Ready for the biggest riverside party of the year? The legendary Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is back for 2025, and it is always a fantastic day out in London.
Whether you're a rowing enthusiast or just fancy a brilliant afternoon, here's your insider's guide from our local teams to catching all the action.
What our local offices recommend…
Adam O'Leary, Operations Director – Sales for Foxtons Chiswick office, strongly recommends walking along the Mall:
"There are beautiful period houses overlooking the river, and you can walk the whole way along. And there are a few great old pubs that have become real fixtures of the local community like the Dove and The Old Ship. There's also a large park and recreation ground - Dukes Meadows between Chiswick Bridge and the river, where you can pack a picnics and watch from the riverbank."
Thomas Moore, Sales Manager for Foxtons Fulham office, says the Fulham fan zone is going to be the most exciting fan zone to join fellow supporters.
"Part of the Fulham Fan Zone is a brand-new riverside venue, Fulham Pier, which isn't even set to open until the summer. So the boat race will be your sneak peek at what's to come. A great chance for locals come to check out the area – here on the Pier, there will even be a members' only social club, Lighthouse Social, coming this spring."
Race information:
The 170th annual Gemini Boat Race between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club will take place on Sunday, 13 April 2025, on the Thames from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge.
• The fan zones open from 11:00 to 17:00.
• There are two bridges you'll be allowed to watch the races on, Chiswick and Putney, but get there early - these spots fill fast.
• The 79th Women's Boat Race starts at 13:21.
• Women's Reserve Osiris v Blondie Race starts at 1.36pm.
• Men's Reserve Isis v Goldie Race starts at 1.51pm.
• The 170th Men's Boat Race starts at 14:21.
Click any icon on the animation below to learn more about that pub, bridge or fan zone.
Best Bridges
Putney Bridge
Want to catch the starting gun? You'll be right by the first boat race stone where crews take their marks.
Hammersmith Bridge
The make-or-break point - 80% of crews ahead here go on to win. Watch from the nearby path or grab a pint at a riverside pub.
Barnes Railway Bridge
The final bridge before the sprint finish. Perfect for watching crews dig deep for their last push.
Chiswick Bridge
Witness the victorious moment as crews cross the finish line marked by the second University Boat Race Stone. The bridge fills fast, but you can also get a good vantage point of the race's finish from Chiswick Pier.
Best Fan Zones
Fulham Fan Zone
Split between Bishops Park and Fulham FC's new Riverside Stand with 14 screens. Enjoy the Fulham Brass Band, street food and refreshments all along the riverside.
Fulham Fan Zone
Craven Cottage and Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Hammersmith Fan Zone
Furnivall Gardens will have a giant screen, a riverside view of the action and food trucks delivering plenty to eat and drink all day.
Hammersmith Fan Zone
Furnivall Gardens, 52a Rutland Grove, London W6 9DG
Best Pubs
The Duke's Head | Putney
This grand old pub gives you a front-row seat to the race start. Outside bar, BBQ and live music create a proper party vibe.
The Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1JN
Crabtree | Fulham
Goes all out with street food pop-ups, all-day live music and plenty of screens. A local favourite with electric atmosphere.
The Crabtree Pub
Rainville Road, Fulham, London W6 9HA
The Blue Boat | Hammersmith
Fuller's pub offering games, prizes, BBQ and outdoor screens. Perfect for families wanting a fun day out.
The Blue Boat
Distillery Wharf, Parr's Way, London W6 9GD
Blue Anchor | Hammersmith
Bag a spot upstairs for an overhead view of the crucial Hammersmith Bridge milestone. Prime viewing from this historic pub.
Blue Anchor
13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ
Rutland Arms | Hammersmith
Directly after the Blue Anchor, Excellent Hammersmith bridge views with live music and multiple pop-up bars. The perfect place to cheer on your team.
The Rutland Arms
15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ
The Dove | Hammersmith
Historic gem where Charles II once dined! Charming period features and a Thames-side beer garden for incredible race views.
The Dove
19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TA
The Old Ship | Hammersmith
Claims the longest uninterrupted race view. Choose between the lively outside bar with a seafood shack and live music or book an exclusive lunch club.
The Old Ship
25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TD
The Bulls Head | Barnes
Catch crews preparing for the final stretch while enjoying Thameside drinks and live music from the Brockalites.
Bull's Head
373 Lonsdale Rd, Barnes, London SW13 9PY
The White Hart | Barnes
Right before the finish line with BBQs and outdoor bars. Book ahead for their three-course gala lunch with fizz and canapes.
The White Hart
The Terrace, Barnes, London SW13 0NR
The Ship | Chiswick
Famously the finish line of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, come celebrate the outcome with al fresco drinks, food and afternoon live music at this iconic spot.
The Ship
10 Thames Bank, London SW14 7QR
Let the good times row
Wherever you choose to watch from, you're guaranteed an unforgettable day of tradition, excitement and great London atmosphere. See you on the riverbank!
