The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Watch crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities battle it out on the Thames during The Men's Boat Race and The Women's Boat Race.

One of the biggest free sporting spectacles in London that can be enjoyed by the whole family, The Boat Race creates a festive atmosphere on the banks of the river Thames.

Up to 250,000 people flock to the riverbanks every year to join the celebrations and watch the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge eight-oared rowing boats race along the river Thames. 

You can enjoy the Festival of Rowing from 11.30am to 1.30pm, a flotilla of traditional and historically significant boats and vessels, led by the Royal Row barge Gloriana, which was built in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. 

What is The Boat Race route?

The Boat Race course, known as the Championship course, between Putney and Mortlake has been home to The Men's Boat Race since 1845 and The Women's Boat Race since 2015. 

You can find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but some of the best spots include:

• Putney Bridge, where Positively Putney is running a Street Food Festival at St Mary's Church Square (at the start).
• Bishop's Park, where you can find the Chapel Down Sparkling Wine Bar, Shepherd Neame Beer Bar, street food traders and a big screen to follow the action.
• Furnivall Gardens, where you can enjoy the Shepherd Neame Beer Bar, street food traders and a big screen to follow the action.
• Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish).

When is The Boat Race?

The Boat Race 2022 takes place on 3 April. The Women's Boat Race starts at 2.23pm and the Men's Boat Race begins at 3.23pm.

The timing for these amazing races is dictated by the tides. The crews race against the stream but with the flow of the incoming "flood tide". The Women's Boat Race starts two hours and 30 minutes before the "flood tide", and The Men's Boat Race one hour and 30 minutes before.