Where to watch The Boat Race 2025 in London

If you want commanding views of the race, Putney Bridge is a good vantage point to see the beginning of the route. Chiswick Bridge, at the very end of the race, also commends good views. If you want to bag a spot here, it’s best to arrive well in advance and wear warm clothes – it gets chilly up there. 

Be aware, unlike in previous years, Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge will close for the race from 10am and reopen at 5pm. 

AT THE START

The Victorian gastropub puts on a whole boat race festival every year, filling its large garden with street food pop-ups, live bands and screens to view all the river-based action.

MIDWAY POINT

Boat race day is one of this Hammersmith pub from Fuller’s biggest events of the year. Set right on the riverbank, you can see the rowing first hand along with barbequed food, live music and prizes. 

MIDWAY POINT

The ever-popular Blue Anchor pub usually hosts an outside bar for those wanting a riverside view. 

MIDWAY POINT

Like its neighbour Blue Anchor, the roomier Rutland Arms is well-placed and always very busy. Expect to find a good view of the race, crowds permitting.

MIDWAY POINT

One of the most historic pubs on this list, it’s likely the first boat race in 1829 was watched from here. The pub is now run by the Fuller’s brewery and we can guarantee it will be standing room only.

MIDWAY POINT

This riverside pub claims to have “the longest uninterrupted view of the race”. From 12pm on race day, it will be hosting an outside bar, seafood shack and live music. Stick around after the winner is decided for a lively afterparty. 

AT THE START

You can kick off the race here and stay long after it's over. The Boathouse has a sizeable terrace overlooking Putney Bridge and it’ll also have live music, pop-up bars, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. 

AT THE START

As always, The Duke’s Head is going to town with Boat Race festivities. There will be screenings across the pub’s four spaces, an outside bar with a barbecue and live music. Stick around for plenty of dancing after the race.

OVER HALF WAY

A very short stroll from the river (and with excellent views), this renowned jazz pub will have live music after the race you can also take your pints down to the riverside. If the weather is patchy, retreat to screens back inside. During the race you can fuel up on roasts, pub classics, beers and spritzers. 

OVER HALF WAY

Capacious and perfectly located, Ye White Hart pub also gets the Boat Race thumbs up for its private balcony view – there are three huge verandas with perfect panoramas of the river. Downstairs is walk-in only, but if you’re looking to upgrade your boat race experience you can book in for one of their three-course gala lunches with bubbles and canapes on arrival. 

AT THE FINISH

This pub has a view of the finish line. Expect the Pimm’s to be flowing among the crowds that populate the Ship each year.