Putney Boat Race: Where to Watch
Putney Boat Race: Where to Watch
The Putney Boat Race is back again for another year, on Saturday 4th April. To ensure you do not miss out on prime viewing, here is our list of the best spots along the river.
By Vinnie Renton
Pictured top: Fulham Pier
Free locations
Putney Embankment
With the roads around Putney Embankment being closed on race day, this must be the excuse you are looking for to come and watch the boats. Plus, being at the start of the race, you get to watch the legendary ‘coin toss’, as well as being one of the first to cheer the boats before they get into the water.
Fulham Pier
Fulham Pier, and Bishops Park, are both wonderfully located at the start of the race, covering a large area with big screens, food and drink vendors, seats and more to keep yourselves entertained. Named as the ‘Fulham Fan Zone’, this is where you want to be when the races start for a great day out. Touting rowing experiences, DJ’s and more, there is plenty to see and do.
Chiswick Pier
If you want great views of the halfway point of the race, then Chiswick Pier is perfect. Situated in the middle of the course, this is a prime location for photos and to cheer the teams on as they power through until the finish line.
Lyric Square, Hammersmith
If you fancy following the race along the river, then Lyric Square in Hammersmith should be a stop on your journey. Again, with big screen viewing and plenty of deck chairs for everybody to enjoy the sun, it promises to be a fun spot. Plus, not only will you be entertained, but the kids will be too with a free film being screened before the race.
Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith
Towards the end of the race, Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith boasts prime views, excellent food and drink stalls and the designation of the ‘Hammersmith Fan Zone’. Furnivall Gardens would be a great place to end your day of race watching, potentially even with a drink in hand too.
Watch, Drink and Dine
Sam’s Riverside
Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith boasts excellent views of the race and the river from both the restaurant and the terrace. Furthermore, with two special cocktails on the day, one for each team, celebrate and watch in style whilst drinking your favourite team.
Rick Stein, Barnes
Rick Stein’s restaurant in Barnes has views of the end of the race and has a seafood menu to accompany it. With views of the river right outside the windows, it is a coveted spot.
The Duke’s Head, Putney
Situated in an advantageous location towards the start of the race, you can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and entertainment whilst watching the boats set off. With pints beside the river and a DJ keeping you company until the early hours of Sunday, this is one big party.
Thai Square, Putney
Thai Square is along the start line too. With previous years offering themed cocktails and live screenings of the race, Thai Square is most definitely a highlight along the river.
White Hart, Barnes
Offering great views of the race, as well as a £150 Gala Lunch menu on the day, the White Hart is a special spot. Closer to the finish line, this would be a top location for you to watch the fierce battle to end.
READ OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PUTNEY!
The Lowdown
The Boat Race is a prestigious annual event that began in 1829, featuring crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. It spans 4.25 miles of the tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake and is one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. The Men’s Boat Race has been held since 1829 and the Women’s Boat Race since 1927. The event attracts over 250,000 spectators along the riverbanks and millions more watching on television. It is a highly anticipated event for scholar-athletes who combine academic excellence with physical prowess.
