Everything You Need To Know - The Boat Race

Race Starts: Sunday 6th April 2014 at 2.15pm

Enjoy the festival atmosphere of the Boat Race by watching for free from one of the many vantage points along the course. You should be able to find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course; the most famous vantage points are: Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishops Park (at the start); Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-course); Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish). 

The end of a gruelling boat race.

There will also be large screens at Bishops Park, Fulham and Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith. There will also be food outlets, beer stands and merchandising stalls. 

The course:

Start: Putney Bridge to Fulham Football Club

Middle: Hammersmith Bridge to Chiswick Reach

End: Barnes Railway Bridge to Chiswick Bridge

Course Record: Cambridge 1998 - 16:19 min

Where to enjoy a drink (or two) on route?

The Crabtree

Rainville Road, Fulham, W6 9HL  

Have fun in the Boat Race Garden Party & BBQ at the renowned Crabtree pub in Fulham. They have got a great view of the boat race from the large beer garden, so make sure you arrive early and save yourself the best seat in the house. 

Arrive early to get a good seat for the race.

River Cafe

Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, Hammersmith W6 9HA  

Located 10 minutes walk from Hammersmith Bridge, along the Thames Path. There is a view over the river from the dining room but you will need to rush out onto the riverside pathway for the best view as the crews pass. 

The River Cafe is a great spot for catching the action.

The Blue Anchor

13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith W6 9DJ  

The upstairs function room is always booked by Boat Race regulars every year and the bars downstairs are packed so spill out onto the terrace with a prime view of the race and a brilliant atmosphere. A prime destination for catching all the action, this Hammersmith venue should definitely be on your list. 

A popular spot along the river. 

The Dove

19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA

Probably the oldest pub on this stretch of the river. The Dove has numerous bars, including the official smallest bar in England plus an outside balcony where the crews can be seen from Hammersmith all the way to Chiswick Eyot. Boat Race day is described as "mayhem" by bar staff!

A great spot with excellent views of the river. 

The Old Ship

25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD  

A big pub with a spacious beer garden facing the river, The Old Ship boasts some truly impressive views of the river. It has a great vantage point over the Thames with its upstairs terrace with room throughout the building for large crowds. It is of course very busy on Boat Race day, but if you get there early enough you certainly won't be disappointed. 

Street level view of the river from The Old Ship.

Thai Square Putney Bridge

2-3 Lower Richmond Road, Putney SW15 1LB

With a picturesque location, Thai Square Putney Bridge is a great restaurant bar complimented by some remarkable views of the river. With the exterior of the restaurant designed to look like a ship and boasting panoramic views of the Thames, you will not be disappointed by this restaurant bar with a view. Additionally, the floor to ceiling windows further compliment the views of the river outside.

A great Thai restaurant complimented by a prime location along the river. 

The Duke's Head

8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN

One of the most popular pub's on this stretch. The Dukes Head has both a cellar bar, main bar and restaurant with picture windows overlooking the race start. It has the feel of a traditional town pub, but on Boat Race day it may well be the busiest bar in Putney.

The Bull's Head

373 Lonsdale Road, SW13 9PY

A traditional and homely pub, The Bull's Head is always a good shout. Just a stone's throw from Barnes Bridge, it's has a great location and offers some truly distinct drinks and food. Also hosting regular live jazz acts, it's a great place whether you're there for the music, the food or the drinks, you're sure to have a great time.

Not only a great location, but also an incredible pub.

The White Hart

The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 ONR

Whether it's an exciting neck and neck finish or a comfortable victory, then the patrons of the The White Hart will have a prime view from their riverside terrace. They are almost at the winning post from this vantage point on the Surrey bank and with a quite selection of drinks and cuisine on offer, you won't disappointed either way. 

If you want to catch the end of the race, The White Hart is your destination.

The Ship

10 Thames Bank, Ship Lane, London, SW14 7QR

A historic pub built in 1871, The Ship is ideal for watching the last few strokes of the race, the pub is without a doubt most famous for its location on the finishing line of the Boat Race, next to the University Stone which signifies the end of the race. 

Right on the finishing line of the annual race.

Riverside Bar and Kitchen

Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL 

Riverside Studios is a unique arts and media centre situated on the bank of the River Thames overlooking Hammersmith Bridge. ITV have chosen to film the race from the large river terrace in previous years due to its prime location along the race course, the point where in previous years the race has been decided. 

A great establishment that's a cultural hub, it's also a prime spot for catching the end of the race.