge provides good views as the crews come in to view from around the Surrey Bend or as they race into the distance towards Chiswick Eyot and Barnes.
St. Paul's School Boathouse
Located close to Hammersmith Bridge on the Surrey bank and accessible from the towpath, the space in front of the boathouse provides a good view of the crews battling at close quarters as they race off towards Chiswick Eyot. Another place to be careful your feet don't get wet.
Chiswick Pier
Of all the good viewing points on the Middlesex bank all the way from The Dove to Dukes Meadow, Chiswick Pier is one of the best. One of the crews often puts in a decisive push at this stage.
The Emanuel School Boathouse
Located close to Barnes Bridge on the Middlesex bank, The Emanuel School Boathouse offers spectacular views of the final stages of the Race.
Dukes Meadow
A large park and recreation ground adjacent to the river between Chiswick Bridge and Barnes Bridge on the Middlesex bank, Dukes Meadow provides views of the final stage of the Race.