Oxford and Cambridge rowing crews square off down the Thames on March 27, in an historic boat race accompanied by fun for the whole family. Sophie Farrah checks out the best places to enjoy the event
The long weekend may be over as you read this, but fear not! There’s more excitement to come with the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race – this year in support of Cancer Research UK.
It’s a tradition that began in 1829 with a friendly challenge between friends from the two universities, and has since ballooned into a grand annual contest on the Thames, with a four-mile route running between Putney and Mortlake. The women’s version of the boat race first kicked off in 1927, and persevered in the face of hostility to become a permanent fixture in the 1960s – eventually coming to run on the same day and the same course as the men’s.
Here’s a round up of the best places along the route enjoy watching the race – if catching it on BBC1 or the iPlayer isn’t your thing…
The Boat Race takes place on March 27
The Women’s Boat Race will start at 3.10pm, ahead of The Men's Boat Race at 4.10pm
You can find out more on the Boat Race website
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Bishop's Park
Bishop's Park features the first of two Boat Race in the Park events. The park is open from 12:00 – 7:00pm, and offers great riverside vantage points, as well as a few big screens. There's music, food stands and beer tents, though Fielders Meadow in Bishop's Park is focused on fun for all the family, with children's rides and sporting activities.
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Furnival Gardens
The second ‘Boat Race in the Park’ is on the other side of the river, at Furnival Gardens in Hammersmith. It offers some great views and an abundance of race day atmosphere, as well as the same attractions of music, food and drink you'd find opposite. Enjoy the big screens and some festival fun!
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The Duke's Head
If a riverside pub is more your scene, there's plenty of options! For those looking to sit down with a drink and some food at the very starting line, The Duke's Head looks right out onto the river. It's going to strip down its dining room to offer the best views possible, and will have a Boat Race DJ playing until midnight.
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The Star and Garter
The Star and Garter is the other pub for those hoping to catch the start of the race - you may even be able to spot the coin toss to choose which side of the river each crew rows on. Enjoy live music and a party atmosphere as the race kicks off, and then watch it all unfold on the screen inside.
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The Crabtree
Further along the course is The Crabtree in Fulham, which has a vast terrace hanging over the Thames. The pub is conveniently positioned on a bend in the river, so it has lengthy views of the race in both directions. The pub has gone all-out this year with two projectors, six plasma screens, a BBQ, hog roast, and - if you feel like treating yourself - a champagne and oyster bar! Plus live music throughout the day.
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The Blue Anchor
Next up is the Surrey bend. This is an area that often plays a crucial role in the outcome of the race, claimed by two neighbouring pubs. First up is The Blue Anchor, a particularly nice family-owned pub offering great food and drink, including four real ales on tap.
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The Rutland
The other pub on the Surrey bend is The Rutland by Hammersmith Bridge - the stretch of towpath between the two pubs transforms during the races into one big get-together, with a real festival feel. The Rutland's offering a fish fortnight, with seafood specials for those looking to eat during or after the race.
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The Dove
Moving down the river is The Dove – a charming little pub that offers very good food and an ideal riverside terrace. It’s a hugely popular spot to watch the race however, so will undoubtedly be standing room only.
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The Old Ship
Further along is The Old Ship, a spacious pub that hosts frequent live music events, and this year is running a Boat Race Festival! Expect live music, outdoor and indoor bars, plus a deluxe BBQ.
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The White Hart
The race then passes Chiswick Eyot and moves on to Barnes. Just past Barnes Bridge is The White Hart, a Tudor pub which has two terraces across as many floors, making it a great spot for watching the action in person!
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The Depot
If fine dining is more your thing, then The Depot is a delightful brasserie-style bar and restaurant, which offers incredible views from its floor-to-ceiling glass conservatory overlooking the river. They are offering a special late lunch menu for the boat race.
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The Ship
The finish line is just before Chiswick Bridge - and the very last pub on the course is The Ship in Mortlake, a traditional pub with great views and a good-sized beer garden. A great place for anyone who wants to personally witness the celebrations (and commiserations!) of the crews.
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Chiswick Pier Trust
Watch the start and finish of the race on the big screen at Chiswick Pier, and wander outside to experience the action live as the boats pass by – with one of the best views of the race. Delicious barbeque and beer are on offer, along with hot drinks, cakes and ice creams. The Pier opens at 1pm – bring the family, and make an afternoon of it!
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