The Xchanging Boat Race  

 

 

THIS EVENT ENDED ON THE 26TH MARCH 2011

ADDRESS

Putney Bridge, Between Fulham and Putney, Hammersmith and Fulham, London SW6 3JD

 

 

SITE

www.theboatrace.org

 

Dates:

26th March 2011

 

OPENING TIMES

5pm

 

PRICES

Free

 

Nearby

Hotels, Events, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Education, Leisure, Pubs, Nightlife, Venue hire  

 

 

Email to a friend

 

• Visitor Information

England's most famous universities square off in this four-mile rowing race which inaugurates the summer season in London. This is the 157th annual Boat Race and following their win last year, Cambridge have extended their aggregate lead to 80-75 (there was a controversial dead heat in 1877). The Dark Blues of Oxford have been the dominant force since the Millennium, winning seven of the 11 outings. But last year's win by a length-and-a-third by the Light Blues denied their rivals three successive victories. While the result means little to most Londoners, it's a spectacular display of strength and teamwork, and around a quarter of a million fans line the banks of the river to roar their encouragement (add to that 120m who follow the race on TV across the world). There's a great view - and some great pubs - around Furnival Gardens on the north side of the Thames near Hammersmith Bridge. Alternatively, you might like to watch from near the start at Putney Bridge, where the big screens on both banks allow spectators to monitor the race as it heads its way around the first bend. Nearby, at Bishops Park behind the South Stand of Fulham football ground Craven Cottage, you'll find food stalls, family attractions and a large beer tent.