The Boat Race 2026 West London’s Greatest Tradition: The History, Route & Guide to Timings
April 2026
The Boat Race 2026 West London’s Greatest Tradition: The History, Route & Guide to Timings
This Easter Weekend will be one of the busiest along the River Thames. Crowds will gather with drinks in hand to watch one of West London’s most cherished traditions The Great Boat Race.
What is The Boat Race?
Contested by two of the country’s most famous institutions University of Oxford (the Dark Blues) and University of Cambridge (the Light Blues) this historic rowing race dates all the way back to 1829. The men’s race has been running for nearly 200 years, while the women’s race, first held in 1927, has grown in prominence and has taken place on the same day and course as the men’s since 2015. Today, it’s considered the “blue riband” event of amateur sport in the UK, drawing over 200,000 spectators to the riverbanks each year.
Although the races might not begin until 4pm, the riverside will have entertainment from 12pm with fan zones and pubs along the course have enought food, drink and entertainment in to last the whole day and into the afternoon to the build up for the main event.
The best views head for Putney Bridge to see the beginning of the race and Chiswick Bridge, at the very end of the race, however its without saying if you want a front row vantage point its best to arrive early, bring a brolly and your thermals as the weather can change very quickly .
The Championship Course: A Race Through West London Thames Path
The race takes place along the famous Championship Course which is a 4.2-mile stretch of the Thames winding its way from Putney to Mortlake. Along the route, you’ll spot some iconic West London landmarks
Craven Cottage, Home of Fulham FC
Hammersmith Bridge
Barnes Bridge
Harrods Furniture Depository Grade II Listed Building
Putney Bridge
Chiswick Bridge
The finish is just before Chiswick Bridge, marked by the University Boat Race Stone and a upright post in the river on the Middlesex side painted in the University's colours. Chiswick Bridge makes for one of the most dramatic views and exciting spots of the Boat Race. So get there early line the pavement and catch a glimpse of the action. The boats will continue at speed under the bridge, enjoy the atmosphere and cheer your favourite team for this nail biting 17 minute orsome race.
It’s not just a race its passion for this part of West London's Riverbank with a televised moving tour of some of West London’s best riverside views.
Timing Schedule:
Women: 2.21 p.m.
Women's reserves: 2.36 p.m.
Men's reserves: 2.51 p.m.
Men: 3.21 p.m.
TV Coverage of the Boat Race
Where to Watch the Boat Race 2026 Best Pubs and Resturants along the River
The River Cafe, Hammersmith
Click it: www.rivercafe.co.uk
‘Gram it: @therivercafelondon
The Blue Boat, Fulham Reach
Find it: Distillery Wharf, Parr’s Way, Fulham Reach, W6 9GD
Click it: www.theblueboat.co.uk
‘Gram it: @blueboatw6
Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith
Find it: 1 Crisp Walk, Hammersmith, W6 9DN
Click it: www.samsriverside.co.uk
‘Gram it: @samsriversidew6
The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith
Find it: 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ
Click it: www.blueanchorlondon.com
‘Gram it: @blueanchorw6
The Rutland Arms, Hammersmith
Find it: 15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ
Click it: www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk
‘Gram it: @greeneking_official
Hammersmith Fan Park, Furnival Gardens
Find it: Furnivall Gardens, Rutland Grove, Hammersmith, W6 9DGA
Click it: www.theboatrace.org
Book it: Opens 11am on Saturday 4th April
‘Gram it: @theboatraces
The Dove, Hammersmith
Find it: 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA
Click it: www.dovehammersmith.co.uk
‘Gram it: @the_dove_hammersmith
The Old Ship, Hammersmith
Find it: 25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD
Click it: www.oldshiphammersmith.co.uk
‘Gram it: @oldshiphammersmith
As a Local These are our Tips For a Great Day Out
Make a day of it, if you are new to the area its worth treating it like a proper West London day out to incorporate a meal and maybe a cinema trip at Hammersmith Riverside Studios
-
Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot
-
Pick a stretch between Hammersmith and Barnes for the best atmosphere
-
Or settle into a local pub and enjoy the race on a screen if the crowds get too much