Dust off your gilet and mix up a flask of Pimm's. It's time to watch London's poshest annual sporting fixture: the Boat Race.
What is the Boat Race?
There are actually two Boat Races (officially, they are collectively titled the Boat Race), pitting elite rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge universities against one another, in a bicep-bulging dash along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake.
It started with the men's inaugural fixture in 1829 — a head-to-head thrashed out annually between 1856 and 2019, world wars excepted. The only other time the race didn't happen was in 2020 due to Covid 19. In 2021, the races took place 'behind closed doors' in Cambridgeshire.
The women's race first ran in 1927, although it didn't become an annual event until 1964. It wasn't until 2015 that the women first raced the same course, on the same day as the men.
When is the 2026 Boat Race?
Both races take place on Saturday 4 April 2026 (which happens to be Easter Saturday).
The women's race begins at 2.21pm. The men's follows at 3.21pm. Talk about precise.
2026 marks the 80th women's race, and the 171st men's race.
Who are the current Boat Race champions?
The winner of the 2025 men's race was Cambridge, who have the overall record of 88-81.
The winner of the 2025 women's race was also Cambridge, who have the overall record of 49-30.
Things haven't gone Oxford's way for some time now — can they buck the trend in 2026?
What route do the boat races take?
Both races navigate the same route. A four-mile, 374-yard dash along the Thames, westward from Putney to Mortlake.
The women's course record is held by Cambridge from 2022's race: 18 minutes, 33 seconds. The men's record is also held by Cambridge, set in 1998: 16 minutes, 19 seconds.
As we said, Oxford have everything to prove.
Where's the best place to watch the boat races from?
Pick a spot most places along the banks of the Thames between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge, and you should be able to see the boats. There are a couple of official fan zones set up along the route, where you'll find large screens to watch the TV coverage, bars, food stalls, toilets, fun family activities and seating:
A handful of other vantage points come recommended:
- Putney Bridge (for the very start of the race)
- The Pier House, Chiswick Pier: One of the best vantage points along the course, The Pier House overlooks Chiswick Eyot, a point where trailing teams often make their move. The bar here is open from 12pm on Boat Race day, with Greek and German food, plus ice cream.
- Chiswick Bridge (for the very end of the race): although it's said Barnes Bridge actually commands better views, although that's closed on Boat Race day.
We recommend you get to any vantage point at least a couple of hours before the races start. Warm clothes aren't a bad idea either. It's springtime in London, so...
Is Hammersmith Bridge closed to spectators for the boat races?
As has been the case for some years now, Hammersmith Bridge — which more or less marks the races' halfway point — will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters from 11am-5pm.
Where's the best pub to watch the boat races from?
Plenty of riverside drinking establishments are strung out along this stretch of the Thames, providing a decent view of the river, and a pint to go with. Get there bright and early or, if you can, book a table in advance.
- The Boathouse, Putney: Positioned just behind the starting line, this one's good for seeing the boats gather.
- Duke's Head, Putney: Another fab vantage point of the starting line, there'll be street food and live music — plus a Jubel Land Rover (presumably pouring Jubel, as opposed to running off it).
- Crabtree Tavern, Hammersmith: Live music and flowing drinks are promised on the terrace.
- Blue Anchor, Hammersmith: Home to a terrific terrace overlooking Hammersmith Bridge, which'll undoubtedly be packed.
- The Dove, Hammersmith: A classic riverside Fuller's pub that apparently has the world's smallest bar. It also has a pretty itsy terrace — a nifty place to spectate from, if you can secure a spot.
- The Black Lion, Chiswick: "The very best place" to watch the races from according to themselves (well they would say that), in past years they've had a marquee and a Pimm's bus.
- The Bull's Head, Barnes: A handful of spectators climb out onto this pub's small balconies for a view, but most have to make to with crossing the road with plastic pint glasses.
- The White Hart, Barnes: The ample terrace and balcony here inevitably get packed — although note you can't reserve these. If you're really splashing out, there's a gala lunch (£150pp!). Maybe the Barnes White Rabbit will show up too...
- The Ship, Mortlake: Before you get too excited, this is a Greene King pub, however it does benefit from overlooking the finishing line, so if either race is a close run thing, this could be the most thrilling pint you've ever had.
What's the weather going to be like?
If we were the Express we'd say a BLIZZARD. However, we're not, and the truth is, it's too early to tell. Keep an eye on the Met Office info closer to the time. (But as we say, always take plenty of layers — it invariably gets chilly standing around outside.)
Are the boat races shown on TV?
Yep. Watched by about 15 million people. Both races are broadcast on Channel 4 on Saturday from 1.30pm, with commentary beginning about an hour before the women's race.
Any other boat races to watch in London?
Yes indeed! In fact, there are four races held the day before the Boat Races, on Friday 3 April 2026. The Lightweight Boat Races follow the same course as the Boat Races, with the Women's Lightweight Race starting at 1.50pm, and the Men's Lightweight Race starting at 2.50pm. In between these, there are also two Veteran's Races, with mingling crews of Oxford and Cambridge vets. A great alternative, esepcially if you're not a fan of big crowds.
There's also the Head of the River Race (held a week before the Boat Race), Doggett's Coat and Badge Race in July, and the Great River Race in September.
For more information on the boat races, including details on who's rowing, visit the official website.
